Found a garter in need of help?

[Snakers]

Idk it looks to me she is dieing of old age....

[svon89]

Maybe old age. No interest in a cricket. It basically danced over her head and she didn't do anything. Will still curl itself back up if moved, but not interested in going anywhere. I found another today and in comparison there is no tongue flicking. The one I found today was smaller, active, and had the tongue out a lot.
Keep any ideas coming.

[kibakiba]

They don't eat crickets, or any other type of bugs for that matter. They usually eat worms, slugs amphibians or fish.

[guidofatherof5]

Maybe old age. No interest in a cricket. It basically danced over her head and she didn't do anything. Will still curl itself back up if moved, but not interested in going anywhere. I found another today and in comparison there is no tongue flicking. The one I found today was smaller, active, and had the tongue out a lot.
Keep any ideas coming.

Check out the care sheet: Garter Snake Care Sheet - Caresheets

[ConcinnusMan]

Snake does look old and worn out. If I tried to feed you a cricket I imagine you wouldn't be interested either since neither snakes nor humans eat bugs. (well, most of us don't)

Whatever you do, never leave live crickets in with snakes or any other herp for very long or the cricket will start making a meal of the snake.

[svon89]

Thanks for the tip. The snake is actually outside in an area that it is protected and has access to water. Today I will try earthworms and see what happens.

Another question: We are supposed to get some heavy rains from hurricane Earl, I intend to bring the snake in to prevent it from getting too much water. I intend to put it in a large cardboard box, shredded newpaper at the bottom, a water source, and a hollow log for a hide. I am going to put a piece of plexiglass over the top. I plan to put small holes all around the top of the box for air. However I do not have a heat rock or heat lamp. The ambient temperature is around 70F-80F. Would this be alright for one day and night?

Thanks

[guidofatherof5]

For the short time you will have it inside I wouldn't worry about the heat. The air hole will also not be necessary since it's in a cardboard box.
Good job thinking ahead on the storm.
Keep safe.

[ConcinnusMan]

I'm thinking a cardboard box is not going to be escape proof no matter what you do to it. make sure there is no tape or adhesives, regardless of what you use. A garter can squeeze through very easily. A cardboard box with plexiglass on top isn't going to cut it.

You're better off using a dollar store plastic container with holes punched in it for air.

[svon89]

Good news, as of tonight, the snake has moved on from where I had it. I had it in my wife's strawberry patch with 1" bird netting over it so I know nothing got to it. I was planning on bringing it in if we got Earl, but seems like it felt better today. Maybe the worms helped, although I never saw it eat any.

Thank you for the help.

[guidofatherof5]

Good news, as of tonight, the snake has moved on from where I had it. I had it in my wife's strawberry patch with 1" bird netting over it so I know nothing got to it. I was planning on bringing it in if we got Earl, but seems like it felt better today. Maybe the worms helped, although I never saw it eat any.

Thank you for the help.

Keep us posted.