Delilah the checkered garter.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Figured I'd go ahead and start a separate thread to keep you guys apprised of Delilah's progress.

Just decided to rearrange her home slightly one more time. Now I think it looks great and I doubt Delilah could complain (except for the fairly frequent handling the past 3 days). For her patience I rewarded her with 4 fish to nom on when ever she so chooses.

12219

I also found out a new way to handle her that she seems to like. Threw her in my work shirt pocket (it was clean) and she curled right up and started flicking her tongue inquisitively. She hung out there for probably 15 minutes (hopefully) getting used to my taste.

12220

[d_virginiana]

Looks like she's getting used to you!

[Rushthezeppelin]

So just a second ago I heard something in the kitchen. Turned on the light and noticed she was swimming around in her water chasing the fish. First time I've caught her in the act, she's always been shy about it and wants to do it at night. I suppose that makes sense since her prey is more active at night this time of year. I tried to record a video but she got a bit scared and hid in the fern behind her water after a bit. Gonna upload what I do have, it was so cute watching her chase those fish. They're definitely going to be gone by morning :D.

12224

[d_virginiana]

I feel obligated to inform you that you probably won't have just one garter for very long. You clearly have the sickness. Soon it'll be two, then five, and by then, there's no turning back really.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Ummmm....dangit I have a habit of picking up new hobbies and getting knee deep in them real quick too >< Got to observe her a little longer (didn't have my cam this time and was being totally still. How in the heck does these little guys catch fish in the wild? Do they mostly pick off the cripples? They seem to be totally blind once they dunk their head and can maybe sense if the fish flicks its tail within a few centimeters and then they try to strike. I know she got at least one of them though and shes eaten quite a few other than that already.

It's somewhat comical but I can definitely see a case for earthworms at the least to help bulk her up because she is using alot of energy just to catch a 1" fish lol. The fish are more for the minerals in the bones and guts, worms have the protein for energy.

I'm thinking of modifying her food bowl too to have some tight corners for fish to get trapped in. The current design has a little island, that while being great for her to grip with her tail as she dives about, makes her chase the fish in circles. I think I could put a river rock between the island and the outside of the bowl.

[d_virginiana]

They use smell to some extent but they're mostly visual hunters. I've got one really old one who is blind, and I didn't realize just how visual they were till I had to get one to eat without using his eyesight. I'm not sure how well they can hunt in the dark, but I imagine they probably wouldn't be super successful at it compared to daylight hunting. Based on how I've seen wild water snakes hunt, they tend to hang around near shallow areas where the fish can't maneuver as well.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Doesn't seem like she had that much vision underwater even with the light on. Often she would sweep her head literally right below the fish.

[guidofatherof5]

They are great fisher-snakes.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Well it seems like last night a switch was flipped. Suddenly she's not nearly as skiddish. She's hanging out all over the tank even when I'm nearby and moving, she's no longer curled up behind her hot side hide. I also had no problem picking her up out of her home today to handle her and she was nice enough to hold still for some closeups on my bed.
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[guidofatherof5]

Great update. Thanks.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Maybe I'm being a perfectionist but I'm already thinking of building her at least a medium sized viv out of wood. I was thinking 24"Wx18"Dx12"L. Any suggestions on what type of wood to use?

[Rushthezeppelin]

Well I couldn't help myself. I figured I'd drop in home depot and at least price things out, ended up just getting a 10' pine plank that I had them cut into three 24" sections and two 20" sections, some smaller pieces for the front and two 12"x16" pieces of glass. Already got it roughed out with just a few trim nails and it's already so sturdy I think I'm just going the throw more nails in and call it good. Still have to hunt down the little W vinyl tracks for the glass and find out the exact spot I need the tack in the top of the front. After that I'll seal it up with some water based polyurethane or something and then leave it in my friends garage for two weeks to offgas.

12232

[Rushthezeppelin]

Little more progress on the new enclosure. Glass tracks are done. Staining/sealing with polycrylic is next and a good long cure time.

1223712238

Also still have to cut the rails to go on the sides of the panes. What opinion do you guys have on the need to have a channel on the side rails for the glass to slide into? Is she going to be able to open the enclosure if the panes don't slide into pockets?

[d_virginiana]

Hm... I'm not 100% clear on the construction here (not very handy myself), but I doubt she could lift a pane of glass enough to escape. That being said, they are escape artists and I think an adult female could potentially budge one enough to get part of her body stuck under it, so having channels to keep the glass in place would probably be a good safety precaution.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Pics are sideways, glass slides side to side not up and down.

[d_virginiana]

Oh okay, that makes more sense then lol.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Anyone have any input on whether I need the pockets for the doors to slide into...or should just making sure those peices are flush to the glass edge and call it good?

