Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Apparently it was forced out of hibernation because of the rain flooding its hole

Currently he has the snake in aquarium filled with hamster bedding. It seems understandably lethargic.

My father thinks it's far too cold right now, and letting the snake go would just be condemning it to death

What's the best action to take?

Make sure you have newspaper or paper towels as bedding. That is simple and easy to clean. Also a bowl of fresh water. I'm not quite sure on the temps because i dont know how cold it was outside when he found it. What are the temps now and did it dry up a lil?
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It's not over, I'll try to do it right next time around.
-Chris Daughtry

2 corn snakes- Yink and Waldo
2 FBT's

It's still raining heavily outside

I plan to release the snake back into the garden once the weather gets better

Is there anything else I need to do?

And try to get a toilet paper roll and cut it horizantally. If its still raining then wait till it stops and wait for a mild day. What are the temps where you are? Also when you cut this paper towel or toilet paper roll put one to the left and to the right of the cage. I forget if i said. keep the temps at 70-75.
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It's not over, I'll try to do it right next time around.
-Chris Daughtry

2 corn snakes- Yink and Waldo
2 FBT's

good advice HL95 ... It's relatively easy to brumate a garter. since your guy was already bedded down for the winter (so to speak) the hard part (making sure his belly is empty) is done for you. I suggest you remove the hamster bedding as the smell from the oil of the wood (ie. cedar) is not good for the reptiles in general. right now he needs a few inches of aspen bedding (aspen wood has no odor) or regular garden mulch (NOT pine, same "smell" rule applies). provide a water dish as they do drink during this period. find a dark spot basement, garage, etc. where the temp will NOT get below freezing and he'll be all set. you need to change the water every few weeks. what you are doing is trying to create a nice cave or underground hiding spot that does not get too cold. if the temp gets to freezing he will not survive.

best of luck to you and thanks for caring for him !!
mt