Feeding rates.

[Zephyr]

Well, most of my easterns are hitting sexual maturity right now, and within the past few weeks I've noticed a significant drop in their food interest. How often should adult garters be fed? I'm pondering cutting the food intake to once a week.

[adamanteus]

Once a week is fine for a mature Garter, Kyle.

[Snake lover 3-25]

really???? i think i feed mine to much....... 4 mice and some fish 2 x a week..... but is that okay for a young male????

[adamanteus]

That's quite a lot really, Shanley. Don't be surprised or worried if your snake goes on hunger strike for a while soon.

[Stefan-A]

I feed all of my young snakes 1 mouse a week, sometimes less often depending on the size of the mouse. The adult female gets 1-2 mice per week. I choose the amounts I feed them depending on the weight of the snake.

[Snake lover 3-25]

well... she only eats for about 5 months a year anyway...... she just stops... and that was well before i started feeding her anywhere near that much.....

Wow that's all!!!!!! aren't they small????

[Zephyr]

Once a week is fine for a mature Garter, Kyle.

Yet again, the odd thing is that I'd thought the transformation would be a lot more subtle. It's been a period of about 3 weeks since this lack of appetite started. However, interestingly enough... Fatty has not shown any sign of a fading appetite. Seeing as I had a pinky and a fuzzy today from other snakes not feeding, I "sacrificed" them to her. Took them both down REALLY fast. I attempted to measure her and I believe she's at 2 feet now...

[adamanteus]

Shanley, from the pictures you've posted she looks like a nice, healthy snake. They do self-regulate their food intake to some extent, so don't worry too much. You'll soon see if she starts to get fat...... and so will we if you keep posting pictures!

[Snake lover 3-25]

maybe she's pregnant?????

[Lori P]

Mordecai downs, on average, 4 peach fuzzies or 2 fuzzies, and either several small pieces of salmon or several small-medium silver minnows twice a week. He also just started going after worms, so the last week he's also downed a worm or three at the same time. Now, he's four times the size of the others... he's huge... and I'm thinking he's actually a she... but is he eating too much??