[guidofatherof5]

Those pockets are a snakes favorite place to hide/sleep/rest. Great caution must be taken when opening up.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Those pockets are a snakes favorite place to hide/sleep/rest. Great caution must be taken when opening up.

I noticed that with Delilah often sleeping up on the rim of the tank pinched between the top of the cage...good thing its secured (I always triple check too).

So do I need the slight pocket (It probably won't be big enough for her to even get into just enough for the glass) or no? Just wanting to make sure this is escape proof but I don't want to have to rip more grooves into small pieces of wood with a mediocre table saw (I would kill to have a router table for this project).

[Rushthezeppelin]

More progess

Everything is now cut and secured (except the side rails for the glass, those go in after the sealing and glass). Last pic is my friend using the drill press to make the side vents (use some little pocket door pulls and a 1/16" bit).
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/1E35BBA4-80EC-4458-9B90-D25A36220E62.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/A7F7926E-6473-406F-8DBE-AD8B56B13CED.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/F56001F8-624A-4569-98FD-328E744B0AC3.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/690EED67-1C0F-417F-A727-4FF19B4102B2.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/6DAB1F1C-717B-44F1-B3C2-6BD71D941E5C.jpg

Made sure I left room for my cord on my non-heat led that will be mounted inside.
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/E870D536-F0DE-49AE-8E4B-42173BC5CD67.jpg

[Rushthezeppelin]

Sealing with Polycrylic (saw alot of suggestions on using this, I'll probably do a fancy stain on my next one before sealing).
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/DF4DC27B-F3B1-4B22-85AD-9605DAE40800.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/CB3564B3-1F4C-46E4-A58C-CD32BCDE93C2.jpg

BTW that's my friend helping me in the pics. She has a bunch of her daddy's old tools and her husband is only handy with cars so she was really happy to get a chance to whoops out her tools (we used pretty much every one of her power tools on this project).

[Rushthezeppelin]

Here in a little bit I'll be heading back over and finishing the sealing. We put 3 coats on last night and decided to give it 12+ hours for those to harden up a bit and then do the last two coats for five total on the inside. Outside will only get 2-3 probably, just enough to give it a light gloss (this wood drinks this sealant like water lol). Then I wait at least a week and see if I can smell any offgassing still and then probably give it a few days beyond what I can smell.

[d_virginiana]

Then I wait at least a week and see if I can smell any offgassing still and then probably give it a few days beyond what I can smell.

Good plan.

I can't tell; is the final orientation going to be like it is in the pics with it being mostly vertical, or turned on the side with mostly horizontal space? It looks like it'd be enough space either way, I'm just curious.

[Rushthezeppelin]

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/A7F7926E-6473-406F-8DBE-AD8B56B13CED.jpg

This is basically what it will look like finalized. Just add the "branch" in as well as some of those 3M sticky hooks for handles on the glass. Will also be taking the 10g sized terrarium top and repurposing it on this. I built up the top to where it will fit and I can throw some nails halfway and bend em over to secure it. This thing ain't gonna be the prettiest enclosure ever, but Delilah should LOVE it with all the room she will have for climbing (not to mention I won't have to startle her anymore with the loud pop of the clips that hold the top on).

And yes, it's enough space either way. Inside measures round about 22 wide by 20 tall.

[d_virginiana]

With that layout you could get one of those reptile hammocks they make for bearded dragons so she can relax higher up! I've seen people using them for garters on here before (it's been a couple years) but they seem to enjoy them and look pretty cute lounging around.

[Rushthezeppelin]

She certainly does like lounging. Her favorite sleeping position has been draped from the bush in the back to a log in the front with like 5" of her belly just hanging over her water bowl, it's quite hilarious. SoI was thinking of stapling more of that fake ivy all over the sides and back...would the staples rusting be a worry I should have?

[d_virginiana]

Hm... I'd probably stay away from staples. Anything with edges that could work loose is generally better to stay away from.

It's semi-permanent, but I've used this technique in both snake and frog enclosures and it works well. If you get 'Great Stuff' foam (from WalMart or any hardware store), you can spray out globs of it and let it harden, then carve it into whatever shape you want. Then get aquarium grade silicone (make sure it doesn't have any fungicides in it) and cover the outside in it, and while it's still wet press cocofiber (Eco-Earth brand works well) into the silicone. You can then use the silicone to glue the cocofiber covered foam onto whatever place in the enclosure you want. It's very sturdy and makes a safe, naturalistic looking anchor for any ivy or hanging plants. Once the vinegar smell is gone, the silicone has set and it's safe. I've also used that technique to make natural looking hides and covered them in bark with cocofiber pressed into the gaps. My snakes seem to really gravitate to those hides, maybe because they like the textures.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Hm... I'd probably stay away from staples. Anything with edges that could work loose is generally better to stay away from.

