Sick snake, brumation, or...?

[Garty]

Hi,

I'm new to the forum.

Here's my problem: I have a wild-caught garter that hasn't eaten basically since capture (around 6 weeks ago). No worms, no fish (live or fillets), no grubs, nothing despite daily attempts. Under tank heater in 10 gal tank provides a basking spot at around 87F, and the air temp in my house is around 69-70F. Snake was very active up until the last week or so, now either hides in the hide-box or lays listlessly on the heat spot (mostly at night).

Here's my thoughts: First, what a goof I am for atttempting this. My daughter caught the animal, and I had a wild caught garter in grad school that thrived for years, so I thought it'd be OK. I live in WA, so after a few weeks of trying to get it to feed, it was too late/cold out to attempt a release. I'm hoping that due to the late capture date, the animal had already gone off its feed on its own in preparation for brumation and if I bring it down to brumation temp (is 55F in my unheated basement OK or do I need to go lower?) it will awake in a few months happy and healthy, but I'm kind of skeptical and am afraid that I've already messed up beyond recovery. I'm trying to find a vet that can help, but in the meantime, any ideas?

P.S. - Please don't flame, I already feel dumb enough...

[Cazador]

Hi Garty,

Welcome to the forum. You won't get flamed here; nobody does it. Anyway, it sounds like you already know the answer. Your formerly wild garter has already primed itself for brumation, and it sounds like you're going to have to put it down for a while. The basement at 55F will be fine, but I'd only put it down for a maximum of 6-8 weeks at that temperature. That's about the maximum temp that you'd want, though. Be sure to put a blanket or something over its enclosure to keep it dark, and be sure to provide water but not food. This should reset its appetite when you warm it back up.

There are other options for long-term captives, but they're also hit and miss. I think your recently wild-caught snake is a different story, but others may have different opinions and advise. Best of luck,

Rick

[Stefan-A]

Welcome aboard, Garty.

[Odie]

Hi, from Oregon, Garty
There are threads and articles on brumation @ this form
But it sounds like you all ready doing fine
As for flames this is probably the most you will get unless you got a match

[Sid]

Welcome to the forum. I agree with Rick's advise. I would go ahead and burmate the Garter.

[Lori P]

Welcome, Garty! Keep us posted on your snake's progress!!

[drache]

nice to meet you Garty
I think that's one lucky garter, to have been caught by a kid with such a conscientious parent
how old is your daughter?
good luck getting the snake through this hump
and please keep us posted

[enigma200316]

Welcome and I'd go with the advise and thought that you already had....
If possible we really like pics here, so post some when you can......

[anji1971]

Hello, and welcome! Best of luck with the snake, and no worries about anyone giving you a hard time. This is the nicest forum in the world!

[Loren]

Hi Garty, I pretty much agree with most of the rest of the posts in brumating the snake. The only thing is I would only do it is it seems to be in good health and good body condition. Check on it throughout brumation, if it starts losing body condition I would take him/her out early and get it on some heat and try to feed it. Also, I've already said this on another thread, but one of my garters will only eat from her hidebox, and only if I do not disturb her.