Another return of jade with some questions !

[GarterGuy17]

So its been way too long since I have been here on the forum because of some tough times I was going through , but now I'm back but I'm concerned about Jade's size. Jade my red sided garter is pretty thin and not very long for her age , but I blame myself for this and I am at fault of neglect to some extent because of all I have been going through but now I just really want to take good care of her properly to make sure shes living happy and healthy. She doesn't show any signs of illness or abnormal behavior just shes small compared to other garters. Jade will be turning 2 in a few days and I know she should be bigger than when she is. Her diet has consisted of salmon and that's about it really. Haven't found a great place to purchase mice from without having to order them. Is this a huge issue or should I just increase the amount of times I feed her ( which hasn't been much in the past few months ) I just feel awful about it which is why I'm back and asking for help on what should be my next move. I want to keep her and am willing to do anything to fix this situation.

Here's a picture Attachment 9304

[guidofatherof5]

What about night crawlers? Start increasing her food times. If twice a week make it 3 times a week. Get some variety in her diet. Most Walmart's sell night crawlers or a bait shop.
http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/gart...ping-mice.html

[chris-uk]

She looks a little skinny, but not emaciated.
As Steve says, up the feeds a little and try to introduce some variety. If you are just feeding salmon fillet are you supplementing with calcium/vitamins?

[EasternGirl]

Hi John. I am sorry to hear you are going through tough times. If you need to chat...feel free to send me a PM. It is important though that you make sure to take care of Jade...and I say that with complete understanding...as I have been having to take care of 12 garters while going through clinical rotations for nursing school...I know it can be tough. Feeding her fish only though is risky...she could end up with a vitamin deficiency...we have seen people lose snakes to this. As Chris said, you will need to supplement if you can't offer more variety. And although I am sure the idea of giving up Jade probably makes you cringe...if you can't take care of her at the moment, there are probably members who would give her a good home...even temporarily until you can take care of her. I, for one, would certainly be willing to help any way that I can

[guidofatherof5]

If you need some supplement I'll send you some to get you started.

[jwolfe152]

i just bought a new jar a flukers calcium and d3 and i cant imagine using that much in a few years honestly i could give someone half the jar it was only a few dollars

[guidofatherof5]

i just bought a new jar a flukers calcium and d3 and i cant imagine using that much in a few years honestly i could give someone half the jar it was only a few dollars

Very nice of you.

[snake man]

I think night crawlers do a really good job and the price is hard to argue with. I have one about the same age and I feed her every 3rd day. She takes about 5-6 per feeding, every once and a while I will give her a pinky or some calcium supplement.

[jwolfe152]

well i got the calcium because he wouldn't take a scented pinky he eats a good bit of nightcrawlers though Love them lol

i get all of mine from the yard after a good rain.. im trying to "breed" some in a few small containers under my trailer where it stays cool enough. i cant keep them in the fridge my gf goes NUTS she is scared to death of worms/maggots because when she was little her older sis put a crap load in her bed under the blankets and when she got in grossed/freaked her out. i have to bait her hooks if we go fishing unless we are catfishing chicken liver is no big deal though

[GarterGuy17]

I actually just ordered a bunch of pinkies from the site Steve mentioned. I also cleaned her tank and fed her. She eats with no problem at all , It seems she prefers me to feed her the food haha. She eats either way , just she always goes after what I'm holding and tends to ignore whats on her plate. When I first got her at a few weeks old all she ate was pinkies and I was able to introduce fish fillet and night crawlers both easily with no problems at all

New set up Picture 4.jpg

I chose to use paper towels just because of me being able to leave the food in there without worrying about her swallowing some aspen or something.

She also sheds with no problem at all , comes out in one whole piece every time without me having to lift a finger.