Small birds??

[garterman07]

what about crickets, i hear some really absurd things about feeding crickets, and thats probably one of the most common foods in my house petwise but is it ok to feed them crickets and would i have to scent them?

[Stefan-A]

Nope. No crickets.

[ssssnakeluvr]

garters are unable to digest the chitin in the exoskeltons of insects.....I would also avoid any seafood...salt water fish, shrimp......

[Stefan-A]

I was under the impression, that salt water fish were especially safe food? Supposedly almost guaranteed not to contain thiaminase?

[ssssnakeluvr]

they could be....i just dont feed them as they are from salt water...just my own personal thing...not sure if theres anything from the salt water that would affect the snakes, since they don't eat salt water fish in nature.....

[Lee]

There are always these little birds flying around where I herp and sometimes in my backyard, mouse sized, hmmm... Whats a good way to catch a bird if you don't mind me asking? I'm thinking pellet gun because it would kill instantly and I'm a good shot with it.?
(Don't get mad at the idea of shooting a bird with a pellet gun lol)

[KITKAT]

There are always these little birds flying around where I herp and sometimes in my backyard, mouse sized, hmmm... Whats a good way to catch a bird if you don't mind me asking? I'm thinking pellet gun because it would kill instantly and I'm a good shot with it.?
(Don't get mad at the idea of shooting a bird with a pellet gun lol)

Wild birds are FULL of parasites, and are often carriers of salmonella. In addition, some songbirds are illegal to shoot. Just some thoughts I mused on...

[Lee]

I'd freeze them for a length before feeding, that would kill parasites I'm sure and I'm sure they aren't song birds...

[Josh]

i have that they do eat them

[Ameivaboy]

I would not feed anything from salt water myself as I am unaware of how garters would rid themselves of the excess salt (like iguanas are known to sneeze stuff out)

as far as parasites and freezing, it's suggested to freeze for 30 days but that DOES NOT elimanate all types of parasites. Garters and pretty much any other species can live with small amounts of parasites with no ill effects the problem lying in unsanitary caging conditions which the animal keeps reintroducing the parasites into it's body and stress which weaken the immune system allowing said parasites to take over