One thing these threads often fail to mention is varying dietary preferences by SPECIES.I both agree and disagree with SLB on this basis. Many Thamnophis species seldom or never feed on rodents in the wild-on the other hand, some species/ssp. seldom or never feed on anything BUT rodents!

In the latter category I would place many populations of wandering, plains and checkered garters, as well as a few populations of sirtalis. These snakes are evolved to prey on rodents, and a constant rodent diet does not seem to do them any harm whatsoever. I personally have (for the last 20 years) started out all my baby marcianus on pinky pieces-almost never is any scenting required. All are fed rodents throughout their lives, and seemingly live a normal, reproductively active life span. Same with when I used to breed Blais Flames back in the 90s.

On the other hand, I don't think I'd try that with such species as ribbons, western aquatic, etc. They have evolved with a primarily fish and amphibian diet, and I've heard of problems from a rodent-only diet with these species. A lot of sirtalis subspecies would fall somewhere in between, and for these a varied diet is indicated.

In summary, I just think we would all do well to look carefully at how our animals "make a living" in the wild-our captives can't help but benefit.