Garter Snake

[tickyyy]

What size mouse should I feed an underweight garter snake? The snake is about 1 foot long and is about as skinny as my pinkie finger. It's skin is wrinkled and it doesn't really move, it feels and looks weak. I think it's a red-spotted garter snake if that helps.

[tickyyy]

I can take pictures later. I'm trying to nurse it back to health, I think it has mites too.

[Bogertophis]

This is a wild-caught snake? I'd try a pinkie mouse...but not sure he'll take f/t...they like moving prey. Actually, he sounds dehydrated & needs water more
than food, in order to even digest. Likely to be heavily parasitized as well, if w/c. Before you feed him, is he drinking water?

[Bogertophis]

I can take pictures later. I'm trying to nurse it back to health, I think it has mites too.

Mites on a small snake can be deadly pretty fast. Bathe him in water w/ drop of Ivory/Dawn soap (not so deep that he's swimming) & STAY right there with him, don't let him drink any. Do that for about 20 minutes or so...actually, you might want to do this twice, first with plain water so he CAN drink, then with soap to drown as many mites as possible.

[tickyyy]

I haven't checked, I'm picking up a 28qt 28x18 tub and I have paper towels in a box right now. He has a water dish that's about 1 inch of water. I have a small hide, I'm picking up all the necessities later this week.

[Bogertophis]

Actually snake mites are not indigenous, so I'm assuming he's not a wild caught snake, unless he caught them while captive in someone's snake collection.

A snake that is so weak that "it doesn't really move" is probably on death's door...sorry to say. So whatever you're doing, if you hope to save him, had better
be quick. And just because a snake has mites, does NOT mean that he doesn't ALSO have internal parasites. Saving this snake will take some meds, IMO.

[tickyyy]

I'll make sure to try my best to restore his health, I'll feed him next week after he's settled.

[tickyyy]

I'll make sure to give him that bath. Lukewarm water right?

[Bogertophis]

Cool water, remember you are 98.6* so if it feels warm to you, it's way too warm for him. Easy does it...preferably check the water temp.

Good luck with him, you'll need it, if he's in the condition you say.

And remember that a dehydrated snake cannot digest...water is more important, first, before feeding. Both mites & any internal parasites
are dehydrating him quickly, since he is small. This is basically an emergency, if you hope to save him.

[tickyyy]

After drinking some water, he's more active, but still weak. Saw mites in his bath water. Poor thing :(