getting new garter snakes to eat?

[twostripes42]

I have a few garter snakes (6 one is a baby) and only two of them have eaten. One is a small eastern who ate a night crawler today and the other is a red phase eastern who ate a pinky about a week ago but none of the others have eaten. The eastern tried to go for another night crawler but bit my finger instead and then got scared and didn't try again. I've only tried worms and F/T pinkys so far. Is there anything i can try to get the others to eat? I don't want to fore feed unless absolutely necessary.

[Invisible Snake]

Feeder guppies are great to get stubborn garters to eat.

[guidofatherof5]

I don't recommend force feeding.(Just my opinion)
You need to identify the reason they are not eating.
Have you tried and earthworms(small pale looking little worms found under rocks and debris)

[twostripes42]

I'm almost positive there not eating because there new and WC, so I'm going to give them a week to settle in then I'll try feeding guppies. I did try earth worms and one did take one but not any more, but I'm having trouble finding big earth worms that's why I used night crawlers.

[-MARWOLAETH-]

Fish have stronger smell than worm and mice so try fish also Steve has a great video that shows a good technique to get non feeders eating Container Feeding Garter Snakes. - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1O36FMumumg)

[katach]

You also have to make sure their basic tank needs are met, or they won't feel safe enough to eat.

[twostripes42]

there in good care and very active and seem healthy im going to try and see if my local pet store has feeder fish. i went to petsmart because i needed crickets and the local pet store didn't have any, while i was there i asked what feeder fish they have and they said gold fish and minnows. i didn't buy them but i was wondering if minnows are safe? they seem interested in food but hesitant to take it when they see me.

[guidofatherof5]

Most minnows contain Thiaminase. Better to stick with safe fish like guppies.
Read about Thiaminase in the care sheet.
Garter Snake Forum - Garter Caresheet (http://www.thamnophis.com/index.php?page=caresheet)

[infernalis]

You also have to make sure their basic tank needs are met, or they won't feel safe enough to eat.

Nice post.

As with any animal, if the husbandry is off, the snakes will not eat due to stress.



I have a few garter snakes (6 one is a baby) and only two of them have eaten.

did you go catch these yourself?

[Steveo]

My one wild-caught garter settled in pretty quickly and will eat anything but not if I am watching. How long have you had them? It may take them a while to settle in but I wouldn't be too concerned if an adult doesn't eat for a week or two at first.

[twostripes42]

did you go catch these yourself?[/QUOTE] yes i may end up releasing the baby though and if the others continue not to eat then i will also release them. (where i found them of course)

[twostripes42]

My one wild-caught garter settled in pretty quickly and will eat anything but not if I am watching. How long have you had them? It may take them a while to settle in but I wouldn't be too concerned if an adult doesn't eat for a week or two at first. i've had the red phase for a month and the others only for about a week.

[twostripes42]

did you go catch these yourself? yes but I will most likely be releasing the baby back were i found it, and if the others continue not to eat i will also release them back where i found them.