Feeding chicks...

[Zoe]

As all of you probably know, I have a terrible feeder female IJ. She'll eat mice till she explodes, but nothing else. What do you all think of chicks? If she would take them, then I could at least feed her some pretty big ones (compared to the mice, anyway). Also, do I need to remove their beaks and claws before feeding?

Any insight would be very appreciated!

Thanks,
Zoe

[Hamster of Borg]

I feed one of my jungles thawed chicks, mainly because he has no interest in rodents whatsoever. I don't remove beaks/claws - I've not had a problem.

Ham

[Herp guy]

naaaaaaa

[Zoe]

are you replying just for the heck of it? at least give some intelligent insight and a comment/opinion. Just saying "naaaaaaa" seems extremely moronic, and a waste of space.

[JIMI]

beaks and claws are all natural parts.. wont hurt.

i hope you get her eatin soon zoe!!

[Linds]

Chicks are not a highly nutritious prey item, hence they shouldn't be the the main food source. This can present problems if your snake gets hooked on them and won't eat anything else. Something to consider.

[J_Riley]

As well as the nasty smelling, runny feces that will result from chicks...Have you tried scented rats with mice innards?

[Zoe]

What is better... chicks or mice? I've tried everything to get her to eat rats but nadda...

J Riley - about your signature... don't forget that the Roman Empire fell :]

Zoe

[vanderkm]

We have used previously frozen chicks sporadically for jungles, irian jayas, boas and some colubrids and have not experienced more than mildly softer feces. We actually feed them for that reason, to keep things moving through, in the snakes that will take them.
Our Irians have been very persistent in refusing rats, far worse than the jungles. The male just recently began to accept gerbils and young rats - I still need to dangle a fresh killed hopper mouse beneath the rat so he smells mouse before he will bite, but he does swollow the rat now. He would take chicks, but the female, who still (3 years old and 6 feet long) refuses anything but mice will not accept chicks either - so even though they are supposed to be a natural food for carpet pythons, not all will take them.

We feed them whole, beaks and toes attached - never more than about 10% of any snake's diet.


mary v.

[Linds]

Zoe,
IMHO mice, or any other feeder rodent are far superior in nutrition to chicks. Have you tried saturating the rat with mouse blood/guts, as J Riley suggested? If she refuses to switch then there isn't much you can do, some snakes just refuse to switch altogether :rolleyes:

[AnthonyC]

I've fed them to Burms (years ago) for a little variety, but you have to remember that Burms will eat anything at any time. Carpets can be more difficult to switch from one type of prey item to another once they're a little older.

You wouldn't have to remove anything like beaks or claws from the chicks, but you may not like the smell or the mess that will soon follow. =)

Did you read my post at MoreliaPythons.com about how I switched mine?