Toxic worms and deflated look.

[Raptor]

Okay so I've been away at college and my family was looking after my two little garters. My mom mistakenly fed them Red wigglers which everyone says are bad for them. My small female looks to still be in good health albeit her skin is noticably darker, but My larger wild-caught female looks really really thin, and the back half of her body seems deflated and flat. She can still move her back half to some degree but im really worried about her..

[kibakiba]

I'd recommend seeing a vet if possible.

[guidofatherof5]

Is your wild caught eating?

[Raptor]

There is no reptile vet in my area and I dont have much money... will post pictures soon, I dont want to lose this one. Any opinions or tips on treating her would be greatly appreciated..

[Raptor]

Right now she'll eat garden nightcrawlers that I dig up myself. I live in a small town so not many stores sell bait and the ones that do only sell red wigglers. Earlier this week she downed 10 of them and she ate 4 just yesterday.

[Selkielass]

The toxin found in red wigglers causes vomiting, according to sources I have read. If she wasn't. Vomiting you may have been fortunate.

Eating is good. Flatness could also be dehydration. Provide plenty of fresh water & maybe a warm dàmp hide. Ihope she perks up for you soon, but if not consider a vet.

[guidofatherof5]

How long were you away? Could this weight/size loss be caused by that amount of time?
Have you had fecal float done on her yet?
Sometimes a parasite load can cause them to not gain weight.

I would also like to point out that sometimes at the end of a garters life no amount of food will put weight on them. I don't know the age of your snake but it is something to think about.
Hoping she only needs some TLC and some home cookin'.
Please keep us posted on the situation.

[Raptor]

Thank you guys for your wonderful tips, She was wild caught and I do not know her age, she was about a foot long when I found her. We've switched over to local dug up night crawlers and some tilapia on occasion.

[Raptor]

I've been away since October. When I left she looked just fine. My younger one was on the same red wiggler diet and She's just fine though.

[Raptor]

I want you all to know that she is looking quite better after a week of TLC, lots of water, and fresh garden earth worms. Thank you all for your suggestions and tips!

[Raptor]

I regret to inform you all that Tonya has passed away. We took her to a vet and he told us that she was most likely old an getting ready to pass on. Her last few days were warm and comfortable.

[guidofatherof5]

Sorry to hear about your loss.
R.I.P. Tonya.

[Invisible Snake]

Sorry to hear that :(

[Stefan-A]

A real shame.