Eastern continues to bite after a month

[Solarib]

I'm looking for assistance for the Eastern Garter over the last month. Though I like the snake, she continues to bite me routinely and is difficult to handle. I posted an earlier post and appreciated the responses. I have taken the collective advice and only handled her five minutes daily, minimizing movements. For 10 days she was not handled at all to allow her to adjust to cage. I pick her up 6 inches from her head and support her body acting as a structure. She does not face me (will strike when she does) and I allow her on to rest on couch. At times I'm she has been very aggressive and him will striking at anything. At other times, she's will sit calmly in my hand. I have taken advice from this board about leaving me hand in the cage and moving slowly.

Her bites require bandaging because she is a large female. I only where gloves and the whole family is afraid of her unpredictability. She seems sensitive to resting on any foreign object (an immediate recoil when contact is made. I'm interested in trying to work with her but have contacted the online Garter Snake Breeder for assistance or possible return. I know I need to learn about the care of these animals but I'm not sure she can be trusted to stop biting

[snake man]

Well, you have to to what you have to do.

[guidofatherof5]

Some garters just aren't suited for captive life(very few).
What kind of enclosure are you using? Do you enter it from the top?
How high off the ground is the enclosure?

[Invisible Snake]

May I ask who the breeder is?

It takes a lot of patience and even then a few never really become docile. I think it may be for the best that you return her or find her a new home. I hope this experience doesn't discourage you from getting another (or more) garter(s), I would recommend you get a younger garter, like a well started baby or a yearling.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

[Selkielass]

Some snakes just don't take to people and handling.
For those who are undecided, I try to build positive associations with humans by offering small meals after the indignity of handling. Most snakes come to tolerate handling, some (The best pets.) actually come out and beg to be picked up and fed.
They are individuals.

[snake man]

I would agree, get a baby garter.

[Solarib]

Thank you all for feedback and comments - The last couple of days have been very positive with the snake (checkers), really calming down, a few false strikes. Looking at what may be happening here - Though she has been with us for almost a month, being out of town for much of this time, I have had intermittent contact with her (never more than 3 days at a time). Maybe the cage temp is too hot 90* hot and 75* cold. I want to give it another week to see if progress is made - I want to exhaust other attempts before returning her

[Invisible Snake]

90*F is hot, I always keep the warm side around 82-85*F.

Good luck with you and Checkers!

[ProXimuS]

I think 90 is a bit too hot..Any one correct me if I'm wrong here please, but I think 85 is about what you want on the high side.

[Solarib]

I have adjusted the temperature to make it 85. She is getting to know me. She will bite if handled within 48 hrs of eating. I'm very careful now

[snake man]

Would you say you are making progress?

[Mommy2many]

Hope you are doing better.