Food size

Strutter769 · 04-14-12, 05:03 PM

So, when I get to the expos to buy food. I totally blank out on each of the (probably 4) different size babies (with 3'-4' juvenile MGB's coming soon).

I'm off to find a scale (hopefully identical to Alessia's) to document and track weights. By using those weights, can I determine the proper size prey item to feed? (Please don't laugh at my noob-like question! Lol) Is there a chart or some sort of visual aid?

I feel like my Rainbows and Suri's should be on rat pups, but they look huge to me! And I thought the Mad Boas could do small rats, but so far they've only taken live hoppers.

Ok, thanks!

Strutter769 · 04-14-12, 07:33 PM

Nothin' huh? Too basic of a question? How many wanted to answer "Just a bit more than the widest part of the body?"

C'mon, seriously folks.

alessia55 · 04-14-12, 08:40 PM

Approx 1.5 times the girth of the snake

Also, my scale is great! It's the Oxo brand. I measure out ~10% of the snake's weight for food.

Strutter769 · 04-14-12, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alessia55

Approx 1.5 times the girth of the snake

Also, my scale is great! It's the Oxo brand. I measure out ~10% of the snake's weight for food.

You rock! Exactly the answer I was looking for! Thank you.

Welcome back, Alessia. So glad you made it through that whole thesis thing.

Oh, and I bought the identical scale tonight, so also thanks to you for the awesome tip!

I'm using it tonight to weigh everyone so I'm sure to get the right size prey tomorrow at the expo. Your answer was just what I needed. Thank you again.

KORBIN5895 · 04-14-12, 08:45 PM

When is your next expo?

I would go to a local pet store and buy the sizes you are thinking of and try it. If it works you can then buy that size at the next expo.

Remember if the prey is too big the snake probably won't even try to eat it.

Strutter769 · 04-14-12, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KORBIN5895

When is your next expo?

I would go to a local pet store and buy the sizes you are thinking of and try it. If it works you can then buy that size at the next expo.

Remember if the prey is too big the snake probably won't even try to eat it.

Scott Smith's All Animal Expo - twice a month about 39 minutes south of me. Just a local show.

Next big one is Repticon this summer. I should be all good and seriously broke by then.

I've got a feeling I've been trying to feed too large. I tried small rats with the Mad Boas, but they didn't eat until the live hoppers. I think this week, I'll try stunned hoppers for them, but soon need to get them over to rats also.

With the BRB's I never seem to guesstimate their size well when choosing their food. I know they can eat a bit larger items, but rat pups just look too big to my. I know they could each do 2 pinks, so it's time to move up. The next size is rat pup, correct?

KORBIN5895 · 04-14-12, 09:04 PM

Rat fuzzy would be the next size up. Rat pups are the size of an adult mouse.

Strutter769 · 04-14-12, 09:06 PM

Thanks. I found a new frozen rodent vendor online last night and now I don't remember it, and no longer in my browsing history. Bummer!

Strutter769 · 04-16-12, 08:32 PM

Last night's feeding was only 10-14, but still not bad I guess.