Eden is my checkered garter that is wild caught from a friends yard. He was pretty small (6 in) when I got him in August 2011. I've had one other garter at age 12, his name was Alice, and he lived a full, healthy life on Earth worms. My snake Eden eats Earth worms, but since he is so tiny, I don't know how much to feed him. It is now febuary and he hasn't gotten the size I think he should be. I mean, he has grown longer and a bit wider, but not by much. He doesn't seem sick or anything, and he had his first shed this week. (So proud!) I feed him once a week....sometimes once every two weeks. If this is not enough, keep in mind I am not an ignorant monster, my last snake went just fine with that, so I don't have much to go off of which is why I am here. Also, can he eat wax worms, grubs, or spikes? He doesn't like them, but is it safe? I know this should have gone in the food section, but it pertains to a couple other things as well. Like...is it physically necessary for him to go through hibranation? I wasn't sure how to replicate hybrination seeing as how his home is nice and cozy with his hidey-hole/heat lamp. Um...why doesn't he like me yet? My last snake literally felt like he was in love with me, as he escaped several times, even got outside, but never went where I couldn't find him because he didn't want to leave home, just explore. And he never,ever bit me. But Eden hates being picked up, bites anyone he sees, and sometimes I feel cruel for just not letting him free. Will he warm up to me over time?Wow, lots of questions...