What's with the Pinky-mouse fascination? Am I the only one who thinks it is bizarre?

[dadmccabe]

I find myself reading the forum daily (since joining in May) and I've read A TON of posts to date. To be fair, I also read many non-Frog Forum articles on other sites too... Anyway, the more I read the more I notice a definite fascination, almost obsessive preoccupation by some people, with forcing White's Tree Frogs to eat pinky mice. Am i the only one who thinks this is awful?? There are countless Youtube videos, endless pictures available, and the ubiquitous questions: "How often can I.." / "how many is too many.." / "When will my frog be big enough to..." / "should the mouse be alive.." / and so on...

Why not just get a snake? Or a cat?

and believe me, I have no bleeding heart for feeder mice. No qualms whatsoever with using them as a food source for the APPROPRIATE animal - or in the case of extreme malnutrition when a frog needs a major nutritional infusion, but I'd let a veterinarian make that call.

Other than that, I think it's disrespectful to treat frogs like "eating machines" that can be force fed whatever might entertain someone for 20 seconds...

Anyway, maybe I'm wrong. Most of the care sheets I read do list Pinkys as an acceptable food source after all... Plus I'm pretty new at this stuff.

...but seriously, get a snake.

[arielgasca420]

I have never read of anyone trying to force their frog to eat a live animal. I would advise against force feeding unless its for the sake of the animals life. this is obviously not the case or intention with mice.
I fed my frogs pinky mice as a treat for a few months, but I stopped because I did not raise the mice myself and therefor do not know the conditions they lived in. I know a local pet store that showcases their mice and rats and the living conditions are very clean and they do not overstock so I will consider this option again since my bullfrog is over 1 pound.
I also personally believe that white's can be sustained on insects for a healthy diet throughout their life, but thats just my personal opinion

[GrifTheGreat]

Unfortunately, many people are drawn to these animals because of their ability to eat mice and such. They see videos that irresponsible keepers post and assume that it's ok to feed them like that. They don't realize that if you do offer mice, it should be a Very occasional treat! I have seen too many times where someone got a frog - particularly Pacs and Pixies- just for its voracious appetite. Then are disappointed when they find out they can't feed them like that all the time or feed them overly large rodents. I guess it boils down to the fact that there are a lot of irresponsible pet owners out there. I enjoy my watching my Pacmans eat, but most of mine have never even had a pinky. The health of my frogs always comes first! But unfortunately some people get frogs simply for entertainment value. :-(

[arielgasca420]

I was never excited to feed my frogs mice when I bought them. I fed them a live pinky once and I felt a huge sink in my heart.
I am still on the fence if a full grown pyxi even needs a treat.
I still have some frozen mice and dont know what to do with them. maybe give them to my cat or throw them away

[Bruce]

I give my pac and my pyxies occasional frozen pinkies, I would never feed live, I'd feel awful!

And by occasional I mean every other month or so, If their lucky, and that's only when their growing for a protein boost.