Mice dont work

[Kimberly334]

Hi im new here and new to caring for garter snakes.i tried to feed my snake a baby mouse but it wouldn't eat it. then i tried to sent it but he just bit it a couple of times then left it alone. what should i do because i know i cant keep on feeding him goldfish

[adamanteus]

Hi Kimberly, and welcome to the forum. You're right, you can't continue with Goldfish, they're toxic!
http://www.thamnophis.com/caresheets...INASE_PROBLEMS
Sometimes it requires a little time and patience to wean them onto mice. The fact that he is biting it shows that he is interested, I'm sure he'll take it if you keep trying and make sure you are scenting thoroughly. In the meantime I would recommend you switch to a different fish.

[gregmonsta]

Slithers of trout work a treat

[Lori P]

Hi Kimberly, and welcome! You could try scenting the pinky with strips of salmon or trout, like Greg said. Or, can you get some minnows and use them to scent your pinkies? One thing I've been doing is "whacking" the minnows (I know, I'm a fish killer) ahead of time and letting them soak in a little bit of water with the pinkies. That seems to scent them really strongly. Good luck, keep us posted! Also, make sure the pinkies aren't too big? Might have to chop them up...

[Sid]

I normally have pretty go success putting the pinkies in a shallow bowl of water with live minnows. They often grab the pinkies while chasing a minnow and eat it. Does often take time though, so be persistant and you'll win out.

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

hahaha I always keep a minnow bucket in my snake room... and when it comes time to feed the ones who arent on mice yet, I just grab my giant pair of tweezers (best invention ever), snag me a minnow, and while holding him by the tongs in one hand give him a good solid flick to the head with the other. He is my scenter lol! (sometimes i accidently decapitate the minnow.... whoops)

[adamanteus]

I nearly always use trout for scenting... they're just a naturally smelly fish! Tasty though!

[Stefan-A]

Welcome aboard, Kimberly.

[anji1971]

Hello, and welcome!!

[Snaky]

Welcome from belgium, have fun here!