PDA

View Full Version : Wild caught prey

RandyRhoads
04-19-11, 08:07 PM
Weird question but what are the health risks of a burm eating a wild pigeon?
infernalis
04-19-11, 08:13 PM
short answer - risky

Pigeons are filthy birds often riddled with parasites.
RandyRhoads
04-19-11, 08:15 PM
I'm curious what those would be. If i'm correct snake mites are specific to snakes. Anyone know what communicable diseases a pigeon can carry and if they can effect snakes?
Freebody
04-19-11, 08:16 PM
ya birds in the wind are nasty, i tiny little bird flew in my house and hit a wall a few months back, when i picked it up, i could see the skin and little flee like insects where crawling around under the feathers... cant be good im thinking.
RandyRhoads
04-19-11, 08:18 PM
Yeah i've seen bird mites before I used to breed doves. They're gross. But I don't think a snake can get bird mites can it?
infernalis
04-19-11, 08:22 PM
Roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms... all found in birds, and all will do fine in a snake host.
Freebody
04-19-11, 08:22 PM
no dont think the mite will transfer, but parasites in the bird, if it has it, which chances it does to help break down its own food, could cause worms i think, in people eatting things like that cause this, i would assume it goes the same for a snake. human worms in stomach, not sure if this is the cause tho, but the idea is the same... :P YouTube - Parasites In Human Stomach (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fmx24FbZoM)
RandyRhoads
04-19-11, 08:26 PM
Ahh, makes sense. Thanks. I'll have to watch to keep birds from coming close to her when I let her slither around the lawn.
stephanbakir
04-19-11, 08:30 PM
If you do chose to try it, I'd HIGHLY advise freezing the pigeon first,
infernalis
04-19-11, 08:30 PM
I made this up for garter people who think it's OK to feed wild frogs to their snakes. It gives the general idea.

http://www.thamnophis.us/thams/flatworm.jpg
RandyRhoads
04-19-11, 08:49 PM
Good info my girlfriend had fed wild frogs to her monitor before, know not to do that again. I wont feed it to her frozen or not. When I take her out to the grass and let her get some exercise birds occasionally come in for a closer view. I was curious so I could let her get them on her own( I know she would if they hopped just one or two more hops closer) but i'll just shoo them off now.