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 doorHas 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/gene...-safe-not.html

[candoia aspera]

http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/gene...-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.