Frank - The Blue Tongue Skink

Frank is doing well and eating his 2 meals a week.

He eats one meal that is veggies with some fruit and some ferrets pellets. Then, 3-4 days later, he eats a meal that has all that, but also a little wet dog food and some vitamins and calcium. He occasionally gets a snail or two or a pinkie on this day as well.

He just turned 3 years old, but has gained weight over the past year - about 75G and is up from 620G.

His body shape looks good to me and when I give food, he eats his fill (about a head size worth) and walks away and I take out.

I imagine his weight gain should slow as is he is probably mature now at 3 years?

He's still a very calm and chill buddy.

Any thoughts are welcomed.


[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/GZr5dNB.jpg?1[/IMG]

Frank didn't eat for a week and I was 75% he was starting to brumate and 25% he had to shed. Well, he finished shedding yesterday and happily ate today.

He's looking pretty suave, even in these iPhone pics.

[IMG]https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/4EGpEDX.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/bmwPDD5.jpg[/IMG]

He's so handsome! But if you're asking for opinions on his weight? I don't see many of these & he looks great to me, but take that for what it's worth.
He appears to be very healthy & apparently has a good appetite too. :gj:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

He's so handsome! But if you're asking for opinions on his weight? I don't see many of these & he looks great to me, but take that for what it's worth.
He appears to be very healthy & apparently has a good appetite too. :gj:

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Not super worried about weight per se.

As with my other reptiles, when they reach adult size, I am interested in body shape and overall health over a number. However, I fully believe it getting regular weights so as a keeper you can spot potential trouble, especially if losing weight.

Frank looks good and healthy to me. He also acts/seems healthy. Not too worried at the moment.

Thank you for the comments.

Caught a picture of Frank with his tongue out today, but of course, with the iPhone, on a similar colored background, and I cut the tip of his tongue off the shot. Otherwise, I still think it's pretty cool.

[IMG]https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/e12DBFP.jpg[/IMG]

I like Frank! Nice looking boy

Frank has been doing his "sort of brumating" thing the past few weeks. He picks at his food and hides most of the time. I went to offering food every 5-6 days versus every 3-4 this week. That helped. He dove right in as soon as I offered food today. I'll stick to that schedule for a little bit and then try a little more frequently and see how he does.

He did this last year as well. He slows down a bit when it gets cold outside. He pretty much maintains weight but is less active. To be clear, I am not worried at all, I am just reporting in case others who have BTS see something similar and are concerned. He's over 3 now (9-2015 baby) and getting into adult behavior.

Frank has been eating more regularly of late and seems to be coming out of his brumation.

When I cut up fuzzy's for Toref, I give Frank a little piece as well. He loves them. He usually takes them right out of my hand, but got a little excited today and almost took my hand with it!

See below:

https://streamable.com/0e6p3

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dakski

Frank has been eating more regularly of late and seems to be coming out of his brumation.

When I cut up fuzzy's for Toref, I give Frank a little piece as well. He loves them. He usually takes them right out of my hand, but got a little excited today and almost took my hand with it!

See below:

https://streamable.com/0e6p3

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Hello dakski... I have always admired Frank from a far, but today I came across a 2018 baby Northern BTS and fell in love. His tail got bit off from a cage mate during feeding time but it looks like its trying to grow back. I am not sure if his tail will grow out all the way or there will just be a stump! Other than his tail he is so precious. He is very docile and doesn't mind to be handled. I was going to get an Halmahera BTS baby but for sure it was cb/farmed and that made me doubt if it had parasites? I really cant afford vets bills to treat problems and also did not wanna risk infecting the health of my other reptiles at home. Plus Northern BTS are more calmer than Indonesians from what I researched and dont need the high humidity which is another plus. Anyhow, just thought I would give you and Frank a shout out and share my news..Thank you for sharing all of your wonderful stories. I hope to create some of my own with my new fella or gal?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jus1More

Hello dakski... I have always admired Frank from a far, but today I came across a 2018 baby Northern BTS and fell in love. His tail got bit off from a cage mate during feeding time but it looks like its trying to grow back. I am not sure if his tail will grow out all the way or there will just be a stump! Other than his tail he is so precious. He is very docile and doesn't mind to be handled. I was going to get an Halmahera BTS baby but for sure it was cb/farmed and that made me doubt if it had parasites? I really cant afford vets bills to treat problems and also did not wanna risk infecting the health of my other reptiles at home. Plus Northern BTS are more calmer than Indonesians from what I researched and dont need the high humidity which is another plus. Anyhow, just thought I would give you and Frank a shout out and share my news..Thank you for sharing all of your wonderful stories. I hope to create some of my own with my new fella or gal?

