Well, we have a couple of finicky wild-collected female E. Black-Necked Garters that have consistently refused fish and frog scented mice. They have accepted whole small sunfish, so I broke down and decided to make up a batch of the fish gelatin concoction.

I substituted a pound and a half of channel catfish filet, mixed with a little sunfish filet for scent. I cut the fish into 1-inch chunks, then liquidized it in the blender, along with a little water and a couple tablespoons of vionate and osteoform. This step wasn't easy, because there was too little water and the fish wouldn't chop beyond a certain point. So I went ahead and mixed four packets of gelatin in a half-cup of VERY hot water-once I added this the mixing proceeded nicely. Then I poured it into a shallow 8 inch pan, sealed the top with saran wrap, and placed it in the fridge.

After it set up, I cut it into meal-sized strips, wrapped those individually, and froze the lot.

All, that is, but two six-inch X one inch strips, which I offered to each of the big female blacknecks. To my surprise they both ate them greedily!

I'm a happy camper-not only is this food convenient to feed, but also economical-two substantial meals a week will cost less than the equivalent amount of mice.

Just for grins I offered it to a group of newly-born Hypo checkereds-no interest whatsoever! Go figure....