thiaminase risk

[lokai99]

Ok here is the question. If I have TONS of shiners just swimming all over my pond could I use them for scenting purposes only or is the thiaminase risk too great. I don't plan on letting the garter ingest the fish i just wanted to rub the shiner on some pinkie parts. I have plenty of crappy available too, I just have to hook it first. the shiners I just dip a net in the water and I get one. i don't want to risk the health of the garter I don't even have yet...just investigating the nonmouse renewable food sources I have.

[guidofatherof5]

For scenting purposes it shouldn't be a problem. You may not even have to scent. Almost all my snakes take unscented pinkies.
If you use Crappie as a food source make sure you freeze them for a couple of months before you use them. I'm not sure if you saw this list but here's a link:
http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6654

[lokai99]

Thanks Steve, I guess there are some things I can wait for until I actually get a garter...I just want to be prepared in case I get another picky eater ( the big Cali King who only eats pinkies...and lots of them).