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Jus1More,

Mazel Tov! Congrats!

Northern BTS rock!

Keep in mind BTS like and need a good amount of space for their body size, a varied diet (50% Veggies, with certain veggies to be avoided - you can google that, or a BTS care sheet, or I can clarify, 10% fruits - same rule as veggies, and 40% lean proteins), a pretty hot warm spot with UVB, vitamin supplementation, and they are intelligent. It will take time to earn his trust.

Any questions please feel free to PM or start your own thread (WITH PICTURES!!!) and I'll do my best to answer them. Not too much out there on these guys, but I have learned a lot before and since getting Frank.

Good luck!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jus1More

... I really cant afford vets bills to treat problems and also did not wanna risk infecting the health of my other reptiles at home...

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This is a little off-topic but feel I have to say something: it's a LOT of fun to add new pets, but you really shouldn't be doing that without money set aside for vet
care. You cannot assume, even if captive-bred & in perfect health upon arrival, that all your animals will stay that way. Most of us here know full well how "addicting"
these creatures are, but they also deserve owners who are responsible about any medical needs that may arrive. Please think about that before you add more? You
are not the first one, nor will you be the last...it's also for anyone else making similar & hasty decisions to keep adding more animals than they can really afford if or
really WHEN they get sick or injured. Stuff happens without warning, & sometimes many animals in a collection get sick at once also. :snake:

Hey dakski...Toref is amazing but Frank is way more my speed, lol...& he's adorable too! Glad you got your hand out of the way in time, lol.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

This is a little off-topic but feel I have to say something: it's a LOT of fun to add new pets, but you really shouldn't be doing that without money set aside for vet
care. You cannot assume, even if captive-bred & in perfect health upon arrival, that all your animals will stay that way. Most of us here know full well how "addicting"
these creatures are, but they also deserve owners who are responsible about any medical needs that may arrive. Please think about that before you add more? You
are not the first one, nor will you be the last...it's also for anyone else making similar & hasty decisions to keep adding more animals than they can really afford if or
really WHEN they get sick or injured. Stuff happens without warning, & sometimes many animals in a collection get sick at once also. :snake:

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Thank you Bogertophis for your concern regarding my collection although I think you may have misunderstood what I was trying to say! If anyone of my babies got sick I could get it treatment, but if my whole collection got wiped out at the same time with something bad that would be a different story. I am a very responsible owner who takes alot of pride in my collection with the exception of my TP rat snake escaping. I still to this day am hard on myself for what happen, but I know I am not the only one that has happened to. Just comes with owning snakes!!! Also none of my decisions are hasty and I research before I buy. I am NOT saying I dont make mistakes because Of course I am only human but I know what I can and cant handle in life...Thanks again!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dakski

Jus1More,

Mazel Tov! Congrats!

Northern BTS rock!

Keep in mind BTS like and need a good amount of space for their body size, a varied diet (50% Veggies, with certain veggies to be avoided - you can google that, or a BTS care sheet, or I can clarify, 10% fruits - same rule as veggies, and 40% lean proteins), a pretty hot warm spot with UVB, vitamin supplementation, and they are intelligent. It will take time to earn his trust.

Any questions please feel free to PM or start your own thread (WITH PICTURES!!!) and I'll do my best to answer them. Not too much out there on these guys, but I have learned a lot before and since getting Frank.

Good luck!

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Thank you! I appreciate the support and excited about trading stories with you and other BTS owners.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jus1More

Thank you Bogertophis for your concern regarding my collection although I think you may have misunderstood what I was trying to say! If anyone of my babies got sick I could get it treatment, but if my whole collection got wiped out at the same time with something bad that would be a different story. I am a very responsible owner who takes alot of pride in my collection with the exception of my TP rat snake escaping. I still to this day am hard on myself for what happen, but I know I am not the only one that has happened to. Just comes with owning snakes!!! Also none of my decisions are hasty and I research before I buy. I am NOT saying I dont make mistakes because Of course I am only human but I know what I can and cant handle in life...Thanks again!

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I already responded to your thread about getting a Northern BTS with an injured tail and that you planned to house it in a tub.