It's semi-permanent, but I've used this technique in both snake and frog enclosures and it works well. If you get 'Great Stuff' foam (from WalMart or any hardware store), you can spray out globs of it and let it harden, then carve it into whatever shape you want. Then get aquarium grade silicone (make sure it doesn't have any fungicides in it) and cover the outside in it, and while it's still wet press cocofiber (Eco-Earth brand works well) into the silicone. You can then use the silicone to glue the cocofiber covered foam onto whatever place in the enclosure you want. It's very sturdy and makes a safe, naturalistic looking anchor for any ivy or hanging plants. Once the vinegar smell is gone, the silicone has set and it's safe. I've also used that technique to make natural looking hides and covered them in bark with cocofiber pressed into the gaps. My snakes seem to really gravitate to those hides, maybe because they like the textures.

I've known about the great stuff, silicone and coconut fiber thing for a bit. Didn't know it made garters feel more secure though. Perhaps I'll use it a little bit. I just don't want this to turn into another two days of work on this sucker lol, but I guess a few plant anchors and maybe a hide on the shelf won't be too bad (I was thinking maybe have the side shelf be like a quarter log or something she could sneak behind). Funny how many times I saw some of beginner garter guides state something like "a hot and cold hide and a water bowl are all that are needed, any other decoration is simply for the owners satisfaction". I know full well that's a lie with Delilah. She was immediately MUCH more comfy just from adding the fake plants to her enclosure and giving her basically a leaf bed to sneak around in while still feeling very secure. Also I know full well she is going to go nuts over her new enclosure when it's finished for the vertical room she will have.

[d_virginiana]

I don't know why exactly mine seem to prefer the homemade hides. It could be the texture, but I think that the custom shape just allows them to feel more secure than the typical store-bought ones.

[Rushthezeppelin]

More Delilah photos

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/DE59D648-080D-4686-8AA7-9F16C95899C0.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/72E40E3E-DF4E-4EF0-8443-F25FFDEB5D5F.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/25D4D76F-4ACF-4496-B150-C7D9742E8F14.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/7110A1E1-C97C-42B1-8FC1-4B8537951D44.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/C3E5C6C5-D7DA-4DE9-9B00-7D5F92B15F52.jpg

Love that hint of light turquoise between her scales.

[d_virginiana]

Cute. I didn't realize she was that small from the other photos.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Cute. I didn't realize she was that small from the other photos.

Ya shes only about 10 1/2" long, although she's gotten alot fatter in my care :D

[Jeff B]

They are always easier to handle on a full belly aren't they?

[Rushthezeppelin]

They are always easier to handle on a full belly aren't they?

Well I try not to handle her for 24 hr or so after feeding but ya she was still pretty fat from yesterday's worm. Is that rule really more for constrictors or does it apply to garters as well?

[d_virginiana]

Sometimes jumpy ones will panic and regurge if you handle too closely after eating. I generally give it about a day unless I really need to.

[bigsnakegirl78]

Depending on how big of a gap there is, you may have to be careful about the gap between the glass doors. Tiny snakes in enclosures with sliding glass doors often ends up with a snake wiggling out the middle.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Depending on how big of a gap there is, you may have to be careful about the gap between the glass doors. Tiny snakes in enclosures with sliding glass doors often ends up with a snake wiggling out the middle.

I made sure to make the gap small, it's about 1/8". Pretty sure only scrubs could get through it. Next one I build is getting vinyl tracks though. Somehow my bottom track got warped and it took a while to fix.

[guidofatherof5]

Famous words from many keepers, me included "I'm pretty sure" "I don't think they can get out" These snakes are escape artists and will spend all their time probing your defenses for a weakness. If I may suggest, buy some felt or weather striping to reduce that space between the glass. Best of luck.

[Rushthezeppelin]

LMAO. As long as she's not capable of compressing her head to half thickness and I keep her well fed I get the feeling she's going to be hard pressed to get out. They can't squeeze their heads in half can they? I mean this space is barely thicker than the thin panes of glass I'm using.

[guidofatherof5]

They can. They are amazing at escaping. Unfortunately, in their attempts they sometimes pin themselves. Many a snake have died that way. It would be best to reduce that space to near nothing. If you have an old plastic lid or something like that, you can cut a strip of it then super glue it onto the glass. It is best to do this now then wish you had done it later. Just a word to the wise.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Fair enough, I suppose I will do something to rectify the possible escape route.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Hmmm, I'm a little worried today. Noticed this yesterday but managed to get good pictures of it today. Delilah has some dark spots on her upper lip that are new.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/AB7EC263-20B9-41C2-9D1B-88CE97308A07.jpg

I know usually one of the signs of an UR with these guys is darkening around the lips although this isn't touching the edge of her lip so iuno. Could this be a bruise or something? I know I tried to put her in the 2.5g to try feeding her fish a few days ago and she went a little nutters on me and started frantically trying to get out smacking her face in the process. My only other guess is maybe it's just dried on worm guts that she didn't clean up from her last meal. I know she's had times where she got clear worm goo on her and didn't managed to rub it off the side of her face for a few days.

