Reptilinks!!!???

Ok guys, give me your thoughts on Reptilinks for snakes!! I used to give them to my beardie and she was so so about them. My local reptile shop has been selling them for awhile and she said a lot of people have fed them to their snakes.

My biggest concern is that whole prey comes with everything, organs, bone, blood, muscle etc. Reptilinks claims to have all that too. It comes in different set ups with different meats, veggies etc. Been thinking of trying it for Caesar and the big boas as they are garbage cans and eat anything lol. But i'm looking for people who have used it for awhile and what they have observed. More was thinking as a 'treat' or change of pace from rats, rabbits and quails since they have venison ones and stuff.

Well, i guess the biggest links are only 100g. The owner showed his his peruvian BCC and said he hopes to be producing big links soon. So maybe I'll test it out on the smaller boas as they dont get a variation of food and only eat weaned rats. This would actually be a good way to get them variety as i guess they just added a guinea fowl link along with their other stuff like rabbit, quail and stuff.

I think it makes a lot of sense. European bred lab rodents are essentially buttery junkfood, which is why almost all reptiles love them. The science is still incomplete, but no one is going to be surprised to find out a 100% rodent diet is inferior to a varied one. Think about how we raise hatchlings - on pinks which are nothing but globs of fat and water.

I've purchased and fed the rabbit links to my snakes. In general the snakes that are typically garbage disposals - BI's, BRB's, Savu's, Retics, Burms, etc. - will eat them. Ball pythons, not so much.

My only complaint with them is that some of my harder-hitting/wrapping snakes ripped them in half; BRB's were actually the worst about this. Unless you have a lizard or a lazy snake that will just start chowing down on a f/t feeder without "killing" it first, I wouldn't recommend getting links larger than 25 grams.

i haven't done my research on these so i apologize for my ignorance but i figured i'd take advantage of this thread: are these good for Corns? does anyone have this experience?

All I can add is I know they’ve been around for along time, maybe 20 years. Never heard anything negative.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

I've purchased and fed the rabbit links to my snakes. In general the snakes that are typically garbage disposals - BI's, BRB's, Savu's, Retics, Burms, etc. - will eat them. Ball pythons, not so much.

My only complaint with them is that some of my harder-hitting/wrapping snakes ripped them in half; BRB's were actually the worst about this. Unless you have a lizard or a lazy snake that will just start chowing down on a f/t feeder without "killing" it first, I wouldn't recommend getting links larger than 25 grams.

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Hmm, think I'll give a shot to my little guys like Gina, Rango and Louie. Actually been thinking of maybe trying a little 6 gram one for Pat too. Caesar, Rosey and Vicky hit their rats like a freight train, so might not be the best idea. I probably will try one when the guy starts making 200-300 gram ones. Right now, he just has 100 grams as the largest.

So your boas have taken the little rabbit ones pretty eagerly?

And yeah, i didnt even think about trying one for Dottie. And probably not for Luna either as she is scared of a FT rat lol. But who knows, maybe i'll hang one for her and if she doesnt eat, i can give it one of the small boas. If she does eat it, i can just go back to the reptile shop and buy one to replace for the boas.

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

i haven't done my research on these so i apologize for my ignorance but i figured i'd take advantage of this thread: are these good for Corns? does anyone have this experience?

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Perfect for corns since most will eat anything.

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Originally Posted by Ernie Mccracken

Perfect for corns since most will eat anything.

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i always say if my Corn ever refuses a meal, it's an emergency trip to the vet!!!

but about Reptilinks: omg really? that's awesome! i'm actually on the hunt for proper sized feeders for my growing (severely underfed) Corn; do you keep Corns? do you have experience feeding these to Corns?

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

i always say if my Corn ever refuses a meal, it's an emergency trip to the vet!!!

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Hahaha, my scrub is just like that. He tried to snatch a hot dog from me once, so I'm sure he wouldn't think twice about a guinea fowl link! Even though it sounds like a weird idea in my head, everyone I know that's ever tried reptilinks says they're great. If your snake will eat them, it's probably a great way to vary their diet.

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

i always say if my Corn ever refuses a meal, it's an emergency trip to the vet!!!

but about Reptilinks: omg really? that's awesome! i'm actually on the hunt for proper sized feeders for my growing (severely underfed) Corn; do you keep Corns? do you have experience feeding these to Corns?

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Corn snakes apparently do very well on them.

They do have a Facebook group if you want to ask the owner or other customers questions: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheLinkSide/

I can see how these could be useful for hognose hatchlings, as they make tiny ones out of frog meat.

I have been using ReptiLinks for about three years now. I feed them to my BHP, bredli, GTP, hognose, and occasionally my GBKs. And I just picked up a couple new species this weekend that I will also try these on once they settle in.

All in all I like them. I have a variety of different types; frog, guinea fowl, quail, quail/frog, rabbit, iguana, megablend... Might have one or two others, cannot recall off the top of my head... For species that are not normally rodent feeders in the wild I feel these are a preferable food source as it more closely mimics what they would be eating. And gram for gram I feel they have better nutrition as well and so I have to feed less frequently.

Some animals can be difficult to get feeding, I have this problem with my GBKs actually as they seem to imprint harder than balls on a food item, but for those that are enthusiastic eaters or are not finicky you should have no problems. And I have had some balls that will take these as well, though I do not feed them links on the regular (and again, it is the ones that have such a strong feed response that they would literally eat a rat that was still frozen).

If you have easy access to them then I would suggest at least trying them on some of your animals for a while and seeing how they work for you.

I've been using them for a couple years now to add variety for some of my snakes. Sometimes harder hitting animals will create a mess and sometimes the ends aren't tied off well so one side will be unravelled after thawing. Some of my harder hitting/chewing stuff can equally rip a f/t rodent in half so I'm used to cleaning after feeding anyway, haha. All in all, I like them for what they are and will continue using. Nothing I keep gets them as a staple but I've always got a few packages in the freezer so I can mix things up. Success varies but far less than half of my snakes turn down links. I do tend to offer them stuff they'd naturally be interested in in the wild though. I'm not tossing rabbit links at garter snakes, etc.

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Yeah i was going to give it a shot since yesterday was feeding day for the little booger Pat but the reptile shop doesnt carry them anymore :( I'll probably have to order a small sample to try on the little boas and Pat. I dont think a 100g link is going to make a dent in Caesar or the big boas. Would be like a tic tac to them.

Has anybody had any luck feeding these to Ball pythons? I was just curious.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

I dont think a 100g link is going to make a dent in Caesar or the big boas. Would be like a tic tac to them.

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You might be surprised. I feed 100g links to my 2m BHP and she does fine with them.

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Originally Posted by Sonny1318

Has anybody had any luck feeding these to Ball pythons? I was just curious.

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As I noted in my earlier post, I have a couple balls that will take them but it is the ones that are of the bite first/think later mindset. If you have a ball like that then you might have success, but if you have a ball that requires you do the 5 minute zombie rat dance then odds are it will not take them

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Originally Posted by asplundii

You might be surprised. I feed 100g links to my 2m BHP and she does fine with them.

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Not sure how big your BHPs are or what their equivalent in rat weight is but Caesar usually eats about 360ish gram rat. Rosey gets around a 275-300 gram rat and Vicky gets a 250 gram rat. I'll see though as i probably will put in a small order of 25 gram rabbit and quail and chicken ones for the little boas and some quail mini links for Pat. Might do a single order of the 100 gram rabbit and quail to see how big they are. Worst case, I'm sure Vicky can eat them.

Not to railroad the thread but, has anyone tried the ASF scent to get a picky eater on f/t? I’ve always fed live but have been trying the last few months to make the switch for convienence. Hes still healthy and I’m fine to feed live if this goes on much longer but wanted to know if anyone has had some success. I’d say the last time I offered f/t he showed the most interest so I feel like I’m close.

I'm curious why one would choose to feed these rather than whole prey animals. The cost per pound is 3-4 times that of frozen feeders purchased in bulk.

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Originally Posted by DennisM

I'm curious why one would choose to feed these rather than whole prey animals. The cost per pound is 3-4 times that of frozen feeders purchased in bulk.

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I get the whole “variety” and “treat” thing. But the exorbitant costs put a lid on it for me.

I love Lobster and Prime Rib, but haven’t had either in over 20 years. I just can’t justify the cost.

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Originally Posted by DennisM

I'm curious why one would choose to feed these rather than whole prey animals. The cost per pound is 3-4 times that of frozen feeders purchased in bulk.

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They work well for lizards that need a variety of whole prey and veggies in their diet, especially the ones that tend to pick out the foods they like and leave the rest.

Also some snake owners's significant others don't care to look at a package of mice or rats in the freezer when they go digging for a package of ground beef.

I have heard second hand issues with these. Is there any documented cases of snakes having impaction or digestive problems with these? I take almost every second hand story as someone who has no idea what they are doing grasping at straws to blame why their snake died but I have read several complaints about these so I am curious. I know they are fabulous for lizards that tear and rip their prey apart but for snakes that swallow whole is what I am wondering about.

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Originally Posted by DennisM

I'm curious why one would choose to feed these rather than whole prey animals. The cost per pound is 3-4 times that of frozen feeders purchased in bulk.

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I want to offer it simply for variety in my snakes' diets. It wouldnt be a staple. Since my little boas are too small to eat stuff like chicks, quails and rabbits, a link here and there i believe would be a good change.

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Originally Posted by SDA

I have heard second hand issues with these. Is there any documented cases of snakes having impaction or digestive problems with these? I take almost every second hand story as someone who has no idea what they are doing grasping at straws to blame why their snake died but I have read several complaints about these so I am curious. I know they are fabulous for lizards that tear and rip their prey apart but for snakes that swallow whole is what I am wondering about.

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I couldnt imagine how a Reptilink would cause impaction. It's not wet sand or a giant piece of undigestible material. A snake's stomach digests bone, i think it digest a sausage casing. And not all lizards tear their prey unless it is too big. My Nile monitor used to just swallow mice and small rats lol. Big stuff he would hold them in his mouth and then use his claw to rip them open and then drag them around all proud. That made for a big mess. My Savannahs used to just swallow stuff too. My beardie also would just swallow the links.

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Originally Posted by asplundii

I have been using ReptiLinks for about three years now. I feed them to my BHP, bredli, GTP, hognose, and occasionally my GBKs. And I just picked up a couple new species this weekend that I will also try these on once they settle in.

All in all I like them. I have a variety of different types; frog, guinea fowl, quail, quail/frog, rabbit, iguana, megablend... Might have one or two others, cannot recall off the top of my head... For species that are not normally rodent feeders in the wild I feel these are a preferable food source as it more closely mimics what they would be eating. And gram for gram I feel they have better nutrition as well and so I have to feed less frequently.

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How do you thaw them and heat for feeding? You mention feeding less frequently based on nutritional value, could you please explain?

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Originally Posted by John1982

I've been using them for a couple years now to add variety for some of my snakes. Sometimes harder hitting animals will create a mess and sometimes the ends aren't tied off well so one side will be unravelled after thawing. Some of my harder hitting/chewing stuff can equally rip a f/t rodent in half so I'm used to cleaning after feeding anyway, haha. All in all, I like them for what they are and will continue using. Nothing I keep gets them as a staple but I've always got a few packages in the freezer so I can mix things up. Success varies but far less than half of my snakes turn down links. I do tend to offer them stuff they'd naturally be interested in in the wild though. I'm not tossing rabbit links at garter snakes, etc.

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How do you thaw them and heat for feeding?

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Not sure how big your BHPs are or what their equivalent in rat weight is but Caesar usually eats about 360ish gram rat. Rosey gets around a 275-300 gram rat and Vicky gets a 250 gram rat. I'll see though as i probably will put in a small order of 25 gram rabbit and quail and chicken ones for the little boas and some quail mini links for Pat. Might do a single order of the 100 gram rabbit and quail to see how big they are. Worst case, I'm sure Vicky can eat them.

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​I remember reading somewhere and asked asplundii about the less frequent feeding based on nutritional value vs whole prey items.

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Originally Posted by DennisM

I'm curious why one would choose to feed these rather than whole prey animals. The cost per pound is 3-4 times that of frozen feeders purchased in bulk.

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Variety and convenience. I can buy rabbit/quail/frog/etc links, whole chicks, whole quail, quail eggs, whole rats, whole mice in 1 shipment/box. Their whole prey prices are pretty much on par with my other frozen feeder suppliers so about twice a year(when I'm low on links) I go ahead and make an order from them and restock all feeders plus several bags of links. I'm usually restocking other feeders every 2-3 months.

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Originally Posted by BR8080

How do you thaw them and heat for feeding?

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No different from thawing rodents. Use your preferred method.

When i fed them to my beardie, i would just toss them into a baggie and float them in warm water until thawed just like rodents.

As for higher nutritional value, i might be an idiot but i dont see how they would be higher than whole prey. I see them as being equal since really the only difference you are doing is grinding up whole prey. Sure you skip the feathers in the case of birds but i dont see that as adding that much more. A 100 gram link would equal 100 grams of whole prey worth of food unless i am missing something.

The main reason i want to try them is to just give variety to my smaller snakes.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Not sure how big your BHPs are or what their equivalent in rat weight is but Caesar usually eats about 360ish gram rat. Rosey gets around a 275-300 gram rat and Vicky gets a 250 gram rat.

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My BHP is 2 meters long, about as big around as a soda can. I do not weigh my rats but she can down a medium and not have a noticeable bulge.

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Originally Posted by DennisM

I'm curious why one would choose to feed these rather than whole prey animals.

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As I said above, these allow me to feed my animals a diet closer to what they would be eating in the wild which I feel is better for them. BHPs, bredli, GTPs, GBKs, hognose... None of these animals evolved eating European-domestic rodents and a captive diet composed of them is not exactly the best for them, this is part of the reason why we see such a problem with obesity and FLD in a lot of these species. And, these are whole prey so it is not a "rather than" situation.

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Originally Posted by BR8080

You mention feeding less frequently based on nutritional value, could you please explain?

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

As for higher nutritional value, i might be an idiot but i dont see how they would be higher than whole prey. I see them as being equal since really the only difference you are doing is grinding up whole prey... A 100 gram link would equal 100 grams of whole prey worth of food unless i am missing something.

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Nick has done a few podcasts and discussed this in detail but in short -- If you look at a typical whole prey item, about 20-30% of that item is intestines full of predigested and fecal matter, they pull most of that out (basically from the bottom of the stomach down). By using links you gain back that 20-30% in "useful" material. Additionally, because the material in ReptiLinks is ground, it is digested more easily and the nutrients are absorbed better than versus whole prey. All of this together makes ReptiLinks more calorie dense than rodents so feeding the same gram weight is providing higher calories and you can feed less often.

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Originally Posted by SDA

I have heard second hand issues with these. Is there any documented cases of snakes having impaction or digestive problems with these? I take almost every second hand story as someone who has no idea what they are doing grasping at straws to blame why their snake died but I have read several complaints about these so I am curious.

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I have never had any issues with impaction and I have not heard any first-hand accounts of this...

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Originally Posted by BR8080

How do you thaw them and heat for feeding?

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I take whatever I need to feed for the week out of the freezer, put it in a Ziplock bag and throw it in the bucket of hot water that I am using to thaw out my F/T rats in.

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Originally Posted by cron14

Not to railroad the thread but, has anyone tried the ASF scent to get a picky eater on f/t? I’ve always fed live but have been trying the last few months to make the switch for convienence. Hes still healthy and I’m fine to feed live if this goes on much longer but wanted to know if anyone has had some success. I’d say the last time I offered f/t he showed the most interest so I feel like I’m close.

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I have all their scents, mostly for some obscure species I am working with to help me get things feeding, have not used the fish one yet but the frog, lizard, and gecko ones have proven useful for me. I have used the ASF scent on a rat a couple times for a ball that I picked up and was told was eating rats only to find out it was on ASFs. It seems to spark a bit of interest but he has only taken 1 of the 4 rats I have done this with so jury is still out.

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Originally Posted by asplundii

I have used the ASF scent on a rat a couple times for a ball that I picked up and was told was eating rats only to find out it was on ASFs. It seems to spark a bit of interest but he has only taken 1 of the 4 rats I have done this with so jury is still out.

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Live or f/t rats?

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Originally Posted by bcr229

Live or f/t rats?

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F/T. I take the ASF juice and thaw it out enough to shake some into a snack-size Ziplock and then I place the single frozen feeder in there and drop it in the water bucket to thaw so that the scenting can permeate in.