Sav Mauling Horn Worm

Pirarucu · 05-11-13, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nepoez

Also.. these horn worms seem to digest real quick.. must be all water. If I feed him an adult mouse, he would be full for 2-3 days and not really move that much..but he ate 2 horm worms yesterday and was pretty full but this morning he's already hungry again, sprinting around sticking his head under logs to search for crix.. I kinda like letting him not get too full with a single meal too often so he stays active.

It's much better to feed them smaller prey more often instead of very large meals. It's easier to digest, and less stressful on them.

nepoez · 05-11-13, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pirarucu

It's much better to feed them smaller prey more often instead of very large meals. It's easier to digest, and less stressful on them.

From what I observe I believe it's true. I think I'll be keeping things small from now on.

franks · 05-11-13, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nepoez

From what I observe I believe it's true. I think I'll be keeping things small from now on.

You do not have to. Proportionately, the bosc monitor can take larger prey then any of the other monitors. Daniel Bennett wrote that a Savannah Monitor can consume prey specimens 1/3 their own body weight. Just make sure you provide a basking temp hovering around 140 degrees F and you will be fine.

Pirarucu · 05-12-13, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by franks

You do not have to. Proportionately, the bosc monitor can take larger prey then any of the other monitors. Daniel Bennett wrote that a Savannah Monitor can consume prey specimens 1/3 their own body weight. Just make sure you provide a basking temp hovering around 140 degrees F and you will be fine.

Proportionally yes they can, and it is of course a good adaptation in the wild where they may not eat again for a while. In captivity however, with a continuous supply of food, it just puts unnecessary stress on their their digestive system as well as being stressful to swallow if they have to sit there trying to force the food down their throat for ten minutes.. So yes they can, but there is no benefit in doing so.