Feeling Guilty

[Sarah E]

Hello everyone... it's been awhile since I've been here.....

Okay, I need to get this off my chest. I've been feeling guilty about Lucky, because I hardly ever handle her ((And I'm trying to make sure I feed her...)) that's about the time I handle her, when I feed her... You see, I have another pet that's been ill, and I'm hand-taming her ((and doing a pretty good job of it)) but she takes most of my attention...

I don't think it's good for Lukcy, to have this life of just being fed, and not really handled in a simple terrarium.... And I'm debating on releasing her...

But my question is.... can a captive snake, that's been captive since a baby, be released? Would she know how to hunt since she's been fed food, without ever having to hunt for it? Or would it be best to give her to another Garter Snake handler here in New Hampshire?

I really don't want to get ride of her.... but I feel it's the best... that I"m more cut out for the mammal species... and maybe, later on I will get another one... but... perhaps I"m not mature enough to have a snake?

Thank you for your thoughts and help.

Sarah

[guidofatherof5]

I don't think releasing her is a good idea. Would you be willing to give her away to a good home? Maybe a local member could adopt her.
Just an idea.

[Sarah E]

I would be willing to do that... in fact, it would make me feel a lot better.....

[JosvdB]

What's the problem exactly? A snake will always be preferred to not be handled so that's not a reason to get rid of her. I know opinions vary greatly on this subject, but I don't think a snake will ever want to be touched, they can get used to it however and when they start associating you with food they will even approach you of their own accord but this will never be because they want physical contact with you.

[katach]

Yes, opinions will differ on that subject... If you feel you aren't able to give her what you think she deserves as a pet then I think finding a new home for her would be best. Releasing a snake to the wild that didn't come from the wild is illegal in many places.

[Sarah E]

She is from the wild, she was caught in our garage, a Garter snake, but yes...

I know she won't ever want physical contact, and I"m find with that, I just don't feel capable of giving her what she needs.

[guidofatherof5]

You might post where you live so forum members will be able to decide whether it's feasible to adopt.

I see she is W/C. Releasing back into her area might also be another option.

[Sarah E]

She is wild caught, but I caught her when she was probably just hatched from her egg... as she was only about 4-6 inches long.... so she's only known me feeding her....

and I'm in New Hampshire.

[guidofatherof5]

She is wild caught, but I caught her when she was probably just hatched from her egg... as she was only about 4-6 inches long.... so she's only known me feeding her....

and I'm in New Hampshire.

Hopefully that info. will stir some interested in close members. Best of luck.
Please keep us posted on this situation.

[Didymus20X6]

Snakes might not mind being handled, but they don't really need it. They are not really like dogs or cats that way.

But if it's a snake that has become tame enough to be handled, I would think that it would be a very bad idea to release it into the wild again.

Now I have released snakes that I have kept, but they have always been snakes that never got used to being handled. And I released them because they kept escaping and striking and such. In other words, they wanted out of captivity, and so I let them.

But a snake that is used to captivity, it would be cruel to release it. But that's just my thought.

[guidofatherof5]

Snakes might not mind being handled, but they don't really need it. They are not really like dogs or cats that way.



You say that now but you haven't visited the Ranch yet and met some of my big girls.;):D

[Sarah E]

In general, I think it would be safer to give her to someone nearby... I wouldn't know... and I think I'd be more worried if I let her go.

[guidofatherof5]

In general, I think it would be safer to give her to someone nearby... I wouldn't know... and I think I'd be more worried if I let her go.

That is understandable.

[chris-uk]

I think it sounds like you've decided what is best for your garter, and sensibly asked for advice rather than just releasing her.
Now all we need is a member near you to stop by and read this thread. If you were in "old Hampshire" I'd help out as my mother-in-law lives in Hampshire, UK.

[Sarah E]

Nope, I'm in the USA. :) I'll put an "Adoption" add up in the adoption area. Thank you.

[d_virginiana]

I'm glad you decided to look for a good home for her. I know a lot of people who would have just decided that the snake would be okay and let it loose in their yard.

I've noticed that mine don't even freak out about cats or dogs anymore either, since our furry pets all think the snake tanks are wonderful entertainment and watch them a lot. I don't think they'd be as quick to run from cats if they were in the wild as they should be.