Why you should not go away...

[Thamnophis]

Why you should not go away when you are feeding your garter snakes.
I was feeding some of the snakes on my attic and was, in the meanwhile, hanging some laundry to dry.
This adult couple San Francisco garter snakes always eat in piece and never try to steal from each other.
But never say never! I heard the alarming sound of a snake that was in trouble. For that reason I have in every terrarium some dry leaves lying around. When one snake grabs another (by accident or not) these leaves make a characteristic sound.

This situation ended without major consequences. Two minutes after I pulled them apart they both were eating again. If I had not noticed it on time (the male already was about 7 cm in the females throat) I most probably would have found two dead snakes this afternoon.

[BUSHSNAKE]

woo..good catch!

[guidofatherof5]

Good advice. Glad you saved them both.

[ShadowBeast]

Nice save and nice idea with the leaf alarm system.

[tress29]

Yikes! I just watch mine because it's cool to watch them squeeze the food down their bodies!

[Invisible Snake]

Holy ****! Good catch! Will he be alright? Was there any permanent damage done to either snake?

[Thamnophis]

No, they are both fine. Garter snakes are tough! I placed the male in the water so he could wash the mucus from his lady off. Two minutes after I separated them they both ate again.

[stevenrudge]

No, they are both fine. Garter snakes are tough! I placed the male in the water so he could wash the mucus from his lady off. Two minutes after I separated them they both ate again.

l lost a male Mexican gopher snake through this,l put him in for mating trials gave each one their food at separate ends of their viv with each one coiled round their food ,went back an hour latter to see the female had 3/4s eaten the male,l pulled the male out but its died as a dodo *&%&*"*
its happened before with my Indigos but l managed to get there in time as no harm was done

[chris-uk]

Lucky save there.

I had my first food fight yesterday - albino checkered vrs. normal checkered. Both of them about the same size. I tend to tong feed these two until there's only really tiny bits left in the bowl, but Binky was more interested in the piece that Esk was eating than the piece I was offering. Being on the spot I got my hand in as Binky got her mouth to Esk's lower jaw, and a gentle prod had both of them release. Esk scarpered, Binky stayed and picked up the piece of salmon they'd fought over.

[EasternGirl]

Wow...so glad you were able to save them. This is the exact reason I never feed any of my snakes together. I have just heard too many stories and don't want to take the chance. I always separate for feeding. Not saying anything about people who choose to feed their garters together...plus, I'm sure it is difficult to feed separately when you have numerous snakes, as many members on here do.