If you have a garter snake, you may wonder, do garter snakes eat crickets? In this article, you will learn more about the food preferences of garter snakes, including what they will not eat. While they are carnivores, garter snakes are not likely to eat plants or other large food, because they are too intimidating for them. Crickets aren’t a garter snake’s favorite meal, but they will happily munch on them occasionally.
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Earthworms
Garter snakes are primarily omnivorous, meaning they eat other warm-blooded animals. They also eat insects, amphibians, fish, and earthworms. Most Garter snakes live underground, under logs, rocks, and leaf litter. This type of snake is often small and worm-like, with smooth scales covering its body and a forked tongue. Unlike most other snake species, the Eastern Garter is capable of moving easily through the ground.
Nightcrawlers
Although a garter snake will feed on most any animal, its preferred prey is live anurans. These animals have chemical defenses and are actively hunting. Unlike many other snakes, garters do not bite, but they will still require live prey to survive. If there is not enough natural food for your garter, it will rely on any animal, including small rodents.
Pinkie mice
Garter snakes are not able to eat live mice, so you will have to find frozen ones to give to your pet. Frozen mice are safer and more humane for snakes, and you can find them at rodent breeders or pet stores. Mice can be of various sizes, so you may want to keep in mind the size of your garter snake’s mouth before buying them. While baby garters may not eat pinkie mice, adults are able to eat hoppers, jumpers, and adult mice.
Chicken hearts
While garter snakes are not a threat to humans, they are at their most vulnerable during the first year of life. The first time you see a garter snake, it will probably try to eat a chicken heart, as these are a natural food source for the reptile. This is one reason why so many people keep them as pets, either in their gardens or on their patios. Although they don’t pose a threat to humans, they’re great for entertaining visitors with their buffet-style appetites and keen hunting skills.
Tilapia
Garter snakes are carnivores, and they will consume almost anything that they can catch. They will even feed on frogs and slugs, although this is not the best option for captive snakes. Small insects and worms will likely suffice for feeding your snake. Some varieties may even be fed feeder guppies and platies. You can also feed your garter snake pieces of fish fillet.
Goldfish
Although both fish and crickets are good for goldfish, they do not meet the nutritional requirements of garter snakes. Goldfish contain a special enzyme called thiaminase, which destroys the vitamin thiamine, which is essential for nerve function. Garter snakes, on the other hand, prefer mice as a main source of food, primarily because they do not have as many constriction points as goldfish do.
Catfish
Most garter snakes are omnivores. The species is omnivorous and will find suitable prey in any location. The garter snake will swallow the head first, folding the body parts while swallowing. Some prey parts may get stuck in the snake’s throat. All snakes have modified jaws that can separate into two halves. Afterwards, a specially designed elasticated joint helps the snake swallow the entire meal.
