Posts tagged feeding reptiles
Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation for Aquatic Frogs, Turtles & Newts – Part 2
Apr 19th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. In Part 1 of this article we discussed vitamin/mineral supplements for aquatic animals that accept prepared/non-living foods; included among these are African Clawed Frogs, Sharp-Ribbed and many other newts, and most water-dwelling turtles.
Live Prey Specialists
Animals that take live prey only are especially troublesome when it comes to supplementation, as one cannot coat live aquatic food animals with powders. Popular live food specialists include Dwarf African Clawed Frogs, Mata Mata Turtles, Surinam Toads, Mudpuppies and the larvae of most salamanders. More >
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Loading ...Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation for Aquatic Frogs, Turtles & Newts – Part 1
Apr 8th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Powdered vitamin and mineral supplements for reptiles and amphibians have been a great boon to herp keepers. However, African Clawed Frogs, Red-Eared Sliders, Axolotls and other creatures that feed only in water present special challenges, as the supplements wash away before being consumed. Today we’ll look at some ways around this problem. More >
(+1 rating, 1 votes) Loading ...Attracting and Collecting Earthworms – a Simple Technique
Dec 28th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Earthworms are one of the most nutritious food items available for amphibians, and for those reptiles, invertebrates and fishes that will take them. Collecting them (in one piece!) can, however, be frustrating, and they are quite costly at bait stores. One trick I stumbled upon years ago has greatly simplified the task of supplying my collection with earthworms – I hope you find it useful. More >
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Autumns Effect on Turtle, Lizard and Snake Appetites
Nov 13th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. As autumn approaches I invariably receive questions from reptile owners whose pets have lost interest in food. This most commonly occurs among Red Eared Sliders, Box and Painted Turtles, and other North American species, but may show up in lizards and snakes as well.
Amphibians in general, and reptiles from regions without a seasonal change, are largely immune. Bear in mind, however, that many species native to warm climates do experience a cool season – Bearded Dragons are a prime example, with certain populations hibernating in the wild.
Internal Controls on Behavior
It is common for native reptiles to slow down or stop feeding as the seasons change; often circadian rhythms (“internal clocks”) control this, and they will not feed even if kept warm. As long as the animals are otherwise in good health, they will be fine. We are learning that reptiles have amazing abilities to alter their metabolisms to suit local conditions (please see article below). Gharials (fish eating crocodilians) that I kept for 17 years at the Bronx Zoo went off feed annually, right in sync with wintertime in their native Pakistan. Despite being kept at 86-92 F, and moving about daily, they lost almost no weight over their 3 month fasting period.
Keeping Turtles in Winter
Sliders, Snapping Turtles and others that refuse to feed as fall approaches can be kept in water that is at average room temperature (65-68F) or a bit higher over the winter. Leave their UVB and basking lights on during the day, as they will continue to bask and move about. You can offer food 1-2x per week, but they will likely not eat much. Sick or stressed animals are another matter…please write in if you need advice.
Actually putting reptiles into true hibernation by lowering temperatures significantly is tricky, although often an important breeding stimulus. Please write in if you need further information.
Future Research -Your Observations Needed
One thing I’ve noticed, and which I’d like to research further, is that wild-caught turtles, even if taken into captivity on the day of hatching, usually stop feeding in the winter, while captive-hatched animals of the same species feed throughout the year. I would be very interested to hear from readers with similar or different experiences, thanks.
Further Reading
Please see Hibernation in Captive Bearded Dragons for specific information on these popular pets.
There is some amazing new information coming to light on snake metabolisms. Please check out How Snakes Grow During Times of Food Deprivation.
Please write in with your questions and comments.
Thanks, until next time,
Frank Indiviglio
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