Quote Originally Posted by gulpysmom View Post
Thank you all so much for your help unfortunately Gulpy died shortly after arriving home from the vet. The vet said it did in deed seem to be something neurological. And he wasn't able to breath as well as he should. As everything else seemed to be normal. I will definitely be more careful with the diet of little Rosie (the garter). I have so many questions though. She is kinda small for pinky's yet, I think (only as big around as my finger, and about 12 in long ) but the fish thing seems like a good Idea. This may be a dumb question but do I have to cook the fish first? And I don't know what the silverside thing is. I also need to know where I can get the vitamin powder? And also red wigglers? I don't know the difference between those and Earth worms. How often would I feed her this new diet? And would alternating earthworms and the salmon be okay? Then adding the vitamins every third or forth feeding? I feel like I know nothing now that I know I have been doing it all wrong. I'm sorry if I'm bugging anyone it just seems you all know so much more then what I learned from the pet store. I also know my son will want another snake and before I get one I want to know more about them. He has wanted a ball python but I feel he is to young and I am slightly intimidated by them. He also wants a corn snake and I think that might be more my speed. But again I need to know more. Thank you again everyone for your help. It was so nice of everyone to be so supportive and not judgmental. xoxo

Small pinky mice should be fine. Thaw them out in a plastic baggie with some salmon or trout in it to marinate the scent in.

Silversides (smelt) can be bought by the bag at many places that specialize in selling tropical fish. Since they are whole, you wouldn't need to supplement them with any powders.

I am not an expert on earthworms - I buy mine from a bait shop that has assured me for years that they are not red wigglers. I tend to feed them lettuce and other veggies for about a week before I offer them to my snakes to clean out any gunk they may have in their systems.

Try the silversides. Thaw a couple out in tepid water until they are room temperature - you want to make sure that they are still not frozen. Offer them with a pair of feeding tongs. If they are too big, cut them into pieces.

If you can get him on silversides, feed him three weeks of the month on them and then try the pinky mice. The earthworms should be an occasional treat.

I think a corn snake is a great choice as a pet. As a rule they are generally docile, forgiving of small husbandry mistakes and disinclined to bite. As with any species, there are exceptions to the rule.............