New Male Albino T. marcianus

[ConcinusMan]

I updated about the lump earlier in the thread. He's passed it.

The light is definitely something to think about, but he seems to love it. When it's turned on, he immediately comes out from wherever he is to go under it, and he never avoids it. I kid you not, the exact night I stopped using the light he was out and about, exploring.

Was this a red or night bulb specifically designed for reptiles? I ask because a bulb that simply appears red isn't what I'm talking about. A good night time reptile bulb will only put out wavelengths that are outside the snake's visible range or at least put out almost no visible (to a snake) light.

[bigsnakegirl78]

Yup. It was reptile night light bulb, bought at a pet store, and specifically designed to view reptiles at night. For some reason it bothered him, but it had absolutely no effect on my ball python. I may still have the box. If not, I can find the same product at the store.

[ConcinusMan]

It is plausible (and even probable) that different species could have slightly different visual range. Most snakes wouldn't be able to see it. Perhaps that snake could see it. Not likely a garter could. At least, I've never had an individual or a garter species that seemed to be able to see it.

[bigsnakegirl78]

I'm guessing he could as well, so I no longer use red lights around my snakes since I keep all my snakes in one room (except for the checkered, at least for the time being).

[bigsnakegirl78]

Well, I tried feeding him again today, and it's another failure. I first tried a piece of earthworm that was scented, it was rolling around and twitching, but he showed no interest. If it touched his nose, he would rub the slime off and go in a different direction. I bought some tilapia filets at the store as well, but he's not taking them either. Right now I've got him in a tall plastic pitcher with a few small pieces like in guido's video, but I'm not sure if it will be effective without another garter. He's just trying to climb up the sides right now. The only thing he seems to want to eat is live fish. I can try leaving the fish in the tank for him to get when he wants, but I don't think it will work. I already tried that with the live fish and the scented worms.

[guidofatherof5]

My video used live fish. You need them in a small round container.

[bigsnakegirl78]

Ok, should I risk the feeder fish again, or try another species?

[guidofatherof5]

Can you I.D. these feeder fish?

[bigsnakegirl78]

They weren't labeled as anything but "feeder fish." But, this is pretty close to what they look like, if these aren't what they are. I can post pics after I get done with classes.

http://blog.petsolutions.com/storage...=1368817176784

I ended up giving him another feeder fish, and I put a thin slice of tilapia behind it. I'm not sure if the tilapia just wasn't strong-scented enough or what.

[guidofatherof5]

Pimephales promelas - Rosey red feeder fish. They are on the bad list. They contain thiaminase.
Check out the care sheet for more information on thiaminase.
Using these is a touchy subject and I certainly don't want this thread derailed.
If you do use them I would add in some worm chunks and slowly remove the amount of fish.

Guppies and Gambusia are a safe option.
Gambusia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Garter Snake Forum - Garter Caresheet