Okay, so this is my first post on here. I've been doing research for a couple of months now in preparation for getting an Argentine tegu. I plan on researching for a few more months while I save up for set up costs.
I understand that whole prey, as well as fruits, veggies, and calcium supplements are important for the tegu diet. What is stopping me at this point is that my boyfriend (sweetheart that he is) does not want to feed mice or rats (or chicks, I'm betting...) because he has had these animals as pets and can't imagine buying them dead to feed to another animal. I know it is a bit silly, especially since he understands that they are omnivores and will have to eat animal protein. I think the idea of handling whole dead animals (especially animals he loves) freaks him out. I personally don't mind it (been live feeding snakes since I was a child), but he has some very strong ethics about the ways these animals are farmed. What I am wondering is if it is possible to supplement a tegus diet in such a way that whole prey is not necessary? If I include organ meats and bone meal (or something similar) will my tegu be missing out on optimal nutrition?
Alternatively, are there any particularly humane companies to buy frozen mice from? That would probably go a long way towards easing his mind, and I would prefer to buy from a reputable, humane company as well.
Thanks for any advice!
I understand that whole prey, as well as fruits, veggies, and calcium supplements are important for the tegu diet. What is stopping me at this point is that my boyfriend (sweetheart that he is) does not want to feed mice or rats (or chicks, I'm betting...) because he has had these animals as pets and can't imagine buying them dead to feed to another animal. I know it is a bit silly, especially since he understands that they are omnivores and will have to eat animal protein. I think the idea of handling whole dead animals (especially animals he loves) freaks him out. I personally don't mind it (been live feeding snakes since I was a child), but he has some very strong ethics about the ways these animals are farmed. What I am wondering is if it is possible to supplement a tegus diet in such a way that whole prey is not necessary? If I include organ meats and bone meal (or something similar) will my tegu be missing out on optimal nutrition?
Alternatively, are there any particularly humane companies to buy frozen mice from? That would probably go a long way towards easing his mind, and I would prefer to buy from a reputable, humane company as well.
Thanks for any advice!
