Can I feed wild-caught fish?

[rogervan]

This is the same snake I wrote about before. I found it in the rubble of part of a house I was demolishing.

This time my question is about food for it. It is 12 inches long and very thin. I don't know it's species yet.

The moment I heated the tank, he stopped brummating. But now he needs a meal, and I'm failing him.

Worms are hard to get here. But I have access to tiny fish in the local creek. They are baby carp and baby squawfish. Is feeding wild fish too dangerous because of parasites?

Roger

[guidofatherof5]

I think species identification needs to be done first.
Where was the snake found?

[Sonya610]

He is a wild snake so parasites aren't as much of a worry as unhealthy fish that can kill due to vitamin B deficiency.

You can't keep feeding the "wrong" kind of fish for long without killing your animal.

If the little guy needs help login more often, the folks here can and will tell you everything you need to know about feeding etc....

[d_virginiana]

Well, goldfish contain an enzyme that causes vitamin B deficiency, and carp are very closely related to goldfish so I'd say no to those.

[-MARWOLAETH-]

If you're worried about sourcing suitable food IMO the best thing for it would be to release him somewhere suitable

[BLUESIRTALIS]

Agreed! If you can take a pic that would be great! Are sure you have a garter snake or could it be something else?

i think species identification needs to be done first.
where was the snake found?

[rogervan]

I think Blusirtalis and Guidofatheroffive have the best solution possible. I'm going back to the region where I found him,, so I can release him. I can't put him back at the exact spot I found him because construction is happening there. But nearby is a 100 sq. Ft. micro-climate formed by bushes and moss growing at a spot where water seeps to the surface, just enough to keep the center of it wet. I'll release him on dry ground at the edge of the seep.

Roger

[guidofatherof5]

Sounds like a good plan. I'd still like to ID this snake. Any chance we can have a look?