ZooMed Canned Snails

[Tarzier]

I was interested in trying out a couple of different things to add variety to my snake's diet, and I see that alot of people feed slugs to theirs. Now, I have no idea how to go about getting slugs, and I'm not even sure which kind would be best. But I was browsing PetCo's website and seen that ZooMed makes canned no-shell snails. I was wondering if anybody has ever tried these, and if it's even a good idea to try them out. I figured if they're ok, and he likes them, having one every now and then would be a nice change of pace for him.

Now, I just recently(Hours ago) learned what I have isn't exactly a real Garter Snake, but for the most part the care and diet is very similar. So I'm not even sure if snails/slugs are are natural for a Striped Keelback(Sold as Indonesian or Canadian Garter Snakes) as I haven't been able to find too much info on them.

If your not too sure as to what I'm talking about, here's a link; Zoo Med Can O' Snails at PETCO (http://www.petco.com/product/115388/Zoo-Med-Can-O-Snails.aspx?CoreCat=RFHPPetType_Snake) .

Thanks in advanced for any replies, if none, I'll probably just try them out and see if he likes them or not.

[guidofatherof5]

I purchased a can a couple of years ago. 95+% of my snake took one look/smell at them and gave me an upset glare.
I only had a couple snakes that ate them.

Slugs can be found in areas with wet condition and fallen logs/branches. They frequent garden to eat the plants/flower/veg. You can lay out some small boards and see if they will collect under them. Under railroad ties is another place they can be found.

Small light brown to dark colored slugs are safe but as you posted I don't know of they are a prey item for Keelbacks.
I'll see if I can locate some more info. on them.

[Tarzier]

I would have thought wild slugs would have an incredible amount of parasites and bugs. That's why I was interested in the Canned Snails. I think I'll still try them out, as they aren't expensive and if it don't work, oh well. I may try out some Worms too, and I already know to cut them up at least into half so they can't wriggle out of the snake.

Seems like it'd be pretty horrible to have something you eat wriggle its way back out. Also, I'm still trying to look some info up, maybe I'll hit a good site, or maybe I'm just failing at researching for once.

[guidofatherof5]

Worms usually have a difficult time getting past those rear-facing little needle teeth on a garter snake.

[Tarzier]

Well that's good to hear. Ever since I had read that particular bit of information, I was a little off-put on the idea of feeding him a worm. Also, how exactly do you spot rear fangs? I've read that his species and(I think, I might remember wrong) some species of Garters have those. I'm not worried about it, cause he's never even tried to attack me. He didn't even attack the food I pestered him with once, he just moves away. I've seen his mouth open a few times, and granted, I wasn't looking for Fangs, but I didn't notice anything either.

I know that second question probably shouldn't be asked in this Forum, but it popped in my head while I was typing.

[Selkielass]

Garter teeth are a lot like those depicted on 'Toothless'the in the movie how to train your dragon.
They are there, numerous tho small, and hard to see unless the snake is biting.
Some snakes do have rear fangs- the molar area teeth are longer than those in the front. These are designed to deliver venom to small prey that fits complete into the mouth.
These snakes are mostly harmless to larger animals -and except for those rare times an animal is aggravated Smith to bite, hold on and chew. Then envenomation may occur, with reactions varying widely by species and amount of venom received.

Hog nose keepers have posted some shots of 'bad' hognose snake bites that look pretty unpleasant.
The worst I've seen from garters is a puffy, itchy finger and forearm.

Steve? You've had a reaction haven't you?
Anyone want to share pics?