Aerobic and Anaerobic Metabolism During Activity in Snakes - John A. Ruben - Journal of Comparative Physiology 1976
Bottom Line: energy production correlates directly and irrefutably with their activity modes.
For example, are they active or passive hunters? Do they den or roam? In other words, the more activity they require to successfully survive, the more energy they need...
...and the faster they burn (metabolize) that energy.
A coachwhip needs more food than a rosy boa.
So if:
1. We always hear the 10% to 15% rule thrown out there.
2. Studies were done decades ago that illustrate that metabolism is linked with energy requirements which are linked to activity.
3. The speed of that metabolism correlates to same.
4. The studies have been done on enough snake species to draw some intelligent conclusions.
5. Studies have been done on enough snake species to have an intelligent discussion.
6. Overfeeding is enough of an issue that vets note it as do many keepers.
Why do we not come up with a new guideline to advise new keepers?
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