Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a book that says bull,pine and gophers should primarily be fed dead mice. But it also says that these snakes will eat quail eggs,small birds and other rodents, So would it be ok to feed a parakeet to it?(humanely euthinzed ofcourse...).

Look under the Feeders section. You can buy frozen mice, rats, quail, chicks over the internet.

You would be one unhappy camper if your snake liked parakeets better than rodents. I doubt that could happen with a pituophis, being that they aren't fussy, but why go there?

Besides, I would bet an adult parakeet offers little more than bones and feathers. At least the frozen chicks are known to be very nutritious if you're going the bird route even once in awhile.

One more thing, worry about husbandry and cage conditions before worrying about adding avian treats to the snake's diet.
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Mark G
Montane snakes are the coolest...

why would you want to (unless you're raising them) they're expensive little boogers! It would probably be more economically feasible to feed quail or chicken chicks if you want to feed birds - but rodents are probably you're best bet all around.

Yea I now understand,I had to make multiple topics on mutliple boards to find the right answer. I will be gettng a snake on saturday or sunday, one more question (if anyone can answer before the weekend) I recently scooped out all my substrate which is finely crushed walnuts. At first I was thinking to go with that since its cheap and the feces will clump together then I realized that I'm getting a baby and switched back to some paper towels. Should I have kept the walnut? Is paper towel ok to use with the pit family? I heard most like to burrow.

I'm not too sure about the walnut shells, I've never heard of them being used as substrate. I've always been told not to use anything oily or aromatic as a substate, so have always bought the commercially available aspen shavings which are vaccuum packed. They are nice, nearly white & clean & only start to have an odor after around a month. Just another option. I always keep my young on paper towels until they are several months old, too - they're easier to locate when you want them!