New To Garter Snakes

[Rodney]

Hey, my name is Rodney. I have been active in raising, breeding & doing rescue work with Ball Pythons for over a year now. I also do metal detecting & while I was out, doing some "Urban Dirt Fishing", I came across a decent sized snake, that I determined to not be venomous. He was in a bad area, where there were alot of kids & women walking through this park & I knew that sooner or later somebody would be stomping on this guy for no other reason other than, he was a snake. Anyway, I brought him home set him up in a tank with water & a hide & began doing some research. I think I may keep him a while, get a couple good meals in him & find a respectable place to turn him loose again, depending on what I learn about him & where a respectable place would best be. Any information would be greatly appreciated, from the two of us. We live in Syracuse, NY by the way.
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[Stefan-A]

Welcome aboard.

[guidofatherof5]

Nice to have you with us. Here's a link to the forum care sheet which is always a good read.
Looks to me like you've got a T. s. pallidulus (Maritime garter snake)


Garter Snake Forum - Garter Caresheet (http://www.thamnophis.com/index.php?page=caresheet)
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//744/medium/welcome.jpg

[slipknot711]

welcome! this is a great forum, you will learn tons! garters are great! i have a few WC at the moment. but i also own 4 ball pythons

[Rodney]

The difference between Ball Pythons & Garter Snakes Is Huge. Generally, when I'm talking to people that are interested in buying one of mine, I run them through a series of questions & let them know EXACTLY what it takes to keep them healthy & "happy". By then, they usually change their mind & I direct them towards an easier species to care for. Now, I can add Garter snake to the list.

[Rodney]

Here are a few belly shots. As time went on, "he" was getting used to the idea that, he was going to have his picture taken. We took a break & I let him calm down, with his head inside my cupped hand on the table (like an ostrich hiding).
105001050110502It was worse than trying to get a group picture, of ALL my grand kids at ONCE! lol

[guidofatherof5]

Female

[guidofatherof5]

The difference between Ball Pythons & Garter Snakes Is Huge. Generally, when I'm talking to people that are interested in buying one of mine, I run them through a series of questions & let them know EXACTLY what it takes to keep them healthy & "happy". By then, they usually change their mind & I direct them towards an easier species to care for. Now, I can add Garter snake to the list.

I know what you are saying but must add that garters can be much more labor/time intensive. They certainly poop more often and are always looking for interaction. It may not be on the scale of a BP but keeping them clean can be a daily job.

[jwolfe152]

Yes your right about a daily task (instead of chore because every day or every other day i still love doing it) btw welcome to your thamily say goodbye to your family lol j/k...but not really

[Rodney]

So you're saying it's a female? How can you tell from this blurry picture? Ball Pythons can only be sexed by either probing or popping. As a general rule, the males tail is longer & thinner than a females, which is shorter & thicker. Looks like only one piture uploaded to this forum. Let me try & upload the other two now, for a clearer view.
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[Rodney]

You're certainly correct about the pooping. Although it hasn't eaten yet, in my care, it certainly has pooped a couple times & drug it's dirty vent over one hide & the edge of the water dish! I'm guessing it should begin to take food soon, as it gets used to it's new surroundings. I have a tub of Earthworms in the fridge & some guppies in a bowl. I'm guessing since there was no body of water around it was either eating insects, worms or small mice so, maybe the next offering will be a small mouse. Not a hopper, as that would be too small.

[guidofatherof5]

No insects, not on the menu for garters.
I personally would stay away from any fur bearing mice. Much less of a chance for impaction. I lost a couple wonderful snakes to this. Now, I only feed pinkies to my garters no matter how big the snake is.

[CrazyHedgehog]

in answer to your sexing question, this thread is really useful..
http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/breeding/5069-sexing-pics.html

[Rodney]

Given all the information about the snake I found, I decided to let her go but, I relocated her to an area that will give her MANY more opportunities towards a long, prosperous life vs where I found her. I have enough to deal with right now, with my Ball Pythons. It was a educational experience that I'm glad I stumbled upon. I learned a bit about garter snakes & hopefully put this girl in a better position than she was already in.

[guidofatherof5]

Given all the information about the snake I found, I decided to let her go but, I relocated her to an area that will give her MANY more opportunities towards a long, prosperous life vs where I found her. I have enough to deal with right now, with my Ball Pythons. It was a educational experience that I'm glad I stumbled upon. I learned a bit about garter snakes & hopefully put this girl in a better position than she was already in.

Garter snakes are a very special snake. Overlooked by many in the snake hobby as a garbage snake, not worthy to be kept. Those of us that know the truth are glad these special snakes aren't as popular. I've always said they are the best kept secret in the snake hobby. I'm glad you had the opportunity to help her out.

[Rodney]

I felt it was in her best interest, as I'm not as versed as I should be, to have kept her. (without stressing us both out). Thought about her, these last two nights, hoping she found a secure burrow. She was born wild, survived to adult hood so, I rest better knowing I gave her, her best chance at success. I certainly don't consider any animal a waste animal. They all deserve a chance & I feel proud that I got a chance to get to know her and her kind (Garters), even if for a short while. I'm sure it won't be my last, but it will be when I'm better prepared for more,than I was this time. Thank you all for your assistance!