I want to reitarate and as mentioned by OP for those new to keeping BTS: do not get one if you can't afford to give it a large enclosure and veterinary care. This is a given for ANY species but too often I see some owners try to cut corners by housing a BTS in tubs because a breeder or someone else did it, so why not. The reason is that they do observe their surroundings and they do use every inch of floor space given. These are active lizards that enjoy basking and watching what is going on around their tanks.

The upfront cost is expensive for a reason. If you had done your research as claimed, almost every BTS owner swear by their curious nature, the need for floor space, humidity requirements (Appliable to Indos) and that BTS of all types like any new reptile has the potential to carry internal parasites.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cheesenugget

I already responded to your thread about getting a Northern BTS with an injured tail and that you planned to house it in a tub.

I want to reitarate and as mentioned by OP for those new to keeping BTS: do not get one if you can't afford to give it a large enclosure and veterinary care. This is a given for ANY species but too often I see some owners try to cut corners by housing a BTS in tubs because a breeder or someone else did it, so why not. The reason is that they do observe their surroundings and they do use every inch of floor space given. These are active lizards that enjoy basking and watching what is going on around their tanks.

The upfront cost is expensive for a reason. If you had done your research as claimed, almost every BTS owner swear by their curious nature, the need for floor space, humidity requirements (Appliable to Indos) and that BTS of all types like any new reptile has the potential to carry internal parasites.

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Thanks Cheesy for your reply. I appreciate your input on this topic but since my fella is still young I am going to house him in a good size tub until he grows then I will transfer him into a good size terrarium. I hear what you are saying and this is your opinion which is fine everybody is entitled to their opinion. I would hope that you are simply just doing that (giving your own opinion) and not judging or criticizing a person. We all want the absolute best for our reptiles or whatever type of pet(s) we have, but just because a person does not go about providing for them as some others would does not make them a bad owner. I am trying to tread lightly here because it really seems that you and another person claims to be the perfect reptile owners, but that is just my opinion...... Like I said, I really do appreciate your opinion/advice as well as other peoples opinions. I am also appreciative for this web site because I have gained a lot of awesome information. For the most part everyone here is approachable, encouraging and kind - And with that I am thankful!

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

Not to break up the party here, and not a moderator, but we are way off topic here.

This a progression thread for Frank.

Thank you in advance for understanding and taking this kindly.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Hey dakski...Toref is amazing but Frank is way more my speed, lol...& he's adorable too! Glad you got your hand out of the way in time, lol.

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:). I call him Frank the Tank. He doesn't go anywhere fast. Still incredibly interactive and fun, but not exactly Captain Excitement. Unless you call poor Frank trying for 5 minutes to climb on top of one of his hides with his tiny legs, only to realize 10 seconds later, he doesn't like it up there, exciting. That happens a few times a week. He also loves to rearrange everything in enclosure multiple times a day. If you sit in the reptile area for a bit, you will inevitably hear Frank moving one of his hides.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dakski

Not to break up the party here, and not a moderator, but we are way off topic here.

This a progression thread for Frank.

Thank you in advance for understanding and taking this kindly.

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Yes, you are right dakski.... Very sorry about that!! So how is Frank doing today anyway? :D

Well, it turns out that Frank loves canned crickets. This is him eating his second one.

He refused to take out of my hand, but happily ate after I put down for him, and after playing hard to get.

https://vimeo.com/318649774

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dakski

Well, it turns out that Frank loves canned crickets. This is him eating his second one.

He refused to take out of my hand, but happily ate after I put down for him, and after playing hard to get.

https://vimeo.com/318649774

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Interesting..!!! I always wondered about those insects in a can. Are they really good for the lizards to eat? Aren't they freeze dried, or something like that?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jus1More

Interesting..!!! I always wondered about those insects in a can. Are they really good for the lizards to eat? Aren't they freeze dried, or something like that?

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No, these are not freeze dried. They are sealed and cooked in the can.

They lose very little nutritional value. However, I still coat with calcium and reptile vitamins at least weekly for Toref and give as a treat for Frank or mixed in with veggies and fruit. I don’t know what they were gut loaded with.

Zoomed has a line and Flukers has a line.

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...s%2Ck%3Acan+o+

Great for scavengers like BTS and even monitors. Toref loves the crickets, grasshoppers, and cockroaches.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dakski

Well, it turns out that Frank loves canned crickets. This is him eating his second one.

