Today, we're gonna dive into one of the most crucial aspects of keeping your slithery buddy happy and healthy: feeding them like champs.

Whether you're new to owning a garter snake or just want a refresher, this blog post will guide you through the ins and outs of keeping your scaly friend's belly full and their tail wagging (metaphorically, of course).

What's On the Menu?

Garter snakes are opportunistic eaters, which means they'll gobble up a variety of prey items that meet their dietary needs. In the wild, their menu consists of worms, slugs, frogs, and small fish.

Below are some tips and suggestions on what you can feed your garter snake when they're living the comfy life in captivity.

Frozen Thawed Goodies

Frozen thawed prey items are a popular, convenient and safe option for garter snakes. You can find a wide range of frozen rodents and fish at your local reptile store or online. Just make sure to thaw them out properly before serving up a feast fit for a snake!

Why frozen thawed? It is believed that freezing items for 30+ days will lower the risk of parasites.  A solid win for the health of your snake.  We like to freeze our fish, frog legs and worms for no less than 30 days but usually even longer than that.

What we feed (frozen thawed, of course)

• Pinkies, hoppers or small mice (this makes up 75% of our snake diet)
• Silversides (this makes up 5% of our snake diet)
• Chicken Hearts (this makes up 5% of our snake diet)
• Chicken Liver  (this makes up 5% of our snake diet)
• Tilapia  (this makes up 5% of our snake diet)
• Salmon  (this makes up 5% of our snake diet)
• Frog legs (when available)
• Worms (only for neonates that won't take anything else or just learning to eat)

Very important to note:  When choosing fish you MUST look for FRESH caught, never with preservatives you find in vacuum sealed filets!  These preservatives can cause death in your snake.  Go to a deli or fresh butcher to source it and always ask if a preservative was used if it was previously thawed. Always avoid fish that has thiaminase in it.

The Prey Size Conundrum

As your garter snake grows, you'll need to adjust the prey size accordingly. Rule of thumb: the prey item should be about the same width or a little larger than your snake's body at its widest point. We don't want our slithery buddies getting too ambitious and choking on their meals, do we?

Food prepping can make things so much easier!  For neonates and juveniles we use a ninja food chopper.  We place a few dozen to 100 frozen pinkies into the chopper and pulse it a few times until the size is small enough for the snake to handle.  This allows us to package prepared food that will last a month or more depending on how many snakes you are feeding.

Variety Is the Spice of Life

Mixing up your snake's diet is key to ensuring they get all the necessary nutrients. Don't be afraid to alternate between different prey items like fish, rodents, and even raw chicken hearts. It's like a multi-course meal for your scaly friend!

Just imagine being fed the same flavorless sustenance every day. No excitement, no variation, just pure monotony. It sounds like a nightmare, doesn't it?

The Power-Packed Nutritional Benefits of Whole Prey for Your Snake

When your beloved snake devours a whole prey item, it's like receiving a power-packed protein punch straight from the source. This juicy and complete meal provides your scaly companion with all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients to thrive. 

Offering your slithering friend whole prey isn't just about meeting their nutritional needs; it's also a way to provide mental and physical stimulation. Variety adds a burst of excitement to their lives.

Don't Overfeed or Underfeed - Find That Sweet Spot

Finding the right feeding schedule for your garter snake is a bit of an art. While they have impressive appetites, resist the temptation to turn them into gluttons. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and health issues. On the flip side, underfeeding can leave your snake feeling hangry and malnourished. Aim for a feeding schedule of every other day for neonates, once every 5-7 days for juveniles, and once every 7 days for adults.

Hydration Station

Don't forget to keep that water dish filled to the brim with clean, chlorine-free water. Garter snakes may not be prone to sippin' margaritas by the beach, but they still need their daily hydration to stay healthy and happy.

Conclusion: Happy Snakes, Happy Keepers

Feeding your garter snake a balanced diet and providing them with the necessary nutrients is key. By following these guidelines, you'll have a contented, slithering companion who's ready to take on the world... or at least curl up in your warm embrace.

So grab your tongs and prepare your snake's next meal like a boss! 

Disclaimer: Always remember to do thorough research and consult with a reptile veterinarian.