Feeding...

[Kevin_is_a_herper12]

Ok, I have two garters now. A common which is 12" total length and a red belly which is 9". I don't really know what I shoudl be feeing..or what to try adn get them to feed. I have put crickets and such in, but they still don't eat them. Should I be feeding something else?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.
Kevin

[crzy_kevo]

garters do not eat crickets
garters will eat earth worms (not red wigglers)night crawlers work well
pieces of fish such as salmon and tilapia
guppies
small frogs and other amphibians
and pinky mice
have i missed anything?

[anji1971]

have i missed anything?

Only that from what I've been reading here, red bellies can be rather difficult to keep in captivity.
Try your garter on worms, they usually go for that.

[Lulu Bennett]

they will not eat cricket. they cannot digest the shell.
try trout or worms or chopped up pinkies.

[Stefan-A]

Purely out of curiosity, where did they tell you to feed them crickets?

[crzy_kevo]

please don't say pet store

[adamanteus]

Red Bellies can be difficult. If this is a wild-caught snake it might be wise to release it until you have gained a little more knowledge and experience... you wouldn't want it to die on you.

As for feeding the Garters, the advice you have already received above is sound.

[Kevin_is_a_herper12]

I didn't get the advice to feed them crickets form anyone....just in thepast I have had various lizards and always fed them crickets as a stable...I didn't what else to feed and so I tried crickets. My bad. If you say red bellies are hard to take care of I will release it. I just ofund it today while I was out herping. I will go to my pong and see if I can wrangle up some tadpoles and such and get some wormies for my baby. How do you destinguish the sex of the snake?

Thanks, and will they actually eat just plain chopped up fish if it is just sitting there and not moving around?

Kevin.

[crzy_kevo]

ya just chop it into worm sized portion and most garters will gobble them down no prob i have 2 that won't take it but i shove it between the feeder frogs legs when they get down to it and they havre to eat it then

[adamanteus]

Some Garters will take chopped up fish straight away, others need a little persuasion. Make sure you're using 'safe' fish such as salmon, trout or tilapia.... certain fish contain an enzyme which is toxic to your snake.