All the feeder insects are not recommended as a food sourse for the garter snakes ??

[Stefan-A]

So by that logic feeding whole mice isn't good due to the keratin on the nails?Would it be better to cut the feet off?

The fur is the first thing that comes to mind. The short answer is that even they can't digest it, it doesn't mean it's a problem. Those animals that can't pass it, regurgitate it.

[ssssnakeluvr]

plus the nails are so small they won't block up the snake, will just pass on thru

[EasternGirl]

This is all very interesting to read. Just read over the last few posts...good info.

[ShadowBeast]

Yeah, egg shell and bones are no problem. The hardness is calcium which is easily disolved by any strong (stomach) acid. Keratin (hair, nails/claws, scales) insect exoskeletons (chitin) is hard protein. As you might know by experiencing a hair clogged drain, that takes a strong alkaline (sodium hydroxide found in drain cleaners) to break up, or as Stefan mentioned, enzymes that most animals lack in their digestive process. It just takes too long to break down, and plugs them up.

Isn't a worms skin made of chitin?

[guidofatherof5]

I don't believe so.

[d_virginiana]

Isn't a worms skin made of chitin?

The setae (microscopic bristles used for movement) are made of chitin, but they're so small they don't matter... Kind of like someone chewing their fingernails