Potential food source

[thamneil]

Was doing a bit of trout fishing today and realized that the fingerlings bred to stock lakes are rather small. The gears started turning in my head and I thought of purchasing whole trout fingerlings to add to my snakes' menus. Has anyone ever used fingerlings? Any problems you can think of? The fact that they are whole makes them easy to feed without preparation or supplementation. What do you think?

[jaleely]

Where do you get trout fingerlings? I'd love that. I have three snakes that only want to eat trout and i am worried the calcium supplementation isn't enough!

[guidofatherof5]

I would think the one big concern would be the water they come from which has a direct bearing on the health of the fish.
Parasites would be another concern which is present in all wild food items.
I think it's a good idea otherwise.

[thamneil]

I was thinking of purchasing the fish direct from the hatchery. As far as I know, the local hatcheries keep the fingerlings under very sterile and healthy conditions before other companies buy them. I'll have to ask about water quality and parasites before I go through with this.

[snake man]

That could be very cool if its safe.

[jitami]

Hmmm... we have a hatchery near here, too. Not a bad idea at all. I wonder if they'd sell small quantities to the public, though? Please keep us posted.

[snake man]

You might have to buy in bulk and stock up.

[thamneil]

I was thinking of buying anywhere from 300 to 500. They have massive quantity discounts from what I have heard making trout an extremely cheap whole prey item.

[guidofatherof5]

Are you planning on keeping them alive or freezing them in batches?

[mikem]

I also have a hatchery near by.. May have to look into it.