I have found nothing in the literature directly saying that vitamin deficiently causes the congenital problems that we see in various snake species. But I haven't found anything saying that vitamin deficiently does NOT cause those congenital problems either. I have found material about steatitus (inflamed fat bodies, treated with vitamin E) in boas and thiamin deficiency in garter snakes. And it is well known that breeding females need higher vitamin intakes than non-breeders. So I think the vitamin deficiency idea is worth consideration, with vitamin A, vitamin D and zinc deficiencies at the top of the list. Unfortunately, both A and D can be toxic in large quantities, so figuring doseage may be difficult.

When I was doing my little bit of hobby breeding, I lost a female Burmese python and her clutch of eggs. I know now that she was on a vitamin A deficient diet. I also lost a group of garter snakes. Probably due to thiamin deficiency caused by thiaminase in their frozen fish diet. If I knew then what I know now...

Below are a couple of interesting sources, IMO.

The McDowell book lists symptoms of vitamin A deficiency that occur in various animal species. That list is close to a foot long. Congenital defects include small eyes, missing eyes and failure of the spine and some other bones to develop normally.

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Vitamins in Animal and Human Nutrition, by Lee Russell McDowell. 2nd ed, 2000

"Vitamin A is necessary for normal vision in animals and humans, maintenance of healthy epithelial or surface tissues, and for normal bone development."

"Vitamin A deficiency could indirectly result from zinc deficiency."

"A deficiency of vitamin D results in signs and symptoms similar to those of a lack of calcium or phosphorus or both, as all three are concerned with proper bone formation."

"Congenital malformations in newborn result from extreme deficiencies in the diet of the mother during gestation, and the mother's skeleton is injured as well."

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Tips

To inprove the condition of captive snakes try using Solovite vitamin-minereal tablets. Sluggish appetites have been improved with routine use of this supplement.

Dosage: Not to be used in animals of two (2) lbs. or less.

1 tablet / 40 pounds once every two (2) weeks.

For animals of lesser or greater weight, regulate the time rather than the dosage.

ex. A 10 pound snake would get one (1) tablet every eight weeks.

This product is available at health food stores or from Solgar Co., Inc., Lynbrook, N.Y. 11563.

- Natl. Assoc. for Sound Wildlife Progs. Newsl. 1(2): 7. (Oct-Nov 1977)