Thamnophis Sirtalis sirtalis neonates feeding on pinkie mice :-)

[Frenchie]

After taking them out of hibernation & giving them time to settle in getting ready for a new season I have decided to do a little experiment & try & offer them a new variety of food. I tried offering them pinkie mice, at first only one gave it a try & ate, the other 2 completely ignored it. After a few meals past, I decided once again too try & offer the pinkies back the other 2 & too my amazement they both ate the pinkies :-)IMG_2483.jpgIMG_2484.jpgIMG_2485.jpgIMG_2492.jpgIMG_2490.jpg

[chris-uk]

A good bit of variation for their diet. Did you scent the pinkies, or have all three of them now taken to pinkies without scenting?

[Frenchie]

Chris they all fed without scenting I also inject the pinkie mice with a small dose of calcium so Im sure the neonates will be getting enough balance in there diet ;-)

[chris-uk]

Cool. I think that a lot of garters do actually take a variety of prey without needing it scented, of course there always the awkward ones though.

I supplement calcium and vitamins with powder, usually on top of their smelt.

[jwolfe152]

I didn't think calcium a calcium supplement was necessary when feeding pinky? Our is it just since they are neonates? All 4 of mine now happily accept pinkies without scenting

[guidofatherof5]

I didn't think calcium a calcium supplement was necessary when feeding pinky? Our is it just since they are neonates? All 4 of mine now happily accept pinkies without scenting

Pinkies have low density bone so a little added calcium might be called for. Many times it boils down to each keeper's personal preference.

[jwolfe152]

Ok, yea, that makes sense. It might be a good idea to dip the pinky nose maybe a little more into the calcium powder once a month maybe a little longer for the bigger/older group

[Frenchie]

Nicely said Guido ;-) yes other dip,sprinkle or inject calcium on or in the pinky always helps :-)

[Mommy2many]

Those snakies have beautiful colorings!

[Frenchie]

Thx Im priveledged to live in Quebec where the Original "Flames" came from & talking about this is giving me the Herping itch & its just around the corner for another marvelous "Flame,Melanistic,Axanthic" hunting once again .Hopefully it will be another exciting year yet again :-)