Garter Snake Burrowing?

:snake:I recently purchased a Checkered Garter Hatchling and for some reason he ALWAYS burrows. I have 2 questions about this.
1-Why does King do this?
2-How can I make him stop? Every time I want to hold him, I have to move around his rock den and fake leaves to dig him out.

Also, what should he eat? Feeder guppies can't possibly be safer in his water bowl with him as a body guard. The only 1 that died flopped out of the bowl and was found dead in a pile of dirt.:mouse2::roach::rat::crix:?

He hides to feel secure. If he can't be seen, he can't be eaten. They eat fish, earthworms, salamanders, frogs, and toads. If he's a neonate, you can cut up the worms and the fish.

Whats a neonate? And he has a rock den and a ton of leaves.

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Originally Posted by QueenOfKing

Whats a neonate? And he has a rock den and a ton of leaves.

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Neonate=newborn garter snakes are live bearers so they aren't hatchlings.

I agree with TheWinWizard regarding the prey items such as worms, salamanders, frogs and toads.

That being said, burrowing is quite common for garters as they would burrow to find worms and salamanders, and further they are a denning snake in the wild. It's just what they do.

I have an Eastern Garter living in the recesses of my brick porch currently who occasionally sits up on top to bask in the sun. It can be quite a surpirse when you step out the front door unsuspecting. At least my wife, daughters, and mother in law who lives with us, are all OK with that. Its just our outdoor pet.

Ok, thanks! We have tried worms, feeder fish, fish fillet, and a pinky. Tease fed and left alone. Well, the pinky is going to be left overnight so we'll see:doh:

He finally took the pinky!!! Not sure about the burrowing thing but, eh he might grow out of it.:mouse2: