BIG SURPRISE...there's a baby!!

[Calift]

I caught a garter a while ago, who was definitely a female but quite small. I've had her for awhile and she's been a great eater and now tame so I've kept her. I did not think she was gravid after having her all summer.....but I just stuck my head in and there's a tiny baby in the enclosure! I will post a picture soon....but in the meantime I need to madly research hatchling care!

Do I remove it? Wait until there's more??

It's cute!

[guidofatherof5]

I pull them out. That way the don't get run over by the mom. Congrats on the babies. What kind are they?

I give my newborns a warm bath and help them get their first shed done. Swallow warm water and a good 30 minute soak. Then it's off to a cloth hide enclosure and some warmth.

Be careful, wet babies can climb out of must things.

[Calift]

Alright....so it's okay to disturb mom enough to get the baby out? How long does it take for them to give birth to all of them? Is there an article with step by step instructions? I really don't want to mess this up! lol

I will try and dig up the thread about the mom...she's an eastern garter, but such an amazing snake!

[guidofatherof5]

Alright....so it's okay to disturb mom enough to get the baby out? How long does it take for them to give birth to all of them? Is there an article with step by step instructions? I really don't want to mess this up! lol

I will try and dig up the thread about the mom...she's an eastern garter, but such an amazing snake!

Take a deep breath. The mom will do all the work. Delivery time is up to her. Could be quick could take an hour or two. I've had them deliver the last one 24 hours later. Keep the babies warm and give them some water. Sit back and relax. They won't need fed for at least 24-36 hours.
The mom may want to eat right after giving birth and that's never been a problem for any of my mothers. Your not going to mess this up. Garter are tought as nails.

[Calift]

Alright...great thanks! Still only one baby so far which I removed.

Here's a picture of mom from a few weeks ago:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y77/cally_dog/DSC_0313.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y77/cally_dog/DSC_0319.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

Nice looking mom.
Give her some space. She may want to deliver under her hide.
Have you been seeing any contractions? It will look like she moving something down her body. Have you seen any jellies?(unfertilized eggs, usually yellow)

[Calift]

The first baby picture!! (there's just ONE snake....who knew clutches could be that small??)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29488157@N04/3939015373/in/set-72157622296649655/

[guidofatherof5]

It may just be me but I can't see the picture.

[Calift]

I can't either! Ughh its a new laptop so I don't know how to do everything properly. Could I email it to you?

[Calift]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29488157@N04/3939015373/in/set-72157622296649655/

[Calift]

http://flickr.com/gp/29488157@N04/BV3HcP

[guidofatherof5]

I saw that and it is beautiful.
Have you tried feeding yet?

[Calift]

Not yet....do you think tomorrow is good or the day after? Could I try feeding it pinky parts?

One thing I am happy about is that I "double-binned" the little guy last night just incase he (or she) managed to squeeze through my regular drill holes. Sure enough, he was in the bigger bin under the heat mat! Luckily, it's controlled by a thermostat so there's no danger of burning, but I've reworked the set-up to give him a huge (very tall) bin with the top open and heat mat under. Whew, looks of work for a snake no bigger than a nickle!

[Calift]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2673/3939170099_7b669e92b6_o.jpg

Another one :p

[Calift]

Last photo

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3423/3939948882_b182d9a70c.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

Not yet....do you think tomorrow is good or the day after? Could I try feeding it pinky parts?

One thing I am happy about is that I "double-binned" the little guy last night just incase he (or she) managed to squeeze through my regular drill holes. Sure enough, he was in the bigger bin under the heat mat! Luckily, it's controlled by a thermostat so there's no danger of burning, but I've reworked the set-up to give him a huge (very tall) bin with the top open and heat mat under. Whew, looks of work for a snake no bigger than a nickle!

If earth worms are readily available I would try them. Put a handfull of dirt and worms in and let the little scrub go find its own meal. They love to dig in the soil. I think worms would be a more natural first food source. You can switch to pinkies later.
Count the worms that go in to see if he/she has eaten. You'll probably know if it has eaten from the bulge in the belly. If guppies are available they are also excellent for a first meal. Best of luck. Keep us posted on the little Lone Wolf. There's a name for the little scrub. Lone Wolf.

The photo looks great.

[jitami]

What a cutie :) Congratulations :)

[Calift]

Still hasn't eaten, but looking very healthy (and active!). I'll try more earthworms/dirt again this afternoon...wish me luck!

[Calift]

...And he eats!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2555/3951735850_7f0dd6aa28_o.jpg


I'm so happy the little guy is doing well! He just ate a small sized worm that I put in dirt as suggested. I've removed the bigger worms too, just in case he tries to eat too much....I'd like to add a bit more dirt to the tub to make it more natural, but I'm not sure if thats a safe substrate? When should I feed him next?

[guidofatherof5]

My baby radixes eat everyday. They get small(very small) chucks of nightcrawlers.
I would offer everyday. This is the time to get that eater, eating. If he/she isn't hungry they won't eat.

[Calift]

Another thing...."Mom" hasn't eaten yet! She's shown a bit of interest in food, but refused pinkies/fuzzies 3 times so far....she used to be an amazing eater (like a garbage disposal!). :(