Feeding new ribbon snake

[kcshepard]

I could use a little advice.

I have some experience with reptiles but young snakes are somewhat new to me. 2 days ago I brought home a small (12") ribbon snake which I was told they were feeding 'rosy reds' to. I brought 2 home and put them in the snakes water dish with a hope that it would be interested. Nothing happened. The fish eventually died after a few hrs and I removed them.

Were my expectations wrong as to how quickly after putting the snake in a new environment it might be interested in food or was the food not "presented" in the right manner?

[infernalis]

Let the snake settle for a few days.

I have a pet ribbon snake, and I can say first hand that they are a flighty species that really does not like handling. Mine is a nervous snake.

Rosie Reds are not really good for your snake either, regardless of what you were told. Rosie reds, comets and gold fish are all rich with an enzyme called Thiaminase, it blocks thiamin absorption in the snake and will eventually cause the snakes liver to shut down.

The best thing to offer is "feeder" guppies. Most fish stores sell feeder guppies.

I have mine eating chopped up fish from the grocery store.

After a bad run in, I highly advise do NOT buy fish from Wal Mart.

Go to a seafood market and ask for fresh trout, a 1/4 pound slab of trout will feed that snake for a long time.

Just cut it up into pieces the snake can fit into its mouth, and then freeze it. Then at feeding time, just thaw a couple strips out and serve it up.

[shaunyboy]

hello and welcome

i have no expeience with the species you have

cheers shaun

[marvelfreak]

Hello and welcome! Wayne said it all.

[kcshepard]

Thank you for your response Wayne. I went today and picked up a fillet of Tilapia (The only fresh water variety they had). The snake readily accepted the meal, eating 2 small pieces.

[infernalis]

Originally Posted by kcshepard

Thank you for your response Wayne. I went today and picked up a fillet of Tilapia (The only fresh water variety they had). The snake readily accepted the meal, eating 2 small pieces.

Good job!....................

Tilapia is good garter snake food. (Ribbons are garters by the way)