feeding - eating

[mtolypetsupply]

I was wondering about feeding:

Just because my baby *can* stretch his/her mouth and accomodate a certain size item, does it mean that I *should* feed that size?

I notice it *seems* they struggle to get down a pinkie half, but gobble up pinkie quarters easily. Now, I don't know if they are really struggling, but it sure seems it. I've been told stories about snakes getting greedy and damaging their own jaws trying to eat prey that's too large.

But I was wondering, will it give them a false sense of full-ness to eat more smaller portions? Or even the opposite, will they not feel full and over-eat? Do they need to get all stretched out for any reason, like to loosen the skin for a shed or something?? Is there any difference between feeding a whole pinky, 2 pinky halves, or 4 pinky quarters, save for the cutting involved?

Lastly, I'm not on forums that much before this one... Did I just "hijack" the thread and should I have started my own?

[infernalis]

Actually Stephi, posting on this thread just helped to keep the board less cluttered.

Garter snakes will sometimes over eat if allowed to, so it's best to regulate the food intake.

There is no difference in nutritional value no matter how many times you cut a pinky.

I usually start letting them take the pinky down whole at around 10-12 inches.

Just because my baby *can* stretch his/her mouth and accommodate a certain size item, does it mean that I *should* feed that size?

Well no you don't have to, but as long as you are not making the poor snake stretch to it's limits, theres not much to worry about.

[guidofatherof5]

Great news.

[Snake lover 3-25]

great job must feel great finally knowing that they're eating

if you really think he's struggling with the food items than you can cut them up some.... it even may make feeding time go by faster!!!

[Garter_Gertie]

Steph, Great that they ate.. forgot to say that before.

Izz that James?

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

If you get them to eat anything aside from slugs / snails / worms make sure to take pictures and share them

Not saying it's impossible, Just never seen it happen.

scenting works a charm on my amelanistic florida dekay

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

I was wondering about feeding:

Just because my baby *can* stretch his/her mouth and accomodate a certain size item, does it mean that I *should* feed that size?

I notice it *seems* they struggle to get down a pinkie half, but gobble up pinkie quarters easily. Now, I don't know if they are really struggling, but it sure seems it. I've been told stories about snakes getting greedy and damaging their own jaws trying to eat prey that's too large.

But I was wondering, will it give them a false sense of full-ness to eat more smaller portions? Or even the opposite, will they not feel full and over-eat? Do they need to get all stretched out for any reason, like to loosen the skin for a shed or something?? Is there any difference between feeding a whole pinky, 2 pinky halves, or 4 pinky quarters, save for the cutting involved?

Lastly, I'm not on forums that much before this one... Did I just "hijack" the thread and should I have started my own?

90% of my garter snakes would eat far beyond the safe amount of food if I let them. I know this when I see a snake that is absoutley full trying to steal the other pieces off my tongs as I hand them to other snakes!!! I am pretty sure my female puget would literally eat until her entire stomach and throat filled up to her head!!!