Question about squash

[Fishbone]

My oldest male is 6-7 months old, and really getting into salads, veggies, & fruits. He does really love butternut squash, which is good, as it is good for them, and I like it too. I've seen many questions and posts about weather people cook it or not, I've opted against it, I had been grating it, as I've read. But is it ok to give it chopped up and raw? Not in large pieces, maybe 1/4" or so, a kind of rough mince if you will. He likes it that way, but I was worried if it might be harder to digest as compared to shaved or grated. Does anyone have any knowledge or experience with this? I'm actually on my way out to look for some cactus pads to try out too. Thanks,

Dave

 

[Halister]

No my little guy loves butternut squash and ive been in the morning rush and chopped them a little on the large side. He is 5 months in Jan and I dont shred them anymore. After seeing him take down a few of the larger crickets im like why am I doing this.

 

[Paradon]

Actually, I find they digest them better if you grate them... The same is true for my iguana. If you cut them up into smaller dice, I would suggest you cook them a little in the microwave to soften it a little for better digestion.

 

[alcolton]

When I give Evie her squash, I cook it in the microwave and then let it cool. She seems to eat it just find when it is mixed in with her greens.

 

[dragonlover3]

2 of my 4 beardies will only eat the squash if I use a potato peeler and shave thin slices off and serve it like leaves. :whip: :roll: :laughhard: They will go right for it first before the greens. My other 2 will eat squash any way I serve it. I shred it or shave it with a peeler. I never thought to dice it :shock: ...lol
Amanda

 

[Halister]

Thug doesnt care. He is just like, put it in here so I can go to town on it.

 

[Fishbone]

Thanks for the replies guys. Both of mine seem to love it, grated or chopped. Gizmo, my little leatherback female, actually eats some of it before attacking the phoenix worms in the same dish. I'd rather stray from cooking it if possible. The other thing I've noticed, its when you grate it, you can loose allot more moisture. Not sure if that's good or bad, or of no matter, but I was thinking if there was more moisture, it should aid in digestion. Guess I'll just have to wait and see.

Pardon, if I may ask, what have you seen with feeding it uncooked and not grated? Impaction issues? Or undigested pieces?

Thanks

Dave

 

[Paradon]

Yes, I saw undigested pieces everywhere. It worked out a lot better when I started grating it. I think grating it bruises it a little so the enzymes can get in there and get to work.

 

[Fishbone]

Thanks for the info Pardon, I appreciate it.

 

[Paradon]

You're welcome.