Re: Flies for FBTs - Any Probs??
No, I am not suggesting you don't know anything about frogs or anything like that, but I am suggesting that in this particular case you are repeating dubious information which is based on theory instead of fact. That leads to creation of myths within the hobby. Actual experience does not bear out the theory that wc insects are particularly dangerous. Many hobbyists have been doing it for years. Sometimes it is even a help in promoting egg fertility when breeding difficult species. It was a common and accepted practice up through at least the 90's to use "field sweepings" until paranoia started to take over.Originally Posted by NW Amphibian Rescue
If you would like to read a little bit more on the subject see this: Wild Caught Invertebrates as Reptile and Amphibian Food: Pesticide Concerns - Part 1 | That Reptile Blog He addresses some of the concerns you raise in a series of blogs on the subject.
A bit off topic but to tell you the truth things like this is why I have had some concerns about TWI's amphibian stewards network since it's creation and have never joined. I like the basic premise of more organization within the hobby but while I respect Ed K and what others who have been involved with it from the beginning are trying to do and am sure the guidelines have done many hobbyists a lot of good they also tend to institutionalize some dogma that may or may not be correct. Your quoting from the "book" is evidence for that. Don't get me wrong I think many TWI members are quite knowledgeable and I thing the program has the potential to do quite a bit of good. On the other hand I also fear it has the potential to turn into something of a self feeding ego club which doesn't appeal to me.As far as documentation goes, we are accredited as Amphibian Stewards by TWI, as such we have to follow regulations and procedures for the animals that we have registered. Of course we apply these standards to all of our animals. Under the food supply section of the Procedures and Guidelines Manual it sets forth the order of precedence for food.
First consideration: Cultured Food Items.
Second consideration: Purchased food items.
Last resort: Wild caught food items.
And as a matter of fact the manual suggests borrowing food from another steward before resorting to any of the other methods.
I certainly hope this helps clear up my stand on this, I don't disagree with people just to argue with them, I do my best to help them!That is why I am and have been on the fence over it. I am at the moment still watching to see how things develop. For example the apparently theoretical breeding program for scaphiophryne gottlebei interests me, and if I see members having success with this species and other things that are not already commonly bred in captivity I may think about joining in spite of certain reservations. At the moment though for me personally I don't feel there is sufficient reason to join.
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