Alternate Foods for Kingsnakes

franks · 07-25-16, 08:37 PM

Hello all. I have been doing some research into snake nutrition in general and am contemplating changing my MBKs diet to something along the lines of 1/3 rodent 1/3 bird 1/3 lizard. Maybe some fertilized eggs as well. I was wondering if anyone here had any input or if anyone has fed/offered prey other than rodents to their kingsnakes.

SWDK · 07-25-16, 08:45 PM

I think a varied diet is great as long as you have a reliable source for the different offerings.

**EL Ziggy** · 07-25-16, 08:55 PM

I'm a big fan of a varied diet for snakes too. I feed my kings rats, mice, and chicks. I haven't tried quail yet but I'm definitely open to offering them. Where do you find a good source for feeder lizards?

Sublimeballs · 07-25-16, 10:15 PM

I've got scarlet kingsnakes that i feed lizards and other snakes to. They don't take rodents and i don't care to switch them... it's their natural diet afterall. Not sure where you live or if you herp, but I've found the not demolished DORs I cruise to work well for feeders. I'd freeze them for a while before feeding to kill parasites.

franks · 07-26-16, 06:58 AM

I cant really herp for food. I live in NY. For lizards I can purchase 10 adult anoles for $50.

If it works I want to order a larger quantity and get a better price. If you are interested feel free to jump in on the order with me zig.

**EL Ziggy** · 07-26-16, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by franks

I cant really herp for food. I live in NY. For lizards I can purchase 10 adult anoles for $50.

If it works I want to order a larger quantity and get a better price. If you are interested feel free to jump in on the order with me zig.

$5 a feeder is a bit steep. What do you feel the health benefits are for lizards compared to less expensive rodents or fowl?

**Andy_G** · 07-26-16, 05:03 PM

I would imagine less fat content, Zig. I want to also mention that freezing doesn't kill everything, so if you are feeding a diet of lizards/frogs/wild reptiles amphibians, you may want to implement a deworming/treatment schedule.

franks · 07-30-16, 09:34 PM

Thats probably a good idea Andy. Thx.

Primal Rage · 08-07-16, 09:37 AM

Some of my adult hondurans will eat pieces of raw chicken thighs. They are cheap and readily accessible.