Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey guys, i was planning on catching a garter snake this spring (ive got everything i need for em) but was wondering if they will eat dead mice? Thanks alot!

this is what I do to switch wild garters, ok first I get them to eat something like fish or frogs feed them a few times on those items. the next step is to scent a mouse using the food items you were feeding. Iv'e had the most luck with fish just rub a fish or frog on the mouse get it good and slimy and offer it to the snake. Iv'e only converted a few but have had 100% success. good luck and let us know
Wayne

Thanks Wayne, when i get one ill try it, another question about pre-killed mice, how much do they cost (per mouse) and do you just get em at a local petstore (like petco or petsmart). I tried looking online but couldn't find any info on this. Once again thanks!

it depends, if you have alot of snakes I wouldn't purchase them from the pet store. they are $1.25 here. I raise my own feeder mice in the summer. or you can buy them in bulk online look at the classifieds section of KS and look for feeders or something like that goodluck
wayne

Contact RodentPro, in my opinion, they have the cheapest mice out there. DON'T buy from the pet stores, they just rip you off.

Mike
Michael's Place

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Depends on the species. There are a few that will not convert to mice though the majority of species will, some easier than others. If you know what species (or locality) I can give you a better answer. Frozen mice are much cheaper from internet suppliers but shipping costs will make it too expensive for only a few snakes. They are shipped packed with dry ice, which is very heavy.
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Firehouse Herps

I live in eastern pa, just north of philadelphia. Thanks for your help.

You have two species of Thamnophis in your area.

Eastern Garter T sirtalis sirtalis: Should make a good captive and convert to f/t mice with no problem as other subspecies of T sirtalis are easily maintained on mice. They might need scented mice at first, especially young or wild caught specimens. Young ones may be fed earthworms with calcium supplement.

Easter Ribbon: Thamnophis sauritus sauritus. Easy to maintain but they are nervous captives. They will hide a lot and usually dart from the cage when disturbed. My T sauritus is a hardy feeder on f/t Pinkies but he usually needs them scented with fish. These will not eat worms.

In Pa you need a fishing liscense to collect them and the overall possesion limit is two of each species. It is illegal to sell native species either in or from the state.

Randy
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Firehouse Herps