Refusing to eat.

[JayJaw]

About three weeks ago I stumbled upon a juvenile eastern garter snake. It was such a late bloomer I decided to take it home fearing it would die from the cold being so young. I established a moderate sized terrarium for it giving it water, shelter, substrate etc. But no matter what I try it refuses to eat. I have tried worms, fish, pinkys, scented pinkys, dead food, live food, feeding dishes, wiggling food with tweezers, and today I tried assisted feeding all to no avail. It refuses anything I give it, no matter how I present it. The snake doesn't seem upset about it's habitat. It's a very docile creature and never gets defensive. But I don't even see it drinking water now. I don't know how to get it to eat. If it doesn't eat it will die and if I release it I'm afraid the cold will kill it. What should I do?

[guidofatherof5]

More than likely the little one was preparing to brumate and was off food.
It may take awhile for it to start eating again. Be patience with it.
Garter snakes can go a long time without eating. 3 weeks isn't a short time but not critical either.
The snake is probably drinking when you're not watching and will probably eat in the same way.
Use a small dish, put some worms and dirt in. Keep the dirt moist and let the snake go get its food.
It will be more natural for it to hunt in the dirt. Place the food dish on a white piece of paper towel so you can see of any dirt is getting spilled out. If it is than the snake is exploring the dirt and that's a good sign.
You are right about the consequences for this snake if it doesn't eat and it's good you are thinking about it.
Sometimes babies suffer from something called "failure to thrive" I can't tell you why it happens but it could have many causes
I wish you well with your snake and please keep use posted.

[infernalis]

have you tried live guppies in the water bowl?

[Mommy2many]

Welcome! Sounds like you are trying everything we would suggest for you to try. As Steve said, the baby could have preparing for winter and off food. Mine have been doing that for almost 2 months now. Try keeping the enclosure warm (at about 80 degrees at least) As Wayne suggested, live guppies usually persuade the reluctant eater. Could also be just the snake trying to acclimate itself with it's new surroundings. Good luck; we would all love to see pictures!

[Odie]

Hi, from Oregon, JayJaw

[JayJaw]

Well I haven't tried guppies but I did try rosies. I know I know thiamine fish but it was in a pinch. Ill get some guppies soon to try. He still hasn't touched the worms I buried in a food bowl. Cross your fingers and thanks for the warm welcome and advice.

[gregmonsta]

Greetings

[JayJaw]

Here he is little guy. He still won't eat I don't know what to do. He didn't touch the worms I had in the dish and he won't eat the guppy's I put in two days ago. I've been running my space heater on and off throughout the day trying to keep his temperature high.

[guidofatherof5]

I can't see your photo

[JayJaw]

How about this? It's a crappy photo anyhow.