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I posted this the other day on the Garter snake forum and didn't get any bites (pun intended), so I figured I'd post it here.

I just rescued a little garter (about 12" from a home in Austin. They were going to chop it up (like they did to another one a few days ago). I was going to relocate it, but I'm also considering using it in the reptile presentations that I do at one of the local elementary schools.
I used to keep ribbon snakes as a kid, and I currently keep a number of larger colubrids. My question is about feeding. I know these guys normally eat frogs and fish. I've heard that some people feed them small gold fish, but that too many goldfish can cause health problems. Is that true? Would a combination of goldfish and bait fish (shiners) be appropriate, along with some nightcrawlers? I'll most likely start scenting pinkie mice as well.
One other question: how should I offer the fish? In a bowl of water? With tongs? On a moist paper towel?

Thanks,
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http://www.mikefoux.com

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I just put feeders in my guy's water bowl works well for me (he's a ribbon, not a garter but pretty close).

A place I interned at through college had garters as well as a ribbonsnake. The garter was fed primarily night crawlers with occasional feeder fish and pinkies. It is true that a diet of 100% goldfish will result in some sort of nutrient deficiency but to be honest, I forget specifically what it is that goldfish lack.

Yeah, I remember reading about this a long while back as well. I did a little research, and among other things, this is something I found pertaining to the feeder goldfish thing.

It goes as follows.............

>> "They are fatty as well as having very little in the way of vitamins and minerals in them, but also they contain a chemical called thiamesse this stops your pet from absorbing the vitamin thiamine (vitamin B-1) a deficiency of this can cause both neurological problems and cardiovascular problems.

~Doug
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"a snake in the grass is a GOOD thing"

Nice job on the rescue. I don't understand how even people who are afraid of snakes can fear/hate a little gartersnake.

Some goldfish is OK if you include other items primarily. Night crawlers are great. Rosy reds are fine. Thawed pinks are great too.

I've seen some checkered garters kept for a long time on a diet of just mice. I don't know how long garters live, but I understand not as long as kingsnakes for example. A friend has had two checkered garters for 7 yrs now fed earthworm-scented thawed pink parts initially then onto just mice with no scenting. His pair are awesome, big and bold. So I think mice can be considered a good staple.
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Mark

Hey guys, thanks for the replies. Good to know about the goldfish thing.

An update: I found a new home for the little garter. A local garter snake breeder and enthusiast is now in possession of the little guy/girl.

I just wish I could have rescued the 4 footer that they shot/chopped up. Apparently they weren't afraid, they just felt like shooting it.
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http://www.mikefoux.com

1.2.0 Hondurans Het Amel
1.1.0 Hondurans Anery, Het Hypo
0.1.0 Honduran Hypo
0.1.0 Honduran Hypo, Het Anery
0.2.0 Pueblans
1.0.0 Pueblan Hypo
0.1.0 Corn Bloodred
0.0.1 GBK Blair's Phase
1.0.0 California King
0.1.0 California King Blue-eyed Blond
0.0.1 Speckled King WC
1.1.0 Brooksi Hypo
0.0.1 Jungle Carpet
0.1.0 Ball, Normal
0.0.1 Sulcata
1.2.1 Leopard Geckos, various morphs
0.1.0 Wife, Caucasius Mexicana