Feeding question :)

[kbear]

Hi!
I have a WC garter that is about 11.5 or 12 inches long. I have been feeding him live feeder fish, but I realize that is non-optimal, and would like to switch to pinkies. Not having ever had a garter before, I was wondering if 12 inches is considered too small to take pinkies? It seems to me as though it wouldn't be too small, but I wasn't sure. He's been eating the fish well, and just shed his skin.
Thanks

[Stefan-A]

Welcome aboard.

It's not too small to take pinkies. If it looks like the pinkies are too big, you can split them lengthwise.

[infernalis]

Welcome.

Garter snakes can stretch open in ways that may astound you.

If the pinky is the extra small kind (usually labeled "day old") there should be little problem, compare the pinky to the garter, is the pink just a bit bigger than the garters head?

As long as it is not twice or bigger the size of your snakes head, no harm should come to your snake from eating a pink.

rinse it off with water, and rub it against a fish. the garter should take it no sweat.

This little fella was only about 8 inches when I took this photo. Like Stefan said, I cut this pink in half.

Good luck.

[jitami]

Welcome Kbear... I have two about that size and they can take smaller whole pinks and I split the larger ones like said above. Good luck

[Sid]

Welcome to the forum. Seems your question on pinkies has already been answered in full, so nothing to add there.

[drache]

welcome to the forum

[adamanteus]

Hi Kristen, and welcome to the forum.
It seems you've already received some good advise regarding switching your Garter to pinkies. Good luck, keep us informed.

[kbear]

Sweet. Thanks guys. I bought some pinkies today and will try all your advice when I get to the house.

[kbear]

oh, and by the way dekay, that snake's gorgeous.

[Garter_Gertie]

Glad you found us, kbear! We're a great group and I think you'll enjoy being here.