severe weight loss in baby checkered garter that refuses to eat

[astraltressa]

I thought silversides were fine, from what I googled and searched from this website silversides are a well known fish to feed garters. They are the san fransisco bay brand from petsmart. I do plan to incorporate other things.

[Albert Clark]

Well, actually there are two types of silversides. One that is reported to not contain thiaminase is the pond smelt ( Hypomesus olidus) aka silversides. The one containing thiaminase is listed as rainbow smelt ( Osmerus mordax) aka silversides. And in general a all fish diet is not healthy bc it puts the reptile at risk. Croaker and ocean perch are safer choices. It's great that you are incorporating other foodstuffs. Scenting with the smelt is also safer.

[guidofatherof5]

I received an email from my friend Steve Schmidt with regards "Sally's Silversides" Thought I'd post that email. Thanks for the information Steve.

Steve,

In the thread "Severe weight loss in baby checkered garter..." there appears to be some confusion about the safety of Sally's San Francisco Brand silversides in regards to containing thiaminase.

This feeder fish is listed as Menidia menidia by the company, not any variety of "smelt". It is considered thiaminase-safe according to a previous discussion on your own forum.

Link: http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/husb...lversides.html

It probably wouldn't be a good idea to discourage the owner from feeding this product ad libitum to their malnourished juvenile garter at this time, at least until they can get it taking other prey (e.g. pinkies and/or worms).

Hope this helps,
Steve

[astraltressa]

Thank you!

[Albert Clark]

Thanks for the other viewpoint Steve as it relates to smelt/ silversides. I spoke about the two forms of smelt with the scientific names of Hypomesus olidus and Osmerus mordax. The Menidia menidia being a species I am unfamiliar with (thanks for that) and the other two being the ones listed in most "safe" "unsafe" fish eating snake publications. My intentions were to impress upon the op to "scent" other prey rather than to feed the fish only. My personal experience with the blue puget male was a determining factor in my post to the op. Thanks again for the clarification. And also S.Schmidt for the link.