Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Since Eastern hognoses, which are naturally devout toad-eaters, have questionable health when on an all-mouse diet, does it naturally follow that certain frog-loving garter species also have potential problems? (Yes, I realize that some of you will say that the above-mentioned argument is bogus)
T. cyrtopsis ocellatus, for instance, is a frog-eating demon, but with work can be switched. I've never heard this topic broached, and I hope with good reason, but it has ocurred to me to find out?
Pierson? anyone?
Thanks.
-Jack
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...and I think to myself, "What a wonderful world."

The only drawback that I've ever heard of from feeding mice to garters, is that supposedly, it's much easier for the snake to become obese, because mice are a higher quality source of protein. It's okay to feed them mice. You just shouldn't do it as often as if you were feeding them say - fish, worms, amphibians etc.

I think most of the problems in hognose feeding on mice has to do with how often they feed their snakes.If a snake that eats frogs once a week is fed mice once a week.There is going to be a lot more fat in the mouse diet.With garters you have a lot more options than with hognose.You can vary the diet with nightcrawlers, fish,and mice.maybe a frog every once in a while.

Personally while we are on the topic. My Garter will not have anything to do with mice. I have tried on several occasions to feed it newborn lab mice but to no avail. The individual was collected in the Eldarado National Forest near the Elkins Flat Jeep Trail. It won’t even take fish as prey. The only thing I have been able to get it to take in the several months since its collection is wild tree frogs. Taking care of this simple snake has proved to be a great challenge as I must go out and hunt the frogs to offer it. I am not considering the set back of breeding tree frogs but I must say the Tree Frog lovers have not been as cooperative as I would hope after hearing of my intentions. Just thought I would share.
RR

Have you tried scenting the mouse with a frog, or have you tried feeding it earthworms and slugs?