Hi, snake beginner here.

[Gangstablueberry]

Got my First Snake two weeks ago and learning as I go. He's a bit shy, I got an East Ribbon at Petco, I've read a lot of things about them. His tank is 74degrees day light, 68 at night time. Got mossy terrain and big pool. two hide outs an 1 fake tree, all packed into a 30gal tank. Now I come here to ask, What is the best approach to handling him? he's 11inches long.. I tried holdind it a couple times and he Always wants to escape my fingers. How do I go about gaining his trust?

[infernalis]

http://www.varanid.us/mat.jpg

[indigoman]

Welcome to the forum, has he started eating yet?

[Mommy2many]

Ribbons are spazzes! Good luck trying to get to hold those without them freaking out. I have two and if you get too close they literally bounce off the walls of the enclosure! Ribbons also prefer fish over other items. They love to go fishing. They will eat worms and inkie parts but they really love fish! Would love to see photos!

[Gangstablueberry]

Welcome to the forum, has he started eating yet?

Well, HI. I have fed Mikey some live fish because Day 2 I thought was His day to eat, But discovered quickly I was just impatient when he didn't touch the froze pinky. I feel terrible I got him 8 minnows his first week. So now I am taking a live guppy, grabbing a knive and Severing the head and spreading the guts all over the frozen pinky like a cherry on a cupcake, then left the severed fish and pinky on his hide out. Mikey happily took the dead guppy and froze pinky Generousy. I am switching to Talapia frozen fish I bought at the store to mix into his feeding ritual with Froze pinky. I'm worried about Mikey's health now, Hope I can help him recover from my mistake. appreciate your help, I feel stupid.

[guidofatherof5]

Nice to have you with us. Don't be too hard on yourself.
Be careful of frozen fish from China. Some of us member lost snakes using it.
Here's a link to the forum care sheet which is always a good read. Ask all the question you want as we are here to help.
Garter Snake Forum - Garter Caresheet (http://www.thamnophis.com/index.php?page=caresheet)

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//744/medium/welcome.jpg

[Stefan-A]

Welcome aboard.

[slipknot711]

very cute. i have a ribbon also, they definately are crazy! :D I guess just give it time to settle in and keep eating since handleing will stress it. just try and handle it with your arms still in tank for a while. itll eventually calm down some.