Quail feeding bonanza.

I gave the quail a go. I bought what I was told was the equivalent to medium rats. I figured with less fat the size would be perfect. I was a bit surprised to see how slow the bird went down and even more surprised at the NOTICEABLE lump it left. I always seem to fail my little guy when I make a switch on the first try. The post swallow shape was completely different but he was still very "turned on" after getting the bird down.

My hope is the leaner prey will ultimately digest better and the lump is just the odd shape of the bird. I could swear the quail was lighter in weight and felt less dense as I held it. So be it,,, he took it and I can't do much more than wait.

All of that said, I took a few pictures of the cage and the feed. Being I feed frozen thawed, and we are all boa folk, I hope these are not viewed as distasteful. I am in no way trying to WOW or impress anybody with feeding pictures. They just complete the cage and nature of the snake.

The feed is a whole production, low light, jungle music and some other fun stuff. I get full enjoyment out of everything from the cage, to the decor and of course the snake itself.

Enjoy.

The Pro-Line in all it's glory.

http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/DSC00729.jpg

http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/DSC00734.jpg

The first go at a quail. No need to pre-scent, boas like quail.

http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/DSC00735.jpg


http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/DSC00747.jpg



All done and looking for more.

http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/DSC00750.jpg

Headed for the ranch.

http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/DSC00751.jpg


I tried to download video from my MAC to photo bucket but for some reason I can't get it to go.

If you know how let me know and I'll post a little video.

Cheers.

Very nice. I like that branch in the front, did you do that yourself or was it installed when you purchased it???

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Originally Posted by BFT12890

Very nice. I like that branch in the front, did you do that yourself or was it installed when you purchased it???

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The front branch is hollow bamboo with 2 Flunkers, vines wrapped around it.

The bamboo is easy to find at a hardware store.

Thanks for the compliment!

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Originally Posted by Gio

The front branch is hollow bamboo with 2 Flunkers, vines wrapped around it.

The bamboo is easy to find at a hardware store.

Thanks for the compliment!

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No problem! I may need to steal your idea, I have a 6 foot hog island getting ready to go in a animal plastics t8. Do you see it being an issue as your snake gets bigger? how far off the ceiling did you put it??

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Originally Posted by BFT12890

No problem! I may need to steal your idea, I have a 6 foot hog island getting ready to go in a animal plastics t8. Do you see it being an issue as your snake gets bigger? how far off the ceiling did you put it??

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Steal away!!

My perches are 6 inches off the floor but my cage is 14 inches high. I believe the T-8 is 12" if I'm not mistake. You could certainly give it a go and I'd suggest mounting yours a bit further back so you can still reach in and around without always having to pull the perches out.

My real tree branch perches are not straight and dip a bit so they are only 3-4 inches off the floor in some areas.

One thing I want/need to do is make the bamboo a little more rough. The vines spin easily on it and if my guy is not sharing the other 2 branches he sometimes grips and then the vines spin, he goes upside down and will fall if he is not gripping tightly.

After a few spills he seems to realize that branch is a bit more tricky.

I'm considering moving our Royal from her glass tank into this cage and moving up to and 18" or 24" high cage. Not to give her (BP) a bigger cage, but to increase the ceiling for the boa.

There is NO DOUBT that if a boa has a chance to climb, perch and feel evenly supported, that it will do so.

Every feeding session with the exception of 2 have been arial assaults.

You will enjoy your snake experience 10X more when you give them a cage that challenges them as nature would.

That said if you have a large number of snakes, this can become quite a task.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gio

Steal away!!

My perches are 6 inches off the floor but my cage is 14 inches high. I believe the T-8 is 12" if I'm not mistake. You could certainly give it a go and I'd suggest mounting yours a bit further back so you can still reach in and around without always having to pull the perches out.

My real tree branch perches are not straight and dip a bit so they are only 3-4 inches off the floor in some areas.

One thing I want/need to do is make the bamboo a little more rough. The vines spin easily on it and if my guy is not sharing the other 2 branches he sometimes grips and then the vines spin, he goes upside down and will fall if he is not gripping tightly.

