Running out of tricks, need advice

[Stefan-A]

I'm sort of running out of opportunities to master "posting", so I'll probably need a Plan B.

[adamanteus]

Worm farm?

[Stefan-A]

Too late to start one, too slow to get the next generation and if I remember correctly, indoor temperatures are too high for the species. Eisenia would do fine, but Lumbricus need lower temperatures, I think.

[adamanteus]

How about brumation? Is she in good enough condition?

[Stefan-A]

She's not skinny, if that's what you mean. Do you mean a full brumation?

[drache]

just until you can get a steady worm supply

[adamanteus]

Originally Posted by Stefan-A

She's not skinny, if that's what you mean. Do you mean a full brumation?

Brumation would achieve two things...it would tide you through until worms are available again, and it might also trigger her feeding responses when she comes out of it.

[Stefan-A]

Originally Posted by adamanteus

Brumation would achieve two things...it would tide you through until worms are available again,

Yes, I know. Well, that would be about 7 months from now.

and it might also trigger her feeding responses when she comes out of it.

That's something I actually consider, but there are some difficulties finding a place to brumate her. The fridge isn't an option and I'm not sure the temperature in my parents' cellar stays stable enough. I probably already mentioned I tried lowering and eventually shutting off the lighting and lowering the temperature, though not as drastically as in a real brumation.

Now don't get me wrong, I do appreciate the advice, it's just that I've already considered these tricks. I'm also glad nobody has suggested force feeding.

[adamanteus]

No, force-feeding wouldn't be appropriate in this instance! If I think of any other tricks/ideas I'll let you know. I still think 'posting' is the way to go....with what little time you have left before the worms disappear!

[Stefan-A]

Just to be clear, I didn't actually consider force feeding. I just meant that I'm glad nobody else considered it.

By the way, is it even possible to "starve" a garter into accepting food it has previously refused, or is there a realistic chance that it won't give in?

People have said that it's not uncommon for them to start fasting, especially if they've been over-fed. What kind of energy reserves can they keep, how long do they last?