Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello fellow snake lovers,

I have three Butler Garter Snakes, two females who are an adult who gave birth last month. And one little one, unsure of it's gender but he/she's almost 1 month old.

Anyway, I feed them nightcrawlers sprinkled with vitamins formulated for reptiles. Someone once suggested I should feed them pinkies, but I had my doubts of them being even able to eat them with their little heads!

But my real concern is that I fed them last Tuesday, and I am wondering--how often should I feed them? Should I feed the baby one more often? Advice on this will be greatly appreciated!

-Alenna

I keep a lot of Garters but I do not have any experience with this particular species. They are listed as an earthworm specialist but are also recorded to accept fish and amphibians in captivity. I am not aware of this species taking rodents in captivity but I wouldn't rule out trying a scented pinkie at some point. Personally I would offer them worms every 3 days or so and monitor their behavior, growth, and weight gain. Adjust the amount and frequency accordingly. Do not forget their calcium / phosphorus supplement. I am thinking it might be ok to give it every other or every 2 out 3 feedings and not every single feeding. Experiment and see what gives you good results. Be sure to keep records of feeding frequency, feeding response, sheds (with length), and if you can access a "jewelers" scale, their weight. DO NOT FORGET, and this is most important, to share your results.

I’d be interested in other opinions on this as well,

Randy

Thankyou for your reply,

Actually, my snakes are quite willing to feed just about everyday! And tend to eat 2-6 worms during a feeding. They digest them pretty fast, but they can go a week without eatting.( Like when they are shedding and refuse to eat for about a week.) One thing is that, well, how many earthworms should I feed them every 3 days? Because..they can sure eat!

-Alenna