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Would adult boas have any trouble passing shot waterfowl?

SaltonSea Apr 25, 2005 05:08 PM

I was kinda curious if anyone knew what, if any, the effects of steel pellets would have on the digestive system of large adult boas. We shoot quite a bit of waterfowl during the season and after having ducks just about every way you can eat them, we start either giving them away or making jerky and sausage out of them. You could say we have a nice surplus of fresh waterfowl during about 3 months out of the year.

I've never actually tried to feed any snakes waterfowl(they would be dead, keeping them alive is illegal)because I am too scared that the pellets might clog the digestive tract somehow, but is that a valid concern? The largest size pellets would be about the size of air rifle BBs but on ducks most of the pellets would usually be significantly smaller, maybe a third of that size. Also most of the birds shot have the pellets pass right through, we take them at very close ranges and the most pellets I have found in a single bird is 3 pellets.

So assuming your boa would eat waterfowl, is it a completely stupid idea to try and feed them ducks?

Replies (2)

CBH Apr 25, 2005 05:15 PM

I do not recommend it! I am not sure about the steel pellets, but the chance of spreading disease or parisites are not worth the risk...just my thoughts though...
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Chris
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Captive Bred Herps

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metachrosis Apr 25, 2005 06:46 PM

Alot of people frown on/over less so if "you" feel it will be ok then go for it.Its"your" reasponsable for the well being of your snakes and other"politically correct purest" shouldnt side track your efforts.
Those like myself that "dont" run with the PC have healther and longer living BCI then the average "clique members"
I have 20 year old WC Hogs and a few other WC BCI ssp to prove it!!
I wouldnt sweat acouple grams of steel over a good natural prey item.

My $.0¼

M/

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