Reptile & Amphibian Forums

They are so cute! My first baby garters. I bought a gravid female & she had 2 babies today.
I read the babies will take worms first. How soon will they eat & do I cut the worms up?
I separated them from the mom & I put a log/ tree thing in there. They are up in the tree part, close to the light.
I've raised baby ball pythons but this is new to me. Seeing baby snakes is priceless & will never get old.
Thanks for any tips.
Beth

Congrats! My T.s.pickeringii also just gave birth to two babies on Friday. She was pretty small and I think this was her first litter which is why only two I'm guessing, but at least they are big and healthy. They are supposed to shed two days or so after birth, then they will likely eat. I have heard worms are good, but don't have any so I offered a small rosy minnow and a tiny slice of salmon held by tongs. One ate right up, and the other still isn't interested, but he hasn't shed yet so will try again later... The baby that ate shed immediately after birth so maybe that was why he was more interested in eating. You are supposed to cut up the worms, but leave pieces big enough so they still move around to entice the little ones to eat. Good luck! They are super cute aren't they.... How long are they, and how long is the momma? Mine are pretty big babies, about 8in, esp compared to the mom who is around 22-24in, but I have heard that is common with Puget Sound garters.
Angela