My 3 yr old garter can't eat anymore. HELP! PLEASE!!!!

[charliegirl]

My Florida Blue garter used to eat just fine. I've had him since he was about 6-7 inches long and he's been a champion eater ever since. He eats 3-4 night crawlers once a week. However, within the last month he hasn't eaten. It isn't for lack of wanting or trying. I put the worm in his habitat and normally, he powers the worm down in less than 30 seconds. But, now, it's like he can't get a hold of the worm with his mouth very well anymore and he struggles to keep hold of it. It's like he's lost jaw strength and then the worm gets away. He tries and tries until he ends up giving up. Does anyone know why this would be happening all of a sudden?

[RdubSnider]

Don't have a clue why but how about cutting them up and putting them in a dish for him

[guidofatherof5]

Any chance you can get it to a Vet?
Are you supplimenting/dusting the worms?
Is it a worm only diet?
Will he eat while being held? This way you could help him get the worm started.
It sounds nerological to me but a Vet. visit may be needed.
Best of luck, keep us posted.

[charliegirl]

Will try the cut up worm idea when I get home tonight! Thanks for the suggestion!

I haven't taken him to a vet yet. I wanted to post my situation with him here and try out suggestions people might have before I did that. If I can't get him to eat in short order, I will be making him an appointment. He is on a worm only diet. (He won't eat pinkies.) I am not sure what dusting the worms means. Sounds like a supplement powder? Perhaps I should be doing this? Unfortunately, I can't hold him. It freaks him out and gets him all worked up.

[guidofatherof5]

Will try the cut up worm idea when I get home tonight! Thanks for the suggestion!

I haven't taken him to a vet yet. I wanted to post my situation with him here and try out suggestions people might have before I did that. If I can't get him to eat in short order, I will be making him an appointment. He is on a worm only diet. (He won't eat pinkies.) I am not sure what dusting the worms means. Sounds like a supplement powder? Perhaps I should be doing this? Unfortunately, I can't hold him. It freaks him out and gets him all worked up.

Yes, dusting is with a supplement powder. I should have been more descriptive. Sorry.
I've found most garters that are eating worms can be tricked into eating pinkies with some worm slime.
Have you tried to scent the pinkies with worm?
In any event, if he's unable to pickup a worm he's probably unable to pickup a pinky.
This is the most important issue to be addressed. A Vet. visit may be necessary.

Keep us posted.