Quail feeding bonanza.

[Evenstar]

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!

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!


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

[Gio]

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!


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

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

[Evenstar]

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

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??

[Gio]

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??

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.

[Ronin]

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.

[Ronin]

Any updates to feeding quail?

[Gio]

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.



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.

[Ronin]

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.

[Gio]

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

[Gio]

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!!!