Hi,

I'm new to the forum.

Here's my problem: I have a wild-caught garter that hasn't eaten basically since capture (around 6 weeks ago). No worms, no fish (live or fillets), no grubs, nothing despite daily attempts. Under tank heater in 10 gal tank provides a basking spot at around 87F, and the air temp in my house is around 69-70F. Snake was very active up until the last week or so, now either hides in the hide-box or lays listlessly on the heat spot (mostly at night).

Here's my thoughts: First, what a goof I am for atttempting this. My daughter caught the animal, and I had a wild caught garter in grad school that thrived for years, so I thought it'd be OK. I live in WA, so after a few weeks of trying to get it to feed, it was too late/cold out to attempt a release. I'm hoping that due to the late capture date, the animal had already gone off its feed on its own in preparation for brumation and if I bring it down to brumation temp (is 55F in my unheated basement OK or do I need to go lower?) it will awake in a few months happy and healthy, but I'm kind of skeptical and am afraid that I've already messed up beyond recovery. I'm trying to find a vet that can help, but in the meantime, any ideas?

P.S. - Please don't flame, I already feel dumb enough...