Making New Friends

[lauwersp]

Is Salmon irresistible to garters? or just NW garters?

[Lisa4john]

I've read a lot of threads say that it is really liked by garters in general, but not for main diet because it is more fatty. It is a smelly fish thus enticing them more. These guys are new to me and have no interest in eating yet. I'm not worried yet, but would really like them to eat sooner than later. They are so sweet, and calm, I enjoy them very much already. Thanks, and hope it helps.

[guidofatherof5]

Is Salmon irresistible to garters? or just NW garters?

When I did feed it my garters loved it. Tilapia only now.

[snake man]

I have also fed yellowtail and got good results.

[Lisa4john]

Sometimes they won't eat if the temps aren't just so. It's only been a few days though, so don't worry. Blade and Maria took a while to eat, we got then going with live guppies.

Was it hard to convert them to fish filet and worms again after that? Guppies could get really expensive and more risky diet long term. We got the nightcrawlers last night, offered it to Sam, but he shrunk way, but yesterday was very tough on them though. Plan on letting them settle in to there new home today and tomorrow before I try food again.

[Lisa4john]

2012-09-13_16-18-27_327.jpg
before
Broken tank.jpg
after

We were downstairs yesterday when we heard a slide, smash. We knew instantly what it was and raced upstairs to find the cage on the floor smashed and the cat no where to be found. He had gotten on top of the tank and leaped off pushing the tank off the shelf in the process. We were freaked and ticked at the cat, and so surprised because we never thought that could happen. The snakes were fine, and scared stiff still in their tree. I had to go get them a new tank which I didn't want to do until they came on sale, but whatcha gonna do. They really needed more room anyway, but NOT the way I wanted them to get it. Now they have the 20 long with the slide top. Sigh, the excitement begins... and hopefully ends here.

[Lisa4john]

Also, this tank seems to be too cool, but I'm not sure how to get it warmer for them. We keep our house pretty cool, as low as 62 degrees at night, but usually about 65. What kind of heat have you found steady and reliable without having to worry about them getting cooked? They have a heating pad under the tank in one corner and the lamp on a timer set for 7a-8p over that same corner. (just got the timer last night) I think I should put it on cardboard or something so it is not losing the heat so fast thru the bottom of the cage too. As you can see the new place they are set is an open shelf system. Would a small ceramic heater be a good idea? Thanks

[katach]

You could put a towel under the tank where the heat mat is. Definitely no on the ceramic heater, it gets way too hot and they are not safe. Night time ambient temps are fine, just during the day you want that temp gradient.

That is why I don't like cats, they are evil!

[Stefan-A]

You could put a towel under the tank where the heat mat is.

That sounds like a fire waiting to happen. Same thing with the cardboard.

[Invisible Snake]

You could put something like a flat piece of cardboard or a decent amount of newspaper inside the tank under the substrate and that will provide some insulation, just make sure that you cut the edges the exact same size of the tank floor so that the garters won't be able to get under it.