New babies! Questions too

[antoniojf]

Four days ago I obtained 3 baby garter snakes (they were born that night). I have placed them in an aquarium with substrate, a small amount of water, and places to hide. They all seem very healthy as they have energy and a clear sense of things. Also, all three just shed for their first time.

My main concern is eating, as none of them have eaten anything since birth. I understand that they may have retained some yolk or may just not be hungry yet, but I want to know from people who have dealt with garter snakes before on how I should go about trying to feed them their first meal.

Right now I have a separate holding cage where I can feed them individualy and I bought pinkies which I was planning on giving to the snakes as pinky parts. Yesterday I attempted to give them food and none of them took it. I do not want to start them off on fish or worms as I have heard that pinkies are healthier, more nutritious food that carry less risk of adverse reactions (disease, parasite, etc..)

I will upload some pictures of them as soon as possible. If any of you have any techniques or advice, I would greatly appreciate it.

[anji1971]

Hello, and welcome!
I have always started my babies on worms. They seem to naturally be attracted to the scent and movement. I "graduate" them to other things as they grow.
Remember,it's a varied diet that gives them the best nutrition. You shouldn't be afraid to try the worms, or fish that is thiaminase-free -- many members use trout, salmon or tilapia strips. Try some tiny feeder guppies in their water bowl. It's fun to watch them "go fishing"!
Best wishes with them!

[infernalis]

All the Garter people I know, including myself, start babies on fish and worms, then move on to the pinky parts.

Bits of cut up worm and live guppies will help start you on your way

Welcome aboard...

[Stefan-A]

Welcome aboard.

[jitami]

Welcome! I have two new babies that I'm getting the hang of feeding, too. Thankfully they were started off by their breeder, so my work is easy

[crzy_kevo]

welcome to the forum and well there is nothing left to be said but increasing the heat and humidity of their enclosure can also get them interested in food

cant wait for pics

[Snake lover 3-25]

welcome and congrats i have always started my babies on cut up worms good luck can't wait for pics

[GartersRock]

Welcome!
I agree. I start my babies on worms and fish. And then add mouse later.
A varied diet is important. Once they are eager eaters on worms and fish you shouldn't have a problem switching to pinks.

[antoniojf]

Thanks for the advice, I put in a few fish in their pond and will try the worms. Also, this may be me just being paranoid, but at what point should I start getting worried that they're not eating anything? (They were born about 4 days ago)

Anyways, here's a few pictures of them and a link to a video.

Their names are Emperor Augustus, Robert Zimmerman, and Hemingway

(the third snake is hiding inside the half-cup)

video: MOV00310.flv - Video - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting





note: the plastic items have been replaced with higher quality items

[GartersRock]

Those are water snakes. lol!