Finally some results.. - Page 2

BWSmith · 02-03-05, 11:56 AM

Quote:

I've heard some hoggies take goldfish????

Goldfish really should not be fed to anything.

Try scenting with a western species of toad, since that is their natural prey. You may also try misting the cage down, then offering the prey a couple hours later. Just a couple things off the top of my head.

CamHanna · 02-03-05, 01:49 PM

You could also try scenting with a goldfish. The problem with feeding goldfish is that they, and all other members of the minnow family, contain thiaminase, an enzyme that destroys vitamin B1 and causes problems with nerves and muscle coordination.

Jonathan Crowe has an article on thiaminase and other health issues here.

Here is a list of fish that do and do not contain thiaminase.

Hope this helped.

Cam

Nicky · 02-03-05, 02:11 PM

thanks for the link CamHanna and the advice everyone else. I would try using a toad butI can;t find them anywhere right now seeing it's winter. If it were summer I'd simply go catch my own. Does anyone know where you can order in toads?
Saw him drink a bit the other day, has been burrowing the whole time which is good I suppose, will have to see what monday brings.
Thanks again for the help
Kayla

BWSmith · 02-03-05, 02:46 PM

Why would anyone suggest fish at all? I have never read anything referencing Heterodon preyingon fish of any type.

Siretsap · 02-03-05, 02:52 PM

senting the item with fish can trigger a feeding response in some species. I have noticed it on fat tail geckos, and some honduran milksnakes. And I know some people who had success getting hognose started on pinkies by dipping half the pinkie in some fish oil (huile de morue) what ever the term in english is.

CamHanna · 02-03-05, 02:56 PM

I've heard that difficult young Heterodon will sometimes eat fish as well. As far as why, I'd have to agree with B.W., it doesn't make any sense to me.

gargoyle · 02-03-05, 04:41 PM

I read a post a while ago about "feeding" him fuzzy/juvie mouse tails for a while. They claimed that 1- it kept the hog going till he decided to eat on his own and 2- got it used to the taste of pinks/mice. I just read this so don't jump all over me on this one, I've never done this myself but if it doesn't eat I would try something like this as opposed to the dreded force feeding pinkies. Apparently the tails litteraly slide right down there throats. Just what I read!