He refused to take out of my hand, but happily ate after I put down for him, and after playing hard to get.

https://vimeo.com/318649774

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This reminds me of when I've fed snakes by hand...I think he hesitated because your scent was interfering with the scent of his "yummy" canned crickets...
he wanted it, but he couldn't smell it clearly enough until you set it down & backed away. (Aren't you glad you don't smell like a can of crickets? :rofl:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

This reminds me of when I've fed snakes by hand...I think he hesitated because your scent was interfering with the scent of his "yummy" canned crickets...
he wanted it, but he couldn't smell it clearly enough until you set it down & backed away. (Aren't you glad you don't smell like a can of crickets? :rofl:)

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Yes I am glad I don’t smell like crickets. Not sure Katie would appreciate that!

He needs to be properly motivated to eat food from my hand and wasn’t too familiar with the crickets yet.

Snails and mice he will take my hand with them!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dakski

Well, it turns out that Frank loves canned crickets. This is him eating his second one.

He refused to take out of my hand, but happily ate after I put down for him, and after playing hard to get.

https://vimeo.com/318649774

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such a cute video; always love your vids. [emoji4]

Yes, your videos really help those of us "living vicariously" through your adventures with some creatures we may never personally own...:gj: Gracias!

Frank finished shedding yesterday and I took some pictures today. He's looking dapper.

Additionally, he's back to pounding food 2X a week after not eating much during the winter. He loves the canned crickets, silkworms, and superworms I feed Toref as well. Not a fan of the cockroaches or grasshoppers. He still eats mostly vegetables, ferret pellets, and a little fruit, but I'd rather give insects as added protein instead of canned dog food. Happy he likes a few of them.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/jyACacZ.jpg

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/7EshAKh.jpg

Hi Dalski...Franks colors are very nice indeed and is a very handsome fella! Just a question to you, why do you not feed a high quality/grain free dog food to Frank? Many BTS owners swear that mixed in with some greens and some fruits makes an excellent meal. There is also Bluey Buffet by Repashy and Omi Gold by Arcadia. Both of these create an excellent skink diet that can be mixed with veggies. The Omi Gold is a complete wholefoods diet and if you look up the ingredients in the Omi Gold, it contains all the yummy things that are a hit with skinks. Currently since my new bluey is still young I give high quality/grain free cat food (cat food is high protein) with either the Bluey buffet or Omi Gold. Fruits and some insects are fed as treats. Another thing I wanted to ask you is Frank confirmed to be male? It is hard to determine the sex with BTS and I have watched a few videos on how to help you make an educated guess, but really does not matter to me on sex gender, so for now my BTS is a little girl! BTW, check out Reptile mountain (YouTube channel). The guy who has that channel will educate you with everything and then some about BTS. Just thought I would share some info with you and hope you have a super evening...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dakski

Well, it turns out that Frank loves canned crickets. This is him eating his second one.

He refused to take out of my hand, but happily ate after I put down for him, and after playing hard to get.

https://vimeo.com/318649774

---

Mmmmmm! He liked them so much he licked the paper! :D Blech!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jus1More

Hi Dalski...Franks colors are very nice indeed and is a very handsome fella! Just a question to you, why do you not feed a high quality/grain free dog food to Frank? Many BTS owners swear that mixed in with some greens and some fruits makes an excellent meal. There is also Bluey Buffet by Repashy and Omi Gold by Arcadia. Both of these create an excellent skink diet that can be mixed with veggies. The Omi Gold is a complete wholefoods diet and if you look up the ingredients in the Omi Gold, it contains all the yummy things that are a hit with skinks. Currently since my new bluey is still young I give high quality/grain free cat food (cat food is high protein) with either the Bluey buffet or Omi Gold. Fruits and some insects are fed as treats. Another thing I wanted to ask you is Frank confirmed to be male? It is hard to determine the sex with BTS and I have watched a few videos on how to help you make an educated guess, but really does not matter to me on sex gender, so for now my BTS is a little girl! BTW, check out Reptile mountain (YouTube channel). The guy who has that channel will educate you with everything and then some about BTS. Just thought I would share some info with you and hope you have a super evening...

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Cat food is also very high fat, much more than dog food...I'm surprised they can handle that? I can see why Dakski feeds insects...at least that's a natural part of their diet, if they'll take them.

Frank looks very healthy to me...his colors are really glowing now.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Cat food is also very high fat, much more than dog food...I'm surprised they can handle that? I can see why Dakski feeds insects...at least that's a natural part of their diet, if they'll take them.

Frank looks very healthy to me...his colors are really glowing now.

