New member. Info needed.

[reptile65]

Hi everyone. I just joined this forum. My dad found a baby snake at work today and brought it home. I really wasn't planning on keeping it, but after seeing it, I thought it was too small to release because I was afraid it wouldn't last long. I need help with identifying this little snake. From the research I've done, I believe it is a baby western terrestrial garter snake. I have attached a few pictures.

Also, I have no idea what to feed it because it is so tiny. I'm not sure if it is even big enough to eat a pinky mouse. What should I try feeding it and how often should it be eating? Any other info is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[infernalis]

small feeder guppies or small earthworms would be good choices.

As far as the snake "making it" that is the normal size for a baby garter

[drache]

looks like a T. vagrans (wandering garter) to me, but I'm the resident non-expert when it comes to ID, so better wait for one of the people who know this stuff
as Wayne said - that is a normal size for a baby, and will probably take guppies, or night crawlers (not all worms are ok)
welcome to the forum

[guidofatherof5]

Welcome to the forum.
Remember that the mother of this snake was once a wild snake herself. She made it to adulthood to have this little one.
I do understand where you're coming from though. It's a tough world out their for baby snakes. Not many of them make it to adulthood.
Thanks for considering giving this one a better chance at life.
If you are going to keep it I would strongly suggest you read the care sheet. Here's a link:Garter Snake Care Sheet - Caresheets

[ssssnakeluvr]

it's a newborn wandering garter, t e vagrans. start with small worms and feeder guppies. it may not eat for a week or 2 until it adjusts to captivity. but you can try, put the guppies in the water dish and leave them there.

[Mommy2many]

Welcome to the forum!

[reptile65]

Thanks everyone for the quick replies! At this size, will it eat whole nightcrawlers, or will I have to cut them into smaller pieces? How many feeder guppies should I offer it at a time?

Also, what is the lifespan of this species and how long do they take to reach full size?

[reptile65]

I just called my local reptile store and they told me that even baby garters can eat pinky mice. Should I just get a pinky and attempt to feed it and see how it turns out? It would make things so much easier if I could feed it pinkies. Thanks in advance.

[Hollis_Steed]

Cut up a frozen pinky into bite size pieces and once it is completely thawed your little guy shouldn't have any problems eating it

[Snakers]

I would first try cut up nightcrawlers...........