Hi Madeline,

First, I should say that I've never raised ribbons, but I have a few tricks that work well with garters. Maybe they'll help you. The standard advise is to make sure the snake has everything it needs (proper temperature, plenty of hiding places, proper photoperiod, etc.). If you've covered the fundamentals (http://www.thamnophis.com/caresheets...ake_Care_Sheet), the next step is to offer food and walk away. Giving privacy often works, but not always because some snakes are a pain in the rear to get started eating in captivity.

- Reluctant eaters often hold out for 10 days to two weeks before eating, so yours will probably take food soon. Some very stubborn ones won't eat for 3-4 weeks, but then it's time for more invasive measures. You're not there yet.

- Don't let live fish remain in the food/water bowl for more than about 3 hours at a time. They should be removed because they foul the water by increasing the nitrogen levels with their waste and depleting the dissolve oxygen levels. Just add the fish when it's feeding time, and make sure you've read the article on thiaminase (http://www.thamnophis.com/caresheets...?title=Thiamin,).

- Fill a water bottle (or similar) with water. Then slowly pour it into the water dish. The sound of sprinkling/splashing water is very exciting to garters. It's all the better if you pour it through a screen lid because it increases the splashing vibrations.

- If it's attracted by the sprinkling water, add a fish to the dish, but keep the water level low enough that the fish's back is exposed. It'll cause the fish to splash/flop around and help with the excitement level.

- If you're still not having luck, raise the temperature into the mid-to-upper 80s. Keep it below about 90F, though. Then offer different food items. Maybe others can suggest food items that ribbon snakes love, but when I have finnicky garters, I offer worms, live splashing fish, fish chunks, and meat (on different days). I have the best luck getting problem garters to eat worms and live fish, though.

- Remember to replace the water in the water bowl, and don't let food remain in there for too long. Keep us posted on your progress, okay? Best of luck,

Rick