Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What type of fish would ya'll feed baby easterns?

Sometimes this topic gets controversial...
I suggest you provide fish in moderation and as part of a varied diet that includes mostly whole body animals.

Familiarize yourself with "thiaminase", go to the fish forum or turtle forum. Simply, it is a breakdown of enzymes(?) in the bodies of specific fish that interferes with Ca absorption...as I recall. Avoid smelt, which is too bad, because they are the perfect size and shape, no spines, readily available etc. Goldfish are on the not so great list as I recall. Thiaminase issues are the result of excessive feeding of certain fish, not just a few feedings. Also choose smooth fish without a lot of spines and remember indigos don't normally eat large prey.

I feed my indigos bluegill fillets and catfish bellies, and whole trout and strips of salmon, all wild fish from clean water I catch myself. I start some hatchlings on live goldfish and bait minnows, but offer only a couple, as they transfer over to mice and day old quail etc. I have fed salt water fish and so has a well known breeder in the NW, but some folks here jumped on us for doing so, but provided no evidence as to why...I have had no problems but only do it occasionally, usually with salmon.

Fisn often have parasites including an array of worms that you don't want to transfer to your precious indigos. I freeze all fish at least 30 days to minimize the risk.

Why do you think you need to feed fish? I am experimenting with salmon, wondering if the rich betacarotenes within wild caught ocean salmon might enhance the redness of hatchlings... good luck, Vic H.

I'm trying to get a baby started and was thinking I'd use fish as a backup plan. I offered it's first meal today, a thawed large pinkie and she refused so far. I'm going to leave it in with her overnight and see what happens. I have some 1 day old quail coming this week along with some baby cornsnakes and anoles. How do you start your babies Vic? Thanks for any advice you might have.

Dear Sean,
I always try hard to sell well established rodent feeders, but sometimes for variou reasons folks are challenged...and the hatchlings may surprise us. Be sure your temps, humidity,hides etc. are all correct. Work and communicate with your breeder/ source, they should be helpful and know what works.

I have never seen a healthy hatchling that would not feed, you need to be patient and persistent. I buy a bunch of feeder gold fish, and set them up in tank. The weak gold fish die...and the others do well. I take these healthy goldfish and put them in a very shallow dish, with just about 1/2" of water or less, the goldfish will be gasping and flapping around, and this often stimulates feeding by the hatchling. Have a pinky or fuzzy ready to go, prewashed in ordinary dish soap and thoroughly washed off. Rub some gold fish scent on it and place it in the dish along with the live gold fish. Often it will be consumed. Maybe feed just one live gold fish and quit...then next feeding try the scent transfer with the washed mouse. There are lots of techniques ,this has worked well for me. My hatchlings that refuse rodents at first usually take just 2 or 3 goldfish and then they are on to rodents...so don't worry about thiaminase issues. Try also dipping a washed fuzzy in canned tuna or salmon juice/spring water pack. When they are ready they will feed...don't panic, it may take a few weeks and usually they hatch fat with yolk... You are on the right track. good luck, Vic

Sean, I just re-read your post. Condition your hatchlings to feeding on something easy to provide..i.e. rodents or fish or chicks...I would only offer the lizards or especially a corn snake as a last resort. They really do like snakes... Read up on feeding techniques for kingsnakes and milk snakes, some of which are notoriously fussy, you will learn some good "tricks" that may apply. Don't overreact, one reason I became an Indigo enthusiast is because captive bred Drys are so easy and vigorous feeders, minimal fussing with pinky feet, tails, "braining" etc., good luck, Vic

Thanks alot Vic. I was in a car accident a couple months ago and I'm homebound so I wanted the challenge of starting a babie indigo. The breeder was nice enough to let me get it early. She is big and healthy and very active. I'll try the goldfish trick and see how it works. Thanks again. Sean