Two Questions Related to Pinkys

[dashnu]

One: Safe to re-freeze after 2/3 hours of no takers?
Two: What are your thoughts on feeding until the garter wants to stop?

For example my 08 lady blackneck ate SIX small pinkies one after another before she decided she didnt want anymore She is going to be huge! My 08 lady eastern took 5. Both these snakes two days later took 3

Truthfully most of my snakes want to eat this way except for a few troubled eaters. I usually feed on a schedule but wanted to experiment.

[adamanteus]

I can't see a problem with feeding young snakes as much as they'll take... maybe a bit more cautious with adults. I never re-freeze, but that's just me.

[dashnu]

Thanks James. I suppose cost vs risk in re freezing is not worth it anyways.

[crzy_kevo]

i dont think there would be a problem in feeding that much except for the fatty content of the pinkies i would maybe give them some fish too brett
we dont want any liver problems now do we

[adamanteus]

The risk may well be minimal... I don't know. I always leave uneaten pinks overnight.... by which time they can't be re-frozen.

[drache]

I don't re-freeze, but if they're untouched, sometimes I'll refrigerate them if i plan to offer them within the next 24 hours

[guidofatherof5]

I can't see a problem with feeding young snakes as much as they'll take... maybe a bit more cautious with adults.

I feed my babies(8 mo. or under) every other day. If it's a troubled eater and they start eating. I will feed them everyday for a couple weeks. Helps get them caught up.

Adults, every 6 days. A lot depends on individuals. Some are very active and require more. Others will take a snooze after eating and not need to be fed as much.

I can only speak for my experience with T. radix

[dashnu]

Thanks for the feedback folks, I think with my young I am going to stick out an all you can eat buffet. After talking to Kevin a bit I may vary their diet.

Are we/some/most of us with the thought Garters adapted to eating worms fish and the like due to lack of rodents and other amphibians? Thus being such a common widespread snake? I guess what Im leading to is pinkys are probably not a good all around source for food or are they? I guess this could be argued either way since most snakes thrive off only rodents.

[adamanteus]

I guess what Im leading to is pinkys are probably not a good all around source for food or are they?

You bring up an old argument here Brett... it's a good point that we all should keep in mind.....
http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/husb...ht=Rodent+Diet

[guidofatherof5]

Variety, seem to be something most of us agree on. I don't think any one food will give them everything they need. By giving them all the sources we have, we hope to balance their needs. Pinkies,worms,fish(safe) slugs and suppliments must be close to a balance. My T. radixes aren't shy about eating and never turn anything down. I think I over feed mine sometimes. With the dry season we have here in Iowa, I'm sure, in the wild they go long periods without food and rarely get full.