^-^ Mishka my new red sided garter snake ^-^

[JodiLeigh]

Hi,

I got my very first snake a few days ago. A female, I think (70% sure) red sided garter snake about 10 months old.

She's beautiful and so friendly! I was surprised at how quickly she got used to me and she is the best pet I've had

I have taken some pictures, they aren't great but you get the gist.

She loves burrowing in my hair as you can see.

I was just wondering if anyone has any tips for feeding, tried feeding her last night but she didn't seem interested but the person I got her off said he hadn't fed her for a few days so means she hasn't eaten in about a week so surely she should eat, right?

I am feeding her frozen pinkies and as I was told and read up on a million different sites I warmed it up a little and cut its head a little so she could smell it better.

Is there anything else I can try? I hear you can dip it in stock but I'm not sure about that.

Any suggestions about this or any tips I should know about garter snakes in general would be greatly appreciated

Thank you

=]

[Stefan-A]

Welcome aboard.

[JodiLeigh]

Thank you

[guidofatherof5]

Welcome to the forum.
Here's a link to our awesome care sheet.
Garter Snake Forum - Garter Caresheet

Looks like she may have a minor lip infection or something caught in it(First photo and last photo)

It take awhile for them to settle in. A week isn't a long time to go without food.

Beautiful snake.

[JodiLeigh]

Thank you for the link, very helpful

Oh no I briefly read about that. She isn't salivating excessively or holding her mouth open but could that just mean it's not that bad yet?

Any advice on that? How do I find out for sure and how do I treat her?

I will let her settle for a b it longer before trying to feed her again, thank you

[ssssnakeluvr]

welcome to the forum! nice looking snake...where is she from? looks a lot like a valley garter.....

[JodiLeigh]

welcome to the forum! nice looking snake...where is she from? looks a lot like a valley garter.....

Thank you
She is isn't she!
What do you mean by valley?
I'm new to snakes, she was given to me by my brother who bought her from a pet shop here in England.
Do you have any advice about lip infections?

[guidofatherof5]

Do you have any advice about lip infections?

It may or may not be one. It could be healed and just scabbed over. Some close up photos would help.

It's doesn't look serious at this point but needs to be evaluated. In my opinion.

[JodiLeigh]

Ok thank you.

I will take some better pictures tomorrow

Are there any other signs I should be looking out for?

[Mommy2many]

Welcome. I think you can use neosporin or bacitracin on the lips as a precaution (advanced members interject here).
Mine also love to go thru my hair. Lovely snake and good luck!