[d_virginiana]

My first guess would be that it's just dirt or worm goo. Doesn't look like anything too worrisome at the moment, just keep a close eye on it at let us know if anything changes.

[Rushthezeppelin]

My first guess would be that it's just dirt or worm goo. Doesn't look like anything too worrisome at the moment, just keep a close eye on it at let us know if anything changes.

Good deal. Perhaps I'm being a little bit of a helicopter parent here :P

Edit: Hmmm I'm thinking it might actually be poo now. I just remembered when I handled her yesterday she decided to take a big runny crap on my carpet (holy crap that's some hard stuff to get out). She also subsequently slithered back through it. I bet that's what it's from. Would it hurt her to take a damp paper towel and try and dab it off? I know she'll probably go bonkers on me if I try to touch her face. Or should it just wash off with enough baths?

[d_virginiana]

Wiping it off would probably annoy her, but she'll get over it. If it's poo it's probably not super healthy to have it stuck to her skin anyway.

Helicopter parenting is a good thing. There are so many health conditions that are easy to treat if you catch the little signs early but become real nightmares if they're allowed to progress before you notice anything.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Cool beans, I'll clean her up regardless of how fussy she is :D

[Rushthezeppelin]

Well it cleaned right up w/e it was. Was a little tricky to get at her nose, but once I did she didn't freak out or anything. Thank goodness it was only a false alarm.

[Milamber]

I am so impressed with how friendly yours is. I have had mine a month and I only see him when I go looking for him to feed him

[Rushthezeppelin]

Guess I just lucked out on the wild thamnophis lottery :D I have been super happy about Delilah's progress. My suggestion to you is to handle yours as much as you can (make sure to give a 24 hour break after eating) and make sure there's plenty of foliage on the floor of the enclosure to make them feel like they are in a leafbed which makes them feel alot more secure.

[d_virginiana]

I am so impressed with how friendly yours is. I have had mine a month and I only see him when I go looking for him to feed him

Males tend to be a lot more skittish and nippy than females in my experience. Species/subspecies also plays into it; some are known for being kind of pissy.

[Albert Clark]

Good job on the new enclosure and with Delilah. She really looks lovely. Congrats.:)

[Rushthezeppelin]

Well the enclosure is finished as of last night. Gonna wait till tomorrow morning for the silicone to cure all the way but here's her new home.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/9F50D798-D092-4EA9-AF5E-7AC57FDAB55C.jpg

[Rushthezeppelin]

One other thing. As of today (I thought I noticed it yesterday but wasn't sure) I can confirm she's going into shed for the second time with me (first time was 4 days after she showed up in my place). It's not gonne be too big a stressor to change her enclosure while in shed is it?

[d_virginiana]

Nah. She'll be fine. Some don't like to eat or be handled while they're in shed (some don't care at all), but as long as the handling is minimal they'll forget about it pretty quickly. If you're worried about stressing her, you can move in a couple decorations or something from her old tank so she has the familiar smell around while she's getting used to the new place.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Most everything from her old tank is getting reused. Already took some of the plants out so that I could permanently affix them with the silicone. Ya she doesn't seem to change her habits much when in shed (at least the two times so far she has been in it) so I'd imagine she will be gravy. Will post some glamour shots once I have everything setup tomorrow and Delilah in the tank.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Well I got her all setup today. She's been exploring for the past hour, hasn't even stopped to warm herself up lol.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/DA2CB000-4BE8-4795-8E98-2F1A9B1D01F6.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/E6F550B8-BB79-4921-81C2-69F5026DF509.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/F34031FB-A4C5-464E-8273-69688A7EC8D1.jpg

[Tommytradix]

how will you take the plants out to clean them if they are stuck in there?

[Rushthezeppelin]

All the plants on the shelf are not attached so those are easy. I was thinking if she does soil any of the affixed plants I can just pop their foilage off and clean em (it's the kind where you can pop the leaves off) then take a paper towel to the bare stems.

[Rushthezeppelin]

So I gave her a worm yesterday and now I feel kinda bad. She's started to shed on her lip but I'd imagine she's going to need to poop that worm out before she can wriggle out of her old skin. She's been working on it though as she was basking herself when I got home.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Is it a big deal if she's only shed the top lip scale so far. The other scales surrounding it are flaking at the edges but of course I want to make sure she can start the rest of the shed on those scales or if she might have problems with this shed.

[Albert Clark]

Nah, no big deal. They have a way of sorting it out and getting the old skin off. Make sure the humidity percentage is adequate that's all. And that its not too