Lawn mower injury

[guidofatherof5]

It really does look good. You are doing a great job, eventually it will scar over. Anticipate more quick sheds to come.

[Albert Clark]

Any update on the garter???

[Jedi]

He seems to be doing alright! Still quite active but less biting now. I actually couldn't find any worms in my yard, and he didn't like the slug I offered him. I'm going to get some pinkies tomorrow, and some nightcrawlers if I can find them. He's got a warm spot now. It's about 88-90F, but I hear keeping the temps a little high can help with healing. Still waiting to get a rheostat for better temperature control.

I've not cleaned him for the last 2 days because I wanted to see if he'd start to dry and scab up a little. I might clean him tonight or tomorrow before I feed him, because I won't want to mess with him after he's eaten.

[guidofatherof5]

Allowing the scab is a great idea, nature's bandage is better in many respects. Thanks for keeping us posted on this situation.

[Jedi]

Well, I couldn't find anywhere that sold live pinkies, and figured a pack of frozen would be a waste of money. I did find some earthworms in the bait section at Walmart, and oh boy, that's just what he wanted! I gave him 2, and he ate them right up. Tried to take the second one from my hand, actually.

Upon closer tape measure inspection, he's actually about 2' long. He's about as big around as my ring finger, and I have small hands. It looks like the worms in the container are about 2-3" long. If he's just going to be eating worms, how many do you think I should give him? I've never had a worm-eating snake before. Thanks for all your help!

[guidofatherof5]

These are night crawlers, right? The package says that? If it says panfish worms don't feed those.

[Jedi]

Nope, it specifically says "earthworms." They had "red worms" too, but I remembered hearing something about them, but couldn't remember if it was good or bad, so I didn't get them.

[guidofatherof5]

Great. A couple of those every other day should do very well. Eating is such a good thing at this point.

[Jedi]

Awesome! He's got a great appetite. I'm hoping he'll recover soon enough to release before winter. If not, I'll have to try to switch him to f/t pinkies before fishing season ends.

[guidofatherof5]

Walmart usually carries worms year round, might be good to ask. Fresh tilapia or salmon might be good, as long as they are not a product of China. F/T pinks are great also. How soon does Winter set in, not sure where you are at?