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I didn't think you had a BTS of your own Boger...so I take it you have read up on all the recent studies they have done so far with BTS diets.....Fascinating isnt it!!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jus1More

Hi Dalski...Franks colors are very nice indeed and is a very handsome fella! Just a question to you, why do you not feed a high quality/grain free dog food to Frank? Many BTS owners swear that mixed in with some greens and some fruits makes an excellent meal. There is also Bluey Buffet by Repashy and Omi Gold by Arcadia. Both of these create an excellent skink diet that can be mixed with veggies. The Omi Gold is a complete wholefoods diet and if you look up the ingredients in the Omi Gold, it contains all the yummy things that are a hit with skinks. Currently since my new bluey is still young I give high quality/grain free cat food (cat food is high protein) with either the Bluey buffet or Omi Gold. Fruits and some insects are fed as treats. Another thing I wanted to ask you is Frank confirmed to be male? It is hard to determine the sex with BTS and I have watched a few videos on how to help you make an educated guess, but really does not matter to me on sex gender, so for now my BTS is a little girl! BTW, check out Reptile mountain (YouTube channel). The guy who has that channel will educate you with everything and then some about BTS. Just thought I would share some info with you and hope you have a super evening...

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I don't mind feeding the ferret pellets regularly, as they are the proper balance of what Frank needs nutritionally, and he loves them.

However, cat food is a big no no because of fat content (unless you have a skink that is malnourished and needs to put on weight - sometimes used for a few meals after giving birth for a female, I believe). Dog food that is grain free, is okay, but a little goes a long way. It is also processed. Our dogs, like us, are used to that, but a BTS may not be. He loves canned dog food, and I feed occasionally. However, if I can get him his protein from all natural insects, an occasional part of, or full fuzzy mouse (F/T) - pinkies are too fatty, or some ground turkey, or boiled egg, etc, I would rather go that route.

It's a preference, not a right or wrong. I did feed dog food more heavily when Frank was growing, but he tends to pack on the pounds fast in the summer even feeding that once a week. I am trying to keep him more lean this year.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dianne

Mmmmmm! He liked them so much he licked the paper! :D Blech!

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LOL, I know. I wasn't sure he liked it, but he's been chowing down on those, silkworms, and superworms, in his veggie, fruit, and ferret pellet mix. He doesn't like the cockroaches or the grasshoppers at all.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Cat food is also very high fat, much more than dog food...I'm surprised they can handle that? I can see why Dakski feeds insects...at least that's a natural part of their diet, if they'll take them.

Frank looks very healthy to me...his colors are really glowing now.

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Thanks Bogertophis, and yes, he's a handsome boy. He really glows after sheds for sure.

See above for more on the insects and cat food, dog food, etc.

Frank is a true scavenger. I gave him a live dubai once and he chased all over the tank, ate it, and then has refused every live anything since. I think it's too much work. Canned = no problem. I think he just figures it's yummy and zero work and that's a good combo for him.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dakski

I don't mind feeding the ferret pellets regularly, as they are the proper balance of what Frank needs nutritionally, and he loves them.

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I have heard of ferret pellets, maybe look into giving that as well. Where can you purchase a bag? Maybe Petsmart? I heard that fact about cat food as well, but it is only until I can get some weight on my BTS and then I will switch it up... Thank you dakski for your advice! :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jus1More

I have heard of ferret pellets, maybe look into giving that as well. Where can you purchase a bag? Maybe Petsmart? I heard that fact about cat food as well, but it is only until I can get some weight on my BTS and then I will switch it up... Thank you dakski for your advice! :D

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You are welcome. Be careful as they (BTS) pack on the weight fast and it takes a long time to take it off. Maybe cat food 1X a week and grain free dog food the rest. Lean protein is best for them. Maybe even just an extra serving of the dog food.

Remember to keep your ratios.

50% veggies, 40% lean protein, and 10% fruit (with certain fruits avoided).

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...29WSD498F7WH7S

This brand was recommended to me. They sell at petco, etc. Frank loves them. They have a grain free option as well.

Keep in mind that dry food needs to be wet before feeding. I soak the pellets in water for about 3-4 minutes, drain, and then offer.

Frank posed for some DSLR pictures today.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/RPqbRKR.jpg

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/MtlQBAK.jpg

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/YH54X7z.jpg
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/hGXK8Md.jpg

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/C9WY4Fw.jpg

I gave Frank some of the Zoomed canned food yesterday with his veggies and ferret pellets. He loved it.

https://zoomed.com/zoo-menu-tortoise...s-lizard-food/

I like to try new things and keep his diet diverse.

