I purchased my san fran garter 4 months ago and for a while she was eating loads. However for the past month and a bit she has only taken two bits of trout. I considered it being because of winter but I have kept the lights on for 12 hours and have kept the heat the same. I am beginning to get a bit worried as she is only a hatching, saying that she looks very healthy and is still quite active.

Even though she hasn't ate in a few weeks she has defaced quite a few times which lead me to believe that she was preparing for brumation. Would this be the best option? If so some tips would be great as I find it pretty daunting. The reason I've avoided doing it so far was because the breeder advised that I wouldn't have to.

I haven't tried a massive variety of food items, I have tried rodent tails and a couple of different fish parts. Before I bought her she was feeding on trout parts. Due to it being winter I haven't been able to collect any earth worms.

What do you think is the problem and what do you advise to try to get her feeding again?

Thanks a lot for you time.