Parasites and pathogens

[adamanteus]

I agree and disagree at the same time!
I certainly think you're right about the kids getting dirty thing.... kids are meant to play in the dirt, it's their job and it's how they build up their immune system.
The thing about pathogens and parasites in captive reptiles, is that the populations can 'explode' in a captive environment. Also the increased stress levels of captivity can lower an animals resistance to illness.
I believe their is a balance, use wild caught prey if you must. Just be aware of your snake's behaviour and watch for subtle changes.
Captivity is obviously an unnatural state... there can be no perfect or problem-free way of doing it.

[infernalis]

If anyone thinks that I implied that it was good to allow snakes to wallow like a pig, I somehow mis worded my text.

In fact, I have torn people a new one for not cleaning cages out.

Publicly shamed those who have allowed an enclosure to go uncleaned for 4 months, etc....

and obviously, if a food item was visibly sick, I leave it alone.

But fact is, toads and worms from a pesticide free area are most likely cleaner than feeders from a pet store. (there's no one to net up and hide dead ones at the pond.)

[GartersRock]

I absolutely agree Wayne!! =D

[ssssnakeluvr]

the only ampnibians mine get are ones that have passed away....most are too cute to feed off...I keep them as pets also!!!!!

[infernalis]

I try to respect the order of nature.

I will walk staring down at my feet to avid stepping on a frog, but I will not hesitate to feed it to my snake either.

baby toadlets were the perfect jump start for those non feeders

[infernalis]

To this day I still use tadpoles to "jump start" baby garters that refuse to eat.