kingsnake.com - reptile and amphibian classifieds, breeders, forums, photos, videos and more

return to main index

  mobile - desktop
follow us on facebook follow us on twitter follow us on YouTube link to us on LinkedIn
International Reptile Conservation Foundation  
Click here for LLL Reptile & Supply
Mice, Rats, Rabbits, Chicks, Quail
Available Now at RodentPro.com!
Locate a business by name: click to list your business
search the classifieds. buy an account
events by zip code list an event
Search the forums             Search in:
News & Events: Herp Photo of the Day: Water Snake . . . . . . . . . .  Herp Photo of the Day: Desert Iguana . . . . . . . . . .  Southwestern Herp Society Meeting - May 04, 2024 . . . . . . . . . .  Exotic Pets Expo - Manasas - May 05, 2024 . . . . . . . . . .  Greater Cincinnati Herp Society Meeting - May 07, 2024 . . . . . . . . . .  St. Louis Herpetological Society - May 12, 2024 . . . . . . . . . .  Colorado Herp Society Meeting - May 18, 2024 . . . . . . . . . .  Chicago Herpetological Society Meeting - May 19, 2024 . . . . . . . . . .  San Diego Herp Society Meeting - May 21, 2024 . . . . . . . . . .  Bay Area Herpetological Society Meeting - May 24, 2024 . . . . . . . . . .  Suncoast Herp Society Meeting - May 25, 2024 . . . . . . . . . .  DFW Herp Society Meeting - May 25, 2024 . . . . . . . . . . 

Are the risks worth it?


[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Chameleon Forum ]

Posted by lele on May 08, 2003 at 12:23:56:

In Reply to: Are the risks worth it? posted by Joel_Fish on May 08, 2003 at 10:36:53:

Hi Joel,

the pesticide issue is a bigger concern than many people think. I am a degreed horticulturist pursuing (another)degree in entomology so I feel confident in my advice. Because of synthetic fertilizers, thus high salt content, ground water contamination, etc. any sub-surface larva may become toxic (due to the above) from consuming in this environment even if they are not naturally toxic. Some parts of the country spray for mosquitoes and West Nile Virus (usually done at night so you may not even know), thus toxins.

Once in a great while MIGHT be OK, but for my money, it is not worth the risks. Be interested in Big T's comments...

lele


:lele,

:Thank you for that post! Those are my concerns exactly!

:I think that I need to be convinced that this is a good idea and so far, I'm not.

:The downsides are pesticides, parasites and toxicity. The upside is better nutrition from the variety of foods that the insect feeds on. The recommendation is to keep the insects for a week to clean their gut of bad stuff and you're also supposed to feed them yourself during this time. How is this any different than what we already do with our captive feeders? What about insects that have low levels of toxicity that won't kill your cham, but just make it feel bad?

:I'd really like to hear some experienced people weigh in on this one.

:thanks,
:Joel Fish




Follow Ups:




[ Follow Ups ] [ The Chameleon Forum ]