After a few spills he seems to realize that branch is a bit more tricky.

I'm considering moving our Royal from her glass tank into this cage and moving up to and 18" or 24" high cage. Not to give her (BP) a bigger cage, but to increase the ceiling for the boa.

There is NO DOUBT that if a boa has a chance to climb, perch and feel evenly supported, that it will do so.

Every feeding session with the exception of 2 have been arial assaults.

You will enjoy your snake experience 10X more when you give them a cage that challenges them as nature would.

That said if you have a large number of snakes, this can become quite a task.

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As I spend more time with my Hog I realize he does like to climb (I got him about two weeks ago from a friend) so I already had the T8 ordered (yes its 12") since it was a spur of the moment "rescue".

When I move on my own and have more money I wouldn't mind getting him a taller tank.

I appreciate the input and being cool with me copying! I like how its very clean looking while also being useful. As for putting your royal in there, that's a good idea but if yours is anything like mine, it will fall off so frequently in the first week it will smack itself half simple lol.

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Originally Posted by BFT12890

As I spend more time with my Hog I realize he does like to climb (I got him about two weeks ago from a friend) so I already had the T8 ordered (yes its 12") since it was a spur of the moment "rescue".

When I move on my own and have more money I wouldn't mind getting him a taller tank.

I appreciate the input and being cool with me copying! I like how its very clean looking while also being useful. As for putting your royal in there, that's a good idea but if yours is anything like mine, it will fall off so frequently in the first week it will smack itself half simple lol.

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Ha ha,, no the Royal will only have a center/floor branch. I don't expect her to perch. I've heard that same noise,,,,,THUD!!

Be warned - when you clean up the next poo as a result of that quail, you may never want to feed quail again....... :doh:




:rofl:

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Originally Posted by Evenstar

Be warned - when you clean up the next poo as a result of that quail, you may never want to feed quail again....... :doh:




:rofl:

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Hey Kali,

How long did you use quail? I have been told by more than a few on Ed's board that the first few movements are a bit messy and then they actually end up less stinky and much more solid than with rats. The conversion process is what causes the mess in the early stages.

My plan is to continue quail for the winter and back down the frequency of feeding and I've already dropped my temps and may drop another degree or 2 in a month.

I'll keep you posted on the stool consistency. I've heard several people voice that within 3 feeds the movements are better than they are with rodents.

I'm hoping its true. I think variety is healthy and don't plan to abandon rodents. I'll eventually add rabbits when he's big enough and keep switching things up.

I'll be ready for the first mess though LOL!

it took my girl 3 weeks to digest a rabbit last time i fed her a rabbit i went back to lg rats .

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gio

Hey Kali,

How long did you use quail? I have been told by more than a few on Ed's board that the first few movements are a bit messy and then they actually end up less stinky and much more solid than with rats. The conversion process is what causes the mess in the early stages.

My plan is to continue quail for the winter and back down the frequency of feeding and I've already dropped my temps and may drop another degree or 2 in a month.

I'll keep you posted on the stool consistency. I've heard several people voice that within 3 feeds the movements are better than they are with rodents.

I'm hoping its true. I think variety is healthy and don't plan to abandon rodents. I'll eventually add rabbits when he's big enough and keep switching things up.

I'll be ready for the first mess though LOL!

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I have never personally fed quail or chicks. I avoided that after talking with several breeders who did or had done it and told me the stories. A lot of colubrid folks will feed quail and have said the same as you here - messy at first, but then better overall. I wonder if those with constrictor-type snakes don't tend to give it enough time.

I'd be willing to try it if you have luck with it. Do let me know what you discover with this! :gj:


Btw, here's an interesting article, if you haven't already seen it, from JB at Deviant Constrictors that makes a very persuasive case for quail......
http://www.deviantconstrictors.com/b...r-my-boas.html

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Evenstar

I have never personally fed quail or chicks. I avoided that after talking with several breeders who did or had done it and told me the stories. A lot of colubrid folks will feed quail and have said the same as you here - messy at first, but then better overall. I wonder if those with constrictor-type snakes don't tend to give it enough time.

