Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have just brought my 2 year old northern chequred garter snake out of her first hibernation. Prior to hibernation she was feeding well on large Fuzzies,she has been warming up for the past 4 days but has not yet fed, as she has not eaten since November i am very worried, how long can she go without feeding? and what can I do, if anything to induce her to feed.

I'm having the same problem with my garter. I brought her up from hibernation 2 weeks ago. She hibernated for 9 weeks and hadn't eaten for 3 weeks prior to that. When I brought her up 2 weeks ago, she seemed pretty active after the first day, then spent 2-4 days in and out (mostly in) her water dish, and now I haven't seen her for a week (except the occasional head poking out from under her substrate) because she's been under her water bowl ever since. I offered her food in the first few days after I brought her up, but she wanted no part of it.

Any help with either of our problems would be greatly appreciated.

Cyndi

what were they feeding on before hibernation? if you can't get them to eat I'd try to use some feich to scent or wait a few more days goodluck and keep us posted
wayne

My snake was feeding on small fuzzies. She ate one about every 3 or 4 days. I tried 2 different times to give her a goldfish but she didn't want any part of it.
Should I be getting worried yet? She still hasn't come out from under her water bowl. But when she wants a drink she does poke her head out from under it and drinks, then dissapears again. Maybe she just wasn't done hibernating yet, when I brought her up?

Hi wayne,she was feeding on large fuzzies with no problem,considering that she hasnt eaten since November she looks fantastic . Ive hadled her this week with no problem, so ive assumed that she is not in any discomfort. I seem to be more worried than she is, I will keep offering her food. As this seems to be a common problem with garters Ill just have to give her some more time and just keep my fingers crossed.Thanks for your help.

Steve

Sorry, Steve, to jump in to your question in your post. I was hoping someone could answer both of our questions, since they're similar. Good luck with your snake! Hopefully mine will eat soon!

Hi Cyndi,no apology needed, i know how worrying this is for you,Im going to try to speak to some other experts, if I find anything new i will let you know. Good luck, Im sure all will be ok.

Regards

Steve

Thanks! I appreciate that! I think I'm worrying more because I am a first time snake owner and I just hope I'm not doing anything wrong, you know!
Thanks for your help!

Cyndi

yeh, i know what you mean, Im a new owner too.Im told that garters are hardy and not to worry to much, easier said than done eh.

good luck

Steve

I'd assume that they are just not ready to eat yet, snakes can go a VERY long time without eating I've had an eastern milksnake that would eat like a pig and then stop for a month or two. as long as they look healthy and are active I wouldn't worry to much. make sure they have water. you can always try a smaller meal than they normally eat ie if eating fuzzies try a pinky. goodluck and I hope this helps, keep us posted
wayne

thanks for your advice Wayne , that has reassured me and put my mind at rest. I was getting really worried. ill keep you posted,

regards

Steve