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 #1828315


Windermere
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 Insects

I’m curious about something: Most sites I’ve been to say to feed your Uro a couple of insects once or twice a month (or even more often!), but then I see others saying to NEVER feed insects as they can’t handle them.

I know that not much is known about Uros in general, especially how they are in nature, and I know that their gut is a herbivor’s gut, but why then do they seem to like insects so much? I am not feeding my Mali any insects at this time, but I was curious about this controversial subject. If I did give him any, it would be either silkworms or butterworms, no crickets.

So, who feeds insects, who doesn’t, and those that do how often? Have you noticed any side effects?

Sorry if this topic has been done before.

---
Chris



08/12/08  12:35pm

 #1828323


Morgs71
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  Message To: Windermere   In reference to Message Id: 1828315


 Insects

they can manage 1 or 2 a week. as a treat. the reason people dont feed them is because uro’s cant handle high levels of protein which insects have. it can lead to kidney failure if to much protein is consumed.

ryan



08/12/08  12:45pm

 #1828392


El toro
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  Message To: Windermere   In reference to Message Id: 1828315


 Insects

It has been discussed (including why they might choose to eat bugs in captivity), and you can probably find the threads through the search function. I, for one, do not feed any bugs ever. They get other sources of protein - plant sources.



08/12/08  01:53pm

 #1828437


Sahells Mom
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  Message To: El toro   In reference to Message Id: 1828392


 Insects

I don’t feed any insects either. Besides the problem with too much protein, causing kidney problems they can get parasites from insects. Not worth it to me. I think Uro_fan quoted something like 2% of the wild, or recently wild caught, uro feces was insect matter, which would account for eating a leaf with an insect on it. There are several threads concerning this. Check the archives.



08/12/08  02:30pm

 #1828549


Skullkeeper
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  Message To: Windermere   In reference to Message Id: 1828315


 Insects

I do not ever fed insects or worms . If I want to add a little protein to the diet I sprinkle a little bee pollen granules over damp greens or feed lentils that have been soaked over night .



08/12/08  03:57pm

 #1828608


Jbreddawg
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  Message To: Windermere   In reference to Message Id: 1828315


 Insects

I think the general concensus on this board is to not feed insects at all. They dont need them so why take chances ?



08/12/08  04:45pm

 #1830051


Doublemom
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  Message To: Jbreddawg   In reference to Message Id: 1828608


 Insects

No insects here, ever. I’d much rather my Uros get plant-based protein like bee pollen, lentils, beans, etc. And I don’t like the risk of exposure to parasites that can be carried on insects, either. Most of us have perfectly healthy Uros without ever giving a single insect.

Andi



08/13/08  07:42pm

 #1830874


Windermere
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  Message To: Doublemom   In reference to Message Id: 1830051


 Insects

Thanks for all your insites! Bunneh shall remain an insect-free Uro. :)



08/14/08  03:01pm


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