new need help

[jared185]

Hi I am new to this forum and also garter snakes I was interestedin keeping one I have a 285 gallon aquarium to keep it in. However instead of just buying one I would like to catch a wild baby snake and tame him. But how is the best way to locate and catch a baby or juvi snake. When I catch I will take to vet and have all accessories needed to keep him and he willnot be in a small space the aquarium is 7ft by 21/2ft any info will help thanks

[chris-uk]

Regarding catching a wild garter, I'm on the wrong continent to help with that, but others will be able to offer advice. They'll probably need an idea of where you are and what you hope to catch.
The tank sounds huge, some people would say too big, but I think it depends more on how you fill it and lay it out. I'd assume you're looking at a naturalistic setup? Would be great to see pics when you get it done. And you could easily keep a few garters in a tank that size. :)

And, welcome to the best snake forum in the world. :)

[guidofatherof5]

Much depends on your locate/county/State laws with regards to catching and keeping retiles.
It would be helpful to know where you are from.
Garters are wonderful snakes and it sure sounds like you've got a large enough enclosure.
Here is a link to the forum care sheet which will answer many questions.
Garter Snake Forum - Garter Caresheet (http://www.thamnophis.com/index.php?page=caresheet)
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//744/medium/welcome.jpg

[katach]

Welcome to the forum family! Where abouts do you live? When looking for wild snakes make sure you are aware of your local fish and wild life regulations and what may be endangered. Where I live we go to wide open areas with tall grass and shrubs. We walk down wind of the direction we are going. Take a few steps, stop and listen. Use all your senses. Hearing and smell come into play a lot when herping (looking for and at reptiles and amphibians in the wild). You will be able to hear them first most likely. Sometimes you can smell their musk, however if you've never been musked that might be difficult to know what to smell for. They are fast little creatures so you have to be ready. Finding a baby or juvi might prove challenging though so be patient.

There is always breeders too. Captive bred (CB) babies from reputable breeders are an excellent choice. They are healthy and well started. They are already used to captivity as well.

The choice is yours. Whatever you end up doing, we want pictures! :D

[Invisible Snake]

Hi welcome to the forum.

[jared185]

I live in Corbin KY. And I know where to buy them but I just want the experience of catching and taming one myself. Are these snakes more in wooded areas or fields

[guidofatherof5]

Just keep in mind that wild caught snakes come with a whole bunch of potential problems. Health and socialization issues. It's hard to know the age of W/C snakes. It also has a negative impact on wild populations.
On the other hand captive bred(C/B) snake are void of many of those issues.
Purchasing from a reputable breeder can save you money in the long run also.

[jared185]

Yeah I know they present more of a challenge than CB snakes but I was just wanting the experience and I would take it to the vet to check health

[guidofatherof5]

OK, I just wanted to make sure you were aware of things.

It looks like you have a few garters common to KY.
Eastern garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)
Eastern ribbon snake (Thamnophis sauritus)
Western ribbon snake (Thamnophis proximus)

[katach]

I can't say where those guys hang out as I live in Washington state. Maybe another forum member close to you can chime in on that. You can also research their habitat info and see what you have around that would match.

I'm very luck where I live, we have have a lot of wonderful habitat area very close. Even homes with large properties, you can usually ask the home owner if they have seen snakes and if you can look. Gotta love a smallish town.

[Didymus20X6]

http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/attachments/welcome-lounge/4500d1332817250-just-saying-hi-t9i0px.jpg

[d_virginiana]

Welcome to the forum!

That tank is big enough for multiple garters, which is something you might want to think about as well, since they can be housed in groups (the groups have to be same sex if there are different species involved, and there is quarantining to worry about when you bring in a new snake). I say this because once you get one, you will find that it is an addiction, and you can't help but want another.

What part of KY are you in? I grew up near the mountains in NC, so we might have similar snakes/habitats. My favorite places to go herping are around creeks or swamps. There's almost always something interesting hiding under rocks or logs near water; sometimes I get lucky and find a garter. I have a dog that realized that I go out looking for snakes and knows not to bite them, and she sniffs them out for me. Not sure how many I'd find if I had to rely on my own senses to figure out where they were :rolleyes: