feeding questions

I see many people keep kingcobra's and feed them mainly rats. So I'm really interested if they digest a rat easily and do not build up hair inside. I'm getting some adult kings (Also arranged true John light, cheers bro!)

But still having doubts if I not better keep them feeding on snakes which is really expensive but natural food, or does it not matter to feed them rats at all. especially as I want to breed them as well. As breeding is the main goal of all kept species in the collection.

cheers

Richard

I disagree about snakes being really expensive on certain points;
IF you can switch to cornsnakes, it ain't hard.
That sayed, they aren't King's natural food, but one step away from mice definetly.
I know closely people who breed cornies, and they rather carelessly toss me young individuals like "it's a hybrid, go feed it to somebody"
It is a weird world, with loads off offspring continuessly.
I mean basic guttatus ain't expensive at conventions.

My cobras get fresh cornsnake meal once per month, I get one from the fridge, cut it in half, and there you have it.

I always thought that snake-diet is a curse, but I was suprised how very easily you'll get cornsnakes if you have enough room to keep a breeding colony.
Never had a cornsnake, never crossed my mind...

My adult Malaysian Kings, 1.1 are eating 2 large/jumbo frozen thawed rats every 10 days. They do pass a big bunch of hair on occasion, and it is obviously more hair than was on their latest meal. Makes me wonder how long they actually build up the hair before it is expelled, though they seem to be doing very well.

Guest

maybe feeding naked rats solves the hair problem ?

That would definitely solve that problem.

Hi Richard, we have seen no ill effects of feeding rats to our kings and we have been for years. Here in the UK rats are far cheaper than a snake diet, and as we have so many kings then feeding a snake diet is not an option. One thing to consider however, we have had better breeding results from snake feeding female kings than long term rat feeders, i would suggest a snake diet on the run up to the breeding season incase there is a connection. Hope this helps

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