Raising Live Foods

Many of the most popular reptiles and amphibians—including snakes, monitors, geckos, anoles, chameleons, red-eared sliders, box turtles, and frogs—consume live foods in nature. In fact, when done correctly, a diet consisting of live foods can be beneficial for herps and economical for hobbyists. Raising Live Foods covers numerous common food species—including crickets, mealworms, earthworms, snails, shrimp, fruit flies, fish, mice, finches, and more—and explains which prey species are appropriate for which pet reptiles and amphibians. Step-by-step instructions guide the hobbyist through the entire process of culturing live foods, with thorough discussion of how and why to use live foods, what equipment is needed, and how to procure live foods. Trouble-shooting tips offer solutions to the times when live food cultures go bad, prey species escape, and other potential challenges.