What’s for Dinner? The Comprehensive Diet of Garter Snakes

Quick Overview

Garter snakes are opportunistic feeders, which means they will consume a wide variety of prey based on availability and size. In the wild, their diet is incredibly diverse, including amphibians, leeches, slugs, worms, and small fish. For pet garter snakes, owners often provide a diet of commercially available live or frozen prey to mimic natural feeding behaviors. Understanding the dietary needs of garter snakes is crucial for their health and well-being, whether they are in the wild or in captivity.

1. Earthworms
2. Slugs
3. Leeches
4. Small fish
5. Frogs and toads
6. Tadpoles
7. Small mammals (like pinkie mice)
8. Insects
9. Lizards
10. Snails
11. Crickets
12. Small birds
13. Bird eggs
14. Newts
15. Salamanders
16. Small soft-shelled crabs
17. Caterpillars
18. Grasshoppers
19. Spiders
20. Centipedes

Garter Snake Food Chart by Age

Age	Prey Size	Prey Type	Feeding Frequency
Hatchlings	Very Small	Pinkie mice, small worms, small tadpoles	Every 2-3 days
Juveniles	Small to Medium	Fuzzies, earthworms, small fish	Every 3-4 days
Adults	Medium to Large	Adult mice, larger fish, frogs, large worms	Every 5-7 days
Seniors	Medium	Same as adults but smaller portions due to decreased metabolism	Every 7-10 days

Natural Diet

Amphibians Garter snakes often eat frogs and toads. They have a natural resistance to the toxins that some amphibians secrete, which makes them one of the few predators of these often poisonous creatures.

Small Mammals

While not a primary component of their diet, larger garter snakes can and will consume small mammals such as mice. In a captive setting, pet garter snakes can be fed pinkie mice or small fuzzies, although this should not be the sole item in their diet due to the higher protein and fat content.

Invertebrates

A significant part of a garter snake’s diet consists of earthworms, slugs, and leeches. These are particularly important for younger or smaller snakes. Invertebrates are rich in nutrients and easy to digest, making them ideal for the garter snake’s metabolism.

Fish

Garter snakes are excellent swimmers and often live near water sources. They prey on small fish and tadpoles, which provide a good source of hydration as well as nutrition. Aquatic garter snakes particularly thrive on this diet.

Feeding Pet Garter Snakes

Commercially Prepared Diets

Many pet owners choose to feed their garter snakes a variety of commercially prepared frozen or live food, which can include minnows, guppies, and worms. It’s vital to ensure these are sourced from reputable suppliers to avoid parasites and diseases.

Supplementation

Occasionally, garter snakes may benefit from nutritional supplements, especially if their diet lacks variety. Calcium and vitamin supplements can help prevent deficiencies, particularly if the snake’s diet is heavily reliant on one type of prey.

Feeding Frequency

The frequency of feeding depends on the size and age of the snake. Juvenile garter snakes typically need to eat more often than adults. A general rule is to feed them every few days to maintain their energy levels and support growth. Adults can be fed once a week or once every other week, depending on their size and condition.

Common Concerns

Overfeeding

Garter snakes can easily become overweight if overfed, especially on a diet too high in rodents, which are fattier than the snake’s natural prey. It’s important to monitor their weight and adjust their diet accordingly.

Underfeeding

Conversely, not providing enough food can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health problems. Signs of underfeeding include lethargy and a noticeable decrease in body mass, particularly visible in the spine and tail.

Hydration

Ensuring that garter snakes have access to fresh, clean water at all times is crucial. While they get most of their water from their prey, they also drink water, especially after a meal.

FAQs

1. What do garter snakes eat?

Answer: Garter snakes are opportunistic eaters and their diet in the wild includes amphibians like frogs and toads, earthworms, leeches, slugs, and small fish. For pet garter snakes, suitable foods include pinkie mice, small fish, and earthworms.

2. How often should I feed my garter snake?

Answer: The feeding frequency depends on the age and size of the snake. Hatchlings should be fed every 2-3 days, juveniles every 3-4 days, adults every 5-7 days, and senior snakes every 7-10 days.

3. Can garter snakes eat frozen food?

Answer: Yes, garter snakes can eat frozen-thawed food. It’s a safer option compared to live feeding, as it reduces the risk of injury to the snake. Always ensure the food is thoroughly thawed and warmed to a natural temperature before feeding.

4. What size prey should I feed my garter snake?

Answer: The prey size should be appropriate to the size of the snake. A good rule of thumb is that the prey should be no bigger than the widest part of the snake’s body. This helps to ensure that the snake can easily swallow and digest its food.

5. How do I know if my garter snake is eating enough?

Answer: Monitor your snake’s weight and body condition. A healthy garter snake should have a well-rounded body and show no signs of an overly prominent spine. If your snake appears too thin or is losing weight, it may not be eating enough. Conversely, if it appears bloated or the scales are stretching, it may be overfed.

6. What should I do if my garter snake refuses to eat?

Answer: Garter snakes can refuse food due to stress, improper habitat conditions, or illness. Ensure that the habitat is set up correctly with the right temperature gradient and that the snake has a quiet place to retreat. If the snake continues to refuse food, consult a veterinarian to rule out any health issues.

7. Do garter snakes need water?

Answer: Yes, garter snakes need access to fresh, clean water at all times. They may drink frequently, especially after a meal. The water bowl should be shallow enough to prevent drowning but large enough for the snake to submerge its body.

8. Can garter snakes be fed anything other than rodents or fish?

Answer: While rodents and fish are common food items for captive garter snakes, they can also be fed a variety of worms and occasionally small amphibians. It’s important to provide a balanced diet that mimics their natural food intake as closely as possible.