I'd be willing to try it if you have luck with it. Do let me know what you discover with this! :gj:


Btw, here's an interesting article, if you haven't already seen it, from JB at Deviant Constrictors that makes a very persuasive case for quail......
http://www.deviantconstrictors.com/b...r-my-boas.html

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I did read that. Actually it's where I got the idea LOL!

Then I also see this and I can't tell if the fat content is all that different.

http://www.rodentpro.com/qpage_articles_03.asp

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gio

I did read that. Actually it's where I got the idea LOL!

Then I also see this and I can't tell if the fat content is all that different.

http://www.rodentpro.com/qpage_articles_03.asp

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Yeah, that is very interesting - according to Rodent Pro's chart, quail and rats are very close in protein and fat content, while rats are apparently higher overall in both vitamins and minerals. I wonder if our snakes actually can't handle as well the higher vitamin and mineral load and that is why some folks are finding more success with quail??

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Evenstar

Yeah, that is very interesting - according to Rodent Pro's chart, quail and rats are very close in protein and fat content, while rats are apparently higher overall in both vitamins and minerals. I wonder if our snakes actually can't handle as well the higher vitamin and mineral load and that is why some folks are finding more success with quail??

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I got the quail from Rodent-Pro. I've heard mixed reviews on the quality of their stock but they were at the expo and I took a shot.

I hear the feathers act like fiber in a way, I can't really gauge the fat deal. JB gets his stuff from Layne Labs and he claims the quail is leaner.

I guess like with anything variety is good. I'll mix it up and deal with the mess and keep his system running smooth but continue to mix his prey as he would in the wild.

He's rather large at 15 months. A bit over 4 feet and 1035 grams.

Fall is here so temps have been cycled back once and I'll do it one more time and increase time between meals.

He's had his summer spurt so now he gets to lean out and grow with his stored fat.

I just make a huge order from rodent pro, so far the product has been great! But that was just for rats, and one small rabbit (needed to fell the box up all the way lol) so don't know about the quail. But I will be looking into this more now that my boa is getting to that size here soon to be able to gobble down those birds. And like most of you have said, I like to add a bit of variety.

Any updates to feeding quail?

Well he went into shed shortly after I fed him which was 09-24. He just finished shed today and he looks the best I've seen him. He's leaner and a lot more colorful than before. He has not defecated yet so I'm waiting until he does before I offer another. So far I'm impressed with quail.

I've dropped my temps for the winter season so his feed/elimination cycle is probably extended as was his shed.

He seems fairly large to me for just shy of 16 months old. He is about 4' 2" to 4' 3" long. He is a perfect loaf shape however and that is what I'm aiming for right now.

It went down a bit slower but it's a new prey item.

http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/DSC00737.jpg

If I can get maximum SAFE growth for this guy I'll be very happy as I think he is just beautiful for a normal Colombian male boa.

I will have to try quail out as well. Maybe throw in a tasty fat rat and a rabbit every now and then to mix it up for variety.

I hear rabbits really get them lean and muscular when they can take them. Sounds like a good plan for you!

I went down to see Sniper this morning and had been hoping he would clear his system as I wanted to do a total cage clean and disinfect.
Today's plan was to try the only other substrate I had interest in which was/is coconut husk.

I also like aspen and cypress. So far cypress is my favorite of those 2.

I can usually smell a hint of waste in the air after the go goes so I was a bit disappointed when I got down and didn't smell a thing. I opened the cage and still didn't catch a whiff of anything but after moving a hide, I found he had let everything go.

The quail did NOT create a horrible smell, nor did it make a huge mess which is what I expected. I cleaned everything up and was able to take all the decor out of the cage and clean it.

The new substrate is in, the snake is as lean as he's been in a while although he was never fat. He is MUCH taller then he is wide which is a treat.

The quail seemed big going down, but I think shape of the prey was a factor.

I'll give him another one tonight as it's been 16 days since he's eaten and he looks great!

Final verdict on quail? Recommended!!!