Newborn Snake help

[flickerfriend]

Okay, a snake that was caught by my father for my birthday gave birth, she has 8 snaklets so far, I don't think there are anymore on the way, but I need some help.
For one, we have to many, my friend may be able to take some, but how long until it's safe to transfer them? Especially to someone who has never had a garter, or, any snake.
I'll be there to help her, if she needs it, and, if it works out, I'll see about getting her an account here
But no stillborns, all wiggling.
We didn't soak them, it that okay? Or is it really, really essential?
When will they start eating? Should we feed them now, or wait a while?
I think that's it for now, if I can figure out how to post pictures, I will
Oh, and if you can't tell, I'm super excited, none of the garters I've owned have ever given birth, much less one we thought was a male until this morning :P

[guidofatherof5]

What species are we talking about?

[flickerfriend]

Northwesterns

[guidofatherof5]

Small slugs, earth worms and cut-up night crawlers.

[flickerfriend]

Okay, we'll try the cut up nightcrawler. What about transfer age?

[guidofatherof5]

Okay, we'll try the cut up nightcrawler. What about transfer age?

I would wait at least a month or more until they are established eaters.
Just my opinion.

[flickerfriend]

Baby Snakes!!.jpg Alright, thanks for the information. I really appreciate this. As I said, I have never dealt with a birth before.
Should we do anything to help Athena? Or will she be fine?

[guidofatherof5]

You should try feeding much smaller worm chunks. Basically, cut them as small as you can. Wetting the worm chunks will also help extend the time they can be in there and add some hydration to the eaters.
Keeping babies hydrated is important. Do you have a large lid for a water dish? Sometimes babies have a difficult time finding high water dishes.

If Athena is mom, she should be fine.

[flickerfriend]

Alright, thanks! Yeah, Athena's the mom
Thanks so much for the help!!!

[ThamGirl]

For the babies, I tried to give mine worms with no luck. Live guppies, though, small and flopping in front of them, got them all to eat. I fed them every two to three days, depending on how quickly they digested and how many showed interest. I moved them onto frozen after the second feeding, and have finally weaned them completely onto frozen. I use silversides, cut into bite-sized pieces (the big ones I remove the spine, so I don't have to worry about bones lodging). I wouldn't rehome them until they are all eating steadily and have shed at least once. I'm having a similar issue with having too many, so I'm decreasing my numbers and their stress by sending them off in pairs.

As for the mother, she should be fine. I increased my feeding times on mine to every three days, to help her rebuild her body fat (she was also sick, so it was doubly important). She's now back on the twice a week schedule with the other adults.

Hope that helps! Good luck! Scrubs are so much fun. XD