Tips On Increasing The Nutritional Value Of Your Rats

Gin, that corn really isn't a good idea. It doesn't have any nutritional value other than having alot of carbs that are turned into sugar, which makes them fat. Also, corn just makes them full and they're not really getting anything out of it. Not to mention, the mold issues(mold spores can already be on the corn before it's processed).

I'd just stick with the blocks, and maybe some cereals/nuts/dry pasta/oatmeal, etc.

Being corn-fed isn't a good thing, same as with cattle. Turns their meat yellow and just isn't healthy to eat. You are what you eat, and I'd prefer it wasn't corn.

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Originally Posted by SatanicIntention

Being corn-fed isn't a good thing, same as with cattle. Turns their meat yellow and just isn't healthy to eat. You are what you eat, and I'd prefer it wasn't corn.

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What?!?!?!?!? I live in Iowa, most of this state raises corn-fed beef and I have never heard such a thing. I guarantee it doesn't turn their meat yellow and the cattle have no signs of bad health.

I agree a high corn based diet for rodents isn't good, but for cattle it is a completely different story. ;)

So at long last we know the secret to producing yellowbelly BP's... feed them corn fed rats!

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Originally Posted by SnakeySnakeSnake

So at long last we know the secret to producing yellowbelly BP's... feed them corn fed rats!

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SSSSSHHHHHH

;)

Sorry, I've just been told that by a number of people, including my teachers(vets and vet techs), some cattle ranchers who raise beef cattle, etc.

While it may be ok for cattle, who have a rumen and can digest such things, rats don't have those digestive organs, and get nothing out of it(like dogs and cats). It just makes them full and fills them with sugar. Kind of like the snakes are eating take-out, while they could be eating healthy organic food. I think I'd still rather eat beef that had been pasture fed/grazers, than those who had only been fed hay and concentrates.

Horses really shouldn't be fed it either, as it doesn't give much energy at all. Our horses get no corn in their feed(it's not included in the ingredients). Other horse owners/breeders using the same feed haven't had a case of colic in a good 20 years.

I just don't see corn as a proper nutritional additive, because it doesn't offer anything that they're not getting anyway.

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Originally Posted by SatanicIntention

Sorry, I've just been told that by a number of people, including my teachers(vets and vet techs), some cattle ranchers who raise beef cattle, etc.

While it may be ok for cattle, who have a rumen and can digest such things, rats don't have those digestive organs, and get nothing out of it(like dogs and cats). It just makes them full and fills them with sugar. Kind of like the snakes are eating take-out, while they could be eating healthy organic food. I think I'd still rather eat beef that had been pasture fed/grazers, than those who had only been fed hay and concentrates.

Horses really shouldn't be fed it either, as it doesn't give much energy at all. Our horses get no corn in their feed(it's not included in the ingredients). Other horse owners/breeders using the same feed haven't had a case of colic in a good 20 years.

I just don't see corn as a proper nutritional additive, because it doesn't offer anything that they're not getting anyway.

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I just think alot of the info about cattle is based on the region of people you talk to. I lived in Texas for awhile and know that almost all beef in texas is raised on grazing only. While most cattle farmers here have grazing and corn based diet. Everyone thinks their way is the best way. I do know when I was in Texas I had my parents ship me about 20 steaks and we had a grill-out for some friends and neighbors. Everyone walked away saying that those were the best steaks they ever had.

Maybe after the holidays I will have to send some steaks down to Cue and you both can see what Iowa beef is all about. ;)

Hehe, you might just have to! Just so they're not RAT steaks, I'll be alright ;)

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Originally Posted by SnakeySnakeSnake

So at long last we know the secret to producing yellowbelly BP's... feed them corn fed rats!

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Actually, a couple of well know herpetologists have told me that ball pythons fed rats raised on a diet that contains corn meal and/or corn by product may have an effect on the color of the snake over time.

-adam

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Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki

Actually, a couple of well know herpetologists have told me that ball pythons fed rats raised on a diet that contains corn meal and/or corn by product may have an effect on the color of the snake over time.

-adam

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would that be a negative or positive effect? I'm thinking negative, but just looking for clarity

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Originally Posted by SatanicIntention

Hehe, you might just have to! Just so they're not RAT steaks, I'll be alright ;)

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Those might slip through the slots on the grill. ;)

After the holidays we will have to work it out. :sweeet: