Food question

[Mommy2many]

I know that some people feed their garters different kinds of food; so I wanted to post this question. Can anyone tell me if there is a reason why I couldn't offer my garters tiny bits of raw steak? I know it is not their natural food choice but I was just thinking about the scraps I had cut off of a steak and thought I would ask everyone. Thanks for the anticipated input!

[guidofatherof5]

Beef has a lot of additives. Many aren't even good for us.

[Mommy2many]

See? That's why I go to you guys!
Thanks!

[drache]

hm - not sure
to be perfectly nit-picky, I'd say that hormones and antibiotics present in commercially raised cattle might pose a problem (besides the more nit-picky: it's not their natural food), but I don't know that an occasional strip of steak could have that much impact

[Kelan]

The mental picture of a garter snake eating a cow is kinda funny to me! lol

I don't know if it would hurt them or not but is definetly a lot different than little whole prey items such as frogs, fish, and worms. I don't really understand why you would want to though.

[guidofatherof5]

The mental picture of a garter snake eating a cow is kinda funny to me! lol

I don't know if it would hurt them or not but is definetly a lot different than little whole prey items such as frogs, fish, and worms. I don't really understand why you would want to though.

I understand her question. The answer is variety. I'm sure beef has something good to offer Garter snakes but it also has a downside that may not be worth the risk. Between pinkies,worms,safe fish, and supps. our garters are probably getting a good balanced diet. Mine have been on the same varied diet for years and appear to be doing fine.

[Kelan]

Ok, and I agree that you that they can get a pretty varied and natural diet without experimenting with steaks.

Le Ann, if you decide to try it or find any info elsewhere let us know!

[Stefan-A]

I know that some people feed their garters different kinds of food; so I wanted to post this question. Can anyone tell me if there is a reason why I couldn't offer my garters tiny bits of raw steak? I know it is not their natural food choice but I was just thinking about the scraps I had cut off of a steak and thought I would ask everyone. Thanks for the anticipated input!

I've fed a couple of snakes beef on very rare occasions. If there's anything about it to say, it's that it's just muscle tissue, not a complete meal.

As for the additives Steve mentioned, the levels should not be high enough to cause problems. Then again, I don't know your beef. But I'd still be more concerned about pesticides in worms and heavy metals in fish.

[drache]

Then again, I don't know your beef.

neither do we - that's part of the issue

[Mommy2many]

Ok,

The scrubs liked it but I didn't give them alot; just a taste. And the only reason I was even contemplating it was because I had the sraps and didn't want to waste them.

After the discussion though, I will not feed it to them again. My babies did eat pinkie parts last night which was a first! I have quite a few piggies in the bunch.

So they will have to survive off worms, salmon and pinkies; Oh and the occasional live fishy. Poor snakes