Feeding Chondros Birds?

[Mohegan]

This may seem like a silly question, but I will admit my ignorance regarding GTPs. They're not really my cup of tea, they're my boyfriend's little side project. This question is more for his benefit.

Does anyone feed their chondros F/T or live birds? Ever heard of anyone doing it? Is it ok, or one of those kind of taboo subjects? If not, what kind of birds?

Thanks

[Dabonus]

I know there are videos of people doing it floating around on the net, but everything I've read indicates that it's a terrible idea. It puts your GTP in unnecessary danger, wont be as nutritious as mice and will be much more expensive.

[Foschi Exotic Serpents]

I've only ever seen anyone recommend it if your chondro absolutely refuses to feed on anything else to the point of weight loss.. Even then, only farm raised chicks which are raised for this purpose. This usually only happens if it's a wild import. Considering that most are captive bred these days, I see no need for it.

[Mohegan]

Gotcha. Thanks, guys!

[girlundertherainbow]

as in chicks, are a good variety imho and not dangerous. Larger birds that could be a danger, I see no need for. The only cases I've seen them fed were by people just doing it to make and broadcast a "let's see what the snake can eat".. video.
I see nothing wrong with variety?
And talking morelia in my case, but have thought about doing it in the spring for my JCP girl that's a pain about thinking rats are as edible as DIRT and only taking mice when she needs something much larger than the biggest mouse.

[jsmorphs2]

I've read they can get stuck on birds (can't find the thread though). I've also read that the deifications after they eat chicks is very smelly and can be runny. Not worth the hassle imo.

[mues155]

Feeding chicks or quail makes snake poop STINK to high heaven. I dont know if anyone else has noticed a smell increase. But I would never do avian prey, unless totally necessary for the snakes health. IMO

[babyknees]

I could very well be wrong but something I read gave me the impression that birds aren't really a large portion of their diet in the wild.

[Foschi Exotic Serpents]

Wouldn't lizards and other tree dwelling things be more a part of their diet? Don't laugh if I'm wrong because I know nothing about these guys. I know eyelash vipers eat lizards. I saw a special on tv where they filmed them eating during the day for the first time ever to prove they are not nocturnal and every single one grabbed lizards running up the trees towards them.

What DO chondros eat in the wild?

[babyknees]

Contrary to popular belief, Chondros rarely prey on birds. Switak’s examination of the stomach contents of 1,000 animals suggests a wild diet of small mammals, such as rodents and sometimes reptiles. This explains their habit of descending to hunt. Prey is captured by holding onto a branch using the prehensile tail and striking out from an s-shape position. Their explosive speed and agility when striking is nothing short of awesome.

That is what I read. From here.