Here he is loving it and gobbling it down.

https://vimeo.com/324782258


https://vimeo.com/324782258

Frank is such a stinker. Offer him fuzzy pieces and he almost takes my fingers off! :).

He's doing really well and back to eating regularly, as opposed to much of winter.

https://vimeo.com/336964525

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dakski

Frank is such a stinker. Offer him fuzzy pieces and he almost takes my fingers off! :)....

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Don't be so stingy, you've got 10 of them! :rofl:

Me: "Frank. You have food on your face."

Frank: "Nom Nom Nom."

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/3DyP6we.jpg

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/CKonQX3.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/uFDzxfp.jpg

Do you ever wonder if lizards think that WE'RE cute when we eat? :D

I tried a new food for Frank.

https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcos...-flavored-food

It's freeze dried and smells terrible (so I figured Frank would love it), but also has a resealable and small bag and should last a little longer than the big bag of regular dried food.

Frank did really like it, but even though I soaked it, the pieces were a little big (I broke a few of the larger ones) and kind of dry inside. I plan to crush or cut into smaller pieces and soak longer and I think it will be a success.

At first he didn't know what to make of chewing them!

https://vimeo.com/348979046

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/o5M7B31.jpg

A couple of updates on Frank.

First, he ultimately was not a big fan of the freeze dried ferret food. Even when I broke it up more, I don't think he liked the consistency. So, I went back to the normal ferret pellets (dry then soaked in water) with his veggies and fruit and an occasional canned or live insect.

Secondly, he started brumating a few weeks ago. He hasn't eaten much at all, but I still offer weekly now, not more. He's also hiding most of the time and occasionally will come out to drink and he's had a few urines in the past few weeks and only one poop.

He did this last year as well and it's normal as they mature for this to happen. I let him do it and do not force the issue either by bothering him too much or adjusting temps to encourage it.

Frank Shed. Thought I would share. He's looking dapper.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/HMdclqP.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/DLMvWLc.jpg

He's a handsome boy

Frank shed and since then has been picking at his food weekly. He's not as hungry as in the summer, but he's slowed down, but not officially brumating yet.

I got a cute video of Frank drinking today.

https://vimeo.com/376873711

Frank is still fairly active, and drinking and urinating, but he skipped food yesterday. I think he is starting to brumate.

I imagine he will slow down in the next few weeks and maybe pick at a few meals, but otherwise, be pretty quiet this winter.

I will still offer food weekly, but don't expect much to be eaten.

Frank's hit or miss. Last week he picked at food and today he gobbled it all down. He eats like clockwork in the summer, but does slow down in the winter. He looks good and is acting normal, so no concerns.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/dvqzF21.jpg
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I tried a new food/food additive with Frank today. HE LOVED IT!

It's Zoomed's Tortoise and Omnivorous Lizard Food.

https://zoomed.com/zoo-menu-tortoise...s-lizard-food/

He's eaten the Blue Tongue Skink Diet one before and liked it.

https://zoomed.com/zoo-menu-blue-ton...ink-tegu-food/

I don't give him that too often as he happily eats his pellets (moistened) and veggies and fruit. Today I tried out the Omnivorous food and it was a big hit! I only added about a teaspoon +/- into his food but really coated everything with it.

In the video below, at the end, you can even see him trying to eat the side of the bowl! Yummy!

The trouble is feeding him 1-2X a week, I am only going to use one of these foods/additives a couple times in 2 weeks maximum. It's a big can and costs $4-6. Ultimately, I end up wasting most of it.

Still, great to see him this happy and eating like a pig in the winter.

https://vimeo.com/390672161

Frank is eating 2X a week again and would probably eat every day if I let him. He gets 1 big meal with insects (dried/canned), ferret food, veggies, and fruit. Then he gets a smaller meal with a little ferret food, but mostly veggies and a little fruit.

He's back to growing and getting close to 600G. I've let him hit close to 700G before, but that's too much for him. I plan to keep him at a high of about 650G this summer, give or take.

I've tried this new Flukers food with him (link below). It's the Garden Blend veggie and fruit mix. He loves it. I mix a little in his food every meal now, or, substitute with canned food that I've talked about previously like Omnivorous and Blue Tongue Skink diet caned from Zoomed.

https://flukerfarms.com/crafted-cuisine/

I got a few pictures of him as well.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/kSGn60x.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/RLlbzru.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/XWgNVzb.jpg

Frank with the nice camera.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/HyraBXN.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/WZwPEMY.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/oPacHa8.jpg