"Feeding Your Snake Too Much May Starve It To Death"

[kc261]

After seeing the thread about the Court Jester, I did a search to see what info I could find on the Jester Ball (I hadn't read far enough to see where Albey posted the link). This popped up.

It is interesting enough I thought I'd put it up for comment, but I don't think I'm going to start making my snakes swim for their dinner!

http://www.saltwaterreptiles.com/tes...ic=3640.0;wap2

[Da vinci]

no me either but the article makes sense.

[janeothejungle]

It makes sense. Too bad it's not quite right. It's not musculature that aids digestion, it's the increased bloodflow/circulation that aids digestion (just as it does in humans). Although I agree with his premise, that exercise is a vital part of keeping/breeding healthy snakes.

~Kat

[joepythons]

After seeing the thread about the Court Jester, I did a search to see what info I could find on the Jester Ball (I hadn't read far enough to see where Albey posted the link). This popped up.

It is interesting enough I thought I'd put it up for comment, but I don't think I'm going to start making my snakes swim for their dinner!

http://www.saltwaterreptiles.com/tes...ic=3640.0;wap2

The only time i have ever heard of placing any reptile into warm water was when they are constipated.

[kc261]

Yes, it makes sense, even if it isn't 100% correct. It certainly is widely accepted that one of the possible reasons that BPs go off feed is because they had been overfed and are now trying to catch up (or get un-ahead?).

It does raise a question that if the exercise/circulation aids in digestion, and therefore stimulates appetite, is it the best advice to leave a snake alone when it is off food?

Of course, all the basic temp/humidity/security issues need to be addressed first. But we've all heard stories of how something like a car ride stimulates a snake to start eating. So maybe taking the snake for a swim could be another thing that would work. Who knows?

I'm not volunteering my snakes to be the guinea pigs! Not that any of them have eating issues anyway. *knock on wood*

Maybe I should have posted this in the advanced husbandry section.

[kc261]

The only time i have ever heard of placing any reptile into warm water was when they are constipated.

Then perhaps you should go read some thread about what to do if your snake has a bad shed.

Corn snakes are more prone to obesity than BPs, and I have several times on a corn snake forum read people advising swimming as exercise to get rid of the "hippy" look that an overfed corn can get.

That's still different than doing it to stimulate appetite.

[Nate]

The only time i have ever heard of placing any reptile into warm water was when they are constipated.

or stuck shed

[mooingtricycle]

I feed my snakes ( save for babies and such, and the colubrids) Once every two weeks or so... Lately, i have not had ANY go off feed because of this routine, even a male, that was sold to me as a male that, when breeding DOES NOT EAT. Hes eating for me regularly, even during breeding times Sure, it could be a new environment, but i tend to think its because of less frequent feedings. All of my animals maintain good body mass, and are not overweight either. I dont like FAT Chunky snakes, i like healthy.

I think less, is more. in many cases. But thats just my personal stance on the issue...

My Boyfriend has a ball python that literally only eats once a month. Hes got good size for a male, and great body weight. Not FAT( think stuffed sausage) but not Skinny(Spine pronounced and just overall unhealthy), just nice and lean. He refuses to eat more than that, and we have tried many things. Its just his schedule, and its not causing him any problems.

Definitely some food for thought, in regards to feeding.

Look at adult boas, and Gus Rentfros information regarding certain species of Boa. If you read it, he talks bout adult animals,that are only fed a few times a year. and they maintain good body mass, and are healthy.