Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello fellow snake lovers,

Recently I caught two garter snakes about a week ago, also recently they both have shedded. I thought after they shed they would at least be somewhat interested in eatting--but boy was I wrong!( But they did drink their water at least.)

I have offered them mainly two types of food, small fish that the petstore guy said they'll eat, and even nightcrawlers. But mainly they show no interest.

My last resort will be crickets, and if they still don't eat I'll probably release them back into the wild.

Perhaps it's their aquarium, I mean I have a dish full of water. A stick( Which they can rub against to help them shed! ), and a box where they can hide in. I need to purchase a heatlamp for them, but the petstore lady said I shouldn't worry about it that much since they are northern garter snakes and it's quite hot here anyway.

So, any suggestions? As to why they aren't eatting? Or am I just giving up too soon? Any tips will be greatly appreciated, thanks!

-Alenna

umm when i cought mine i always ahd crikets in there and small fish in a water dish and they ate worms no problem try feeding them some canned tuna mine took that.and good luck and is the temp 75 and up cuz they might not be eating cuz its to cold.

They are probably stressed. A lot of times they won't eat for their first bit in captivity. Crickets are most likely not going to work. I have NEVER had a garter or ribbon eat crickets. Fish and worms are going to be your best bet probably. You could also try live pinkie mice and see if they maybe take them.
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Andy Maddox
AIM: thekingofproduct
MSN: Poloboy32486@hotmail.com
Yahoo:surfandskimtx04
Houston Herp Key
The Reptizone

"A yellow ribbon instead of a swastika. Nothin' proper about ya propaganda. Fools follow rules when the set commands ya. Said it was blue when ya blood was red. That's how ya got a bullet blasted through ya head"- Rage Against the Machine

They are probably stressed. A lot of times they won't eat for their first bit in captivity. Crickets are most likely not going to work. I have NEVER had a garter or ribbon eat crickets. Fish and worms are going to be your best bet probably. You could also try live pinkie mice and see if they maybe take them.
-----
Andy Maddox
AIM: thekingofproduct
MSN: Poloboy32486@hotmail.com
Yahoo:surfandskimtx04
Houston Herp Key
The Reptizone

"A yellow ribbon instead of a swastika. Nothin' proper about ya propaganda. Fools follow rules when the set commands ya. Said it was blue when ya blood was red. That's how ya got a bullet blasted through ya head"- Rage Against the Machine

They are probably stressed, I wouldn't be surprise if it wasn't that reason!

I'll continue with the fish and nightcrawlers and try to handle them less as possible. I also put a cover part way over the aquarium they are in so they can have some privacy. Hopefully this will help some.

If anymore suggestions/tips can be given please do so! The more the merrier!

-Alenna