new to forum and snakes. need some help please

[jules]

Hi we have recently acquired a red sided garter snake who is 2 and a half foot long. we have had him for 3 and half weeks and he wont eat anything. the pinkies remain untouched however the other day his eyes changed colour and he looked pearly underneath. i presumed this was the beginning of a shed but his eyes have gone back to normal eventhough his skin is the same. does this happen? i know he will take time to settle in and if ready to shed he wont eat but how long does it take to shed? also how long can he go without food as im really worried. my husband thinks im going mad as a i talk constantly to him. lol

[adamanteus]

Hi Julie and welcome to the forum.
No need to worry just yet about your new snake not eating. They can sometimes take a while to settle in, and as you say sloughing can put them off feeding. If his eyes have cleared he should come out of that old skin very soon.

Basic information on Garter care can be found here;
http://www.thamnophis.com/caresheets...ake_Care_Sheet

Any specific questions, feel free to ask, we have a very knowledgable and helpful membership here.

[jules]

hi and thanks for that it defin etly reassures me. i guess i panic a bit as it is all new to me but he is so lovely.

[adamanteus]

Panic over now, we're all here to help you! Some photos would be nice, if you can manage it.
http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/site...-pictures.html

[jules]

will do. ive already took some but still trying to get used to this laptop. im not really into technology lol

[adamanteus]

Haha! Once you've posted pics a couple of times it becomes pretty easy.

On the subject of feeding your new snake...... Have you tried other foods or just pinkies? Fish is a good food (and should be part of the diet anyway), and often they will take it more willingly than pinkies at first. Be sure to use 'safe' fish such as trout or salmon, Goldfish are not good and should be avoided.
http://www.thamnophis.com/caresheets...C_.26_GOLDFISH

Sometimes, if your snake turns out to be a problem feeder, earthworms can get them started. I'm sure once he's out of that old skin, he'll take trout strips straight off!

[Sid]

Welcome to the forum, Julie. Your snake should shed in a few more days and have it's appetite back.

[jules]

ive only tried pinkies because thats what he is used to feeding on and they told me not to try anything else.do you have get fish from certain place or anywhere?

[zooplan]

welcome to the forum Julie,
I fed smelts that are caught anywhere in Europe most of them come from baltic states.

[Sputnik]

Hi, Jules! Thanks for joining us.


Sorry, Udo, but what are "smelts"?