Quail for Boas? Other Items for Variety?

[Mad Max]

I noticed that Layne Labs sells quail and I'm considering feeding them to my boa in addition to rats. Boas are said to eat mostly birds and rodents in the wild and the quail seem to have better nutritional value than the rats anyway, with 71.5% protein and 31.9% fat compared to the rats' 61.8% protein and 32.6% fat (USDA).

I'm thinking of feeding something like one quail for every three rats that I feed. I also have access to an unlimited supply of cheap Syrian hamsters locally. Their nutritional value is very similar to rats according to the USDA and I'm not worried about my boa refusing one prey item in favor of another. He's anything but picky, plus I can keep a steady supply of every animal that he likes to eat. I'm pretty sure that I could feed him a euthanized hamster on occasion for a little variety/enrichment without any ill effect and I'm prepared to clean smellier than average poo with the quail. That's not a problem. There wouldn't be any additional cost compared to solely feeding rats either.

So, do any of you like to feed your snakes a varied diet? And can you see any possible harm in what I'm considering if everything is humanely euthanized and frozen? Thanks for your time.

http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/zoo/WholePreyFinal02May29.pdf

Snake Food, Reptile Food, Feed Carnivores, Birds of Prey : Layne Labs.com (http://www.laynelabs.com/)

[Cmwells90]

I offer a varied diet for my Boa and corn snake. Mainly because in my area the prices change and the best cost item is changing from time to time. I offer quail, rats, and rabbits to my Boas and I've never had any issues. If that's what they do in the wild how can it hurt?

[Mad Max]

That's good to hear.

If that's what they do in the wild how can it hurt?

I don't see how either. Actually, I'm hoping that the variety will benefit them.

[SSSSnakes]

I feed all my snake a varied diet, including mice, rats, chickens, hamsters, turkey and guinea pigs. I have never had an issue and my snakes are all healthy and active.

[Cmwells90]

I don't see how either. Actually, I'm hoping that the variety will benefit them.

I can't see it actually being a benefit, other than the fact that some food has better nurtients. But this type of diet and a varied diet, I think they'll pull the same results as long as you don't over feed.

[Minkness]

Are quail smaller than chicks? I like feeding a varied diet to my geckos, but they only eat insects which are easy to get and a safe size. I'm sure my baby MBK is too small for other things right now, but I'd Like to have options as she gets bigger. =)

[Cmwells90]

The sizes vary, from small chicks to adults, but the quail chicks are about 1/3 smaller than chicken chicks.. Not sure if an MBK will eat quail though...

[Minkness]

Ah, ok then. I'll look into other things as well. Thanks =)

[Mad Max]

But this type of diet and a varied diet, I think they'll pull the same results as long as you don't over feed.

I didn't think that I'd actually see a big difference either way, but I've never tried it before either. New food items are something that I just started to think about recently when Karl became as wide as a large mouse, but I think I'll go ahead and put in an order for rats and quail since you guys seem to have success with your mixed diets.

I feed all my snake a varied diet, including mice, rats, chickens, hamsters, turkey and guinea pigs. I have never had an issue and my snakes are all healthy and active.

That's great. I'd like to try feeding Karl a few guinea pigs when he gets bigger. What do you feed the turkey to?

[SSSSnakes]

I didn't think that I'd actually see a big difference either way, but I've never tried it before either. New food items are something that I just started to think about recently when Karl became as wide as a large mouse, but I think I'll go ahead and put in an order for rats and quail since you guys seem to have success with your mixed diets.



That's great. I'd like to try feeding Karl a few guinea pigs when he gets bigger. What do you feed the turkey to?

Turkey to my burms. Also I make a tube feeding mixture of turkey, eggs, vit. and water, for sick snakes that refuse to eat on their own.

[Minkness]

When ya'll feed birds to your reptiles do you pluck them, or do they just eat the feathers?

[BIGT FROM F.B.]

Quail are very high in protein and fatty acid. Wouldn't feed on a regular basis though. Agree they need a varied diet.

[SSSSnakes]

When ya'll feed birds to your reptiles do you pluck them, or do they just eat the feathers?

You feed with the feathers, just as they would have eaten them in the wild.

[Minkness]

Makes sense. Thanks for the info!

[Mad Max]

Quail are very high in protein and fatty acid. Wouldn't feed on a regular basis though.

How often, would you say?

[toddnbecka]

One pair of my yearling Dominican red mountain boas only eat quail chicks. That's what the seller was feeding them, and they won't take pinky rats like the other pair of yearlings. I figure I'll get them switched to rats eventually over by scenting them, but a bag of 100 quail chicks last a pretty long time when the only other snake that eats any are the baby BCI. I haven't seen any apparent difference in growth rate, activity level or general body condition between the Dominicans on different diets. Poop seems about the same as well.

[BIGT FROM F.B.]

How often, would you say?

I would say once a month or so, IMO. Also, if you want them to grow a little quicker, good for that too. Just keep an eye on their weight. (the snake's)

[Mad Max]

I would say once a month or so, IMO. Also, if you want them to grow a little quicker, good for that too. Just keep an eye on their weight. (the snake's)

Good, I was planning on feeding quail every fourth feeding, which would be about once every 40 days, so that should work out alright I think.