New member w/new baby

[houseape57]

Hello to all. I have a very very tiny garter. I don't understand why so late in the year but it is what it is. I am new to snakes (I have 10 leo geckos) and have taken this little guy into my home. He lives in a 10gal tank w/branchs/moist hide/uth/above heat lamp (1/2 tank). I am in upstate New York and the weather here, well...it's gonna snow tonight, night time temps are 20's, day time 40's. I feared he would die if left outside, I found him laying in the driveway trying to get some heat from what ever sunshine he could find. My problem: He is so small I don't know what to feed him. I tried tiny mealworms...nope, cut up worm...nope, wax worm, nope. I do have pinkies but not to keen on cutting body parts off but will if I havvvveee to. Please help me so I can help him. What else do I do and what else does he need to make him happy and healthy. Or..is there anyone out there interested in taking him. If so I want someone with experience, period. Oh by the way, his name is Columbus (found him on Columbus day). Thank you all in advance.
Kathy

[Stefan-A]

Welcome aboard, Kathy.

You can forget about getting the snake to take mealworms or other insects. They're not a part of their diet. Your best bet is with cut-up worms and live fish.

[zooplan]

welcome to the forum, Kathy

[Sid]

Welcome to the forum, Kathy. I feed my baby garters cut up nightcrawlers or cut up pinkies in a shallow water bowl with feeder guppies.

[houseape57]

Oh so if I put them in a shallow bowl that should help then. Thank you, will give it a try.

[guidofatherof5]

Welcome, Keep him warm and have a small lid or something filled with water. If you have a place to dig some very small earthworms that would be great. I had a very small one that didn't eat for weeks. Just when I thought I would have to put her down she started eating. While she travelled around her enclosure I dropped a very small worm in her path. She grabbed it and down it went. She won't take anything by hand or big like my others will so I keep plenty of very small worms on hand. I'm hoping after she puts on some weight she'll start taking larger food and some salmon. Be patient with the little one and enjoy. Great job rescueing the little scrub.

[Lori P]

Welcome Kathy! Here is a general care sheet on garters:

http://www.thamnophis.com/caresheets...ake_Care_Sheet

Keep trying with chopped worms and maybe some small guppies or minnows swimming in a shallow bowl... frozen pinkies aren't too bad to chop up, and you can cut them length wise to go down better. :-) It may take him a bit to start eating for you, just offer things every couple of days.

We love pics, so be sure to share!!!! :-)

[Garter_Gertie]

Nice to have you join us, Kathy!

[Lexa]

Welcome to the forum! I hope you find this place as useful and freindly as I have!

[Aundrea]

Welcome to the Forum Kathy!!! I would love to see pics of your new little one

My Garter didnt eat for me for over a month But he is bigger then yours but all I did was buy some minnows and he FINALLY ate. Now he eats well for me