Reptomin?

[Kaorte]

Thank you! That's exactly what I'm trying to say. We just don't know. And to flat out say it's unnecessary is really presumptuous. Until someone does a long term study of the effects of vitamins with these snakes we just don't know.

Just to be clear, I never said you COULDN'T do it. If you want to do it, go for it. No one is going to stop you.

Experienced keepers will agree with me. People who breed ball pythons for a living will agree with me. These people have been keeping ball pythons in captivity for decades and have never reported problems due to nutrient deficiency for animals that are consistant feeders. So where is the evidence that points toward a need for vitamins?

If there was a need for vitamin supplements for ball pythons, we would know about it by now. We know about it for many species of lizards and amphibians and it is considered required to add these dietary supplements. This is mainly because we cannot provide the same nutrients to these animals in captivity like they would get in the wild.

If there was such a great benefit to using vitamins as you say there MIGHT (keyword might) be, then experienced keepers and breeders would be using them already. Ball pythons get all their nutrients from the food they eat and nothing else. Keepers who feed frozen do not notice a difference in health than those who feed frozen.

I cannot think of a single supplement that you could give a snake that it wouldn't get from its prey. That being said, the prey item must be raised on a certain kind of food (which most rodent breeders already use) and in clean conditions.

And if you were to argue that a rat isn't a ball pythons "natural" prey item, then explain to me why ball pythons feeding on their natural prey item, african soft furred rats, are of the same health as those feeding on lab rats?


You are right, until someone does a study to see if vitamins are beneficial, we will not know for sure. But are you willing to risk the health and safety of your animals to find out? I am going to go with the tried and true method that has worked for keepers and breeders all over the world since ball pythons started being kept in captivity. One appropriately sized rat, mouse, or ASF once a week.

I really didn't wish to start an argument with you over this. Just trying to save you a few bucks. When you bring up an idea like this, you can't expect everyone to agree with everyone. There is no single right way to keep your animal healthy. Ultimately, it is your decision. Their life is in your hands.