Hit by mower

[Patrika]

My husband just brought me a gorgeous western garter that he found while mowing. He accidently clipped the end of its tail with the mower. It looks like the last 2 inches or so of the tail is missing, other than that it appears to be alright. I would like to keep it, but Im pretty clueless about garters. I have a couple of boas now, so snakes arent new to me. I would like to know what to do with this new guy, what should I try to feed it, how soon should I try to feed it, do I need to provide heat, what should I do about its tail? Any info you could give me would be a great help. Thanks

[adamanteus]

Hi Patty, and welcome to the forum.
The tail injury doesn't sound too worrying. I would just treat the wound with Neosporin or similar, and keep it very clean.

As to general care of Garters, here's a good starting point....
http://www.thamnophis.com/caresheets...ake_Care_Sheet

[Sid]

Welcome to the forum, Patty. Follow the advise from James and read up on the link he posted and you can't go wrong.

[Stefan-A]

Welcome aboard, Patty.

James is giving good advice. Keep the wound and the cage clean.

[count dewclaw]

Hi and welcome, Patty.

[anji1971]

Hello, and welcome! Sounds like you're getting good advice already. Cleanliness is very important right now.

[drache]

welcome to the forum, Patty
nice to meet you

[enigma200316]

welcome to the forum.....................

[Odie]

Hi, from Oregon, Patty

[Patrika]

Just a few more questions....

What would be the best food to offer at first? I have one small mouse now (live), do you think he'd eat it? Should I kill it first or offer it live? Or would some of the other items from the caresheet be a better option since he is freshly caught?

Also, this is by far the largest garter snake that I have ever found. He's probably around 3' now. Is this full grown for a western garter? Is there any way (other than probing) to sex it?

Thanks again for all your help and advice.