Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I live in Albany, NY and about a month ago I got a garter snake from the wild. I already had a garter snake and they get along great. The problem is the new garter snake when I initially offered it an earthworm about a day later, it would not eat. The next day it took it almost immedietly. Now it's been 2-3 weeks and it won't eat again, I've tried dangling it, leaving the earthworm in there with it, feeding it fish. They have a heated rock and a basking lamp as far as the temperature is concerned. I can no longer release it back into the wild because it's to cold now. Should I bring it to the vet to try to have it force fed? Please Help!!!

Kristen

Tis the season to be sleepin.
In the wild this garter is already programmed to be getting ready for winter and in New York I am sure it is already pretty cold as it is here in N.ohio Stop trying to feed her and get her ready for brumation. After about 2/3 months you can slowly warm her up and then she might eat you out of house and home in earthworms.

I wouldn't worry about it not eating at the moment. I would also try feeding it more than earthworms. Garters have pretty high metabolisms. Try thawed pinky mice.

By the way, about your heat rock...please consider getting rid of it. Those aren't good for snakes. Many animals have been injured (or killed by their injuries) by hot rocks. They are very dangerous. Consider getting an under tank heater instead. I use a human heating pad set to low (just make sure it's not the kind that shuts off after a couple hours)