Frogs Legs

[candoia aspera]

I've been thinking for a while about using frozen frogs legs to give more variety to the garters diet. Frogs Legs - Buy Online | Frogs Legs Delivery to your door (http://www.thefishsociety.co.uk/fish-detail_frogs-legs_13_320_0_1.html)Has anyone tried this before and did it work?

[Didymus20X6]

I seem to remember a thread about frogs' legs from a few years ago. The concerns were not pragmatic, but there were some pretty intense ethical questions about it though.

[guidofatherof5]

Less then a few years. There's been a more recent one. I'll see if I can find it.

[guidofatherof5]

http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/general-talk/8766-frog-legs-safe-not.html

[candoia aspera]

http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/general-talk/8766-frog-legs-safe-not.html

Thanks Steve, i had no idea that this had been discussed before. so a part from the question of ethics and parasites is there any species of frogs that could contain traces of thiamine?

[infernalis]

As with any reptile, whole prey items are the most healthy choice anyways.

[Didymus20X6]

Thiamine is a good thing. It's a B vitamin necessary for survival.

Thiaminase is a protein that destroys Thiamine, and while some species have no problem with it, to others it is deadly. But from what I understand, you really only need to be concerned with that with certain species of fish. There's a list of them in our Garter Snake Care Sheet.

[EasternGirl]

I know that some garters do eat whole frogs and toads in the wild...but my concern would be parasites...garters in the wild often contract parasites that kill them. I think that it is our job in keeping them in captivity to provide them with the safest and healthiest diet that we can. I stick with food items that I know to be safe...if there is any risk of parasites or toxicity, I steer clear. For example, I know that many garter love slugs as a treat. But you have to be careful because some slugs are toxic, from what I understand. Some people feed them anyway...making sure to look for the ones that are safe. I choose not to take the risk. There are slugs in my yard all the time...but my garters will just have to do without. I think mine are doing fine with fish, pinkies, and the occasional worms...and I am very picky about the fish and worms that I feed them. I personally would not try frog legs.

[Didymus20X6]

My garters seem to hate slugs. Possibly because the ones in my area are toxic, and they learn not to eat them pretty early. (My snakes are locally wild-caught, remember).

[EasternGirl]

Right...so are my easterns. I have never tried to feed them slugs. I found a big one in my yard yesterday when I was looking for earthworms, to no avail, but like I said...I won't risk it. As picky as my easterns are...I can't imagine that they would eat them anyway...and like you said...they probably know not to because of living in the wild.

[candoia aspera]

Thiamine is a good thing. It's a B vitamin necessary for survival.

Thiaminase is a protein that destroys Thiamine, and while some species have no problem with it, to others it is deadly. But from what I understand, you really only need to be concerned with that with certain species of fish. There's a list of them in our Garter Snake Care Sheet.

ah you're right, i got my vitamin mixed up. I knew what i meant lol

[Selkielass]

I saw a few black slugs this spring, but not enough to gather. Later leopard slugs dominate and my snakes don't seem to care for them.
Grey tree frogs are abundant where Abby was caught, but I've never tried offering Them. (Too many parasite risks & ethic concerns.)
I am thinking of trying leeches, but all are wild gathered & may contain parasites.

[guidofatherof5]

I saw a few black slugs this spring, but not enough to gather. Later leopard slugs dominate and my snakes don't seem to care for them.
Grey tree frogs are abundant where Abby was caught, but I've never tried offering Them. (Too many parasite risks & ethic concerns.)
I am thinking of trying leeches, but all are wild gathered & may contain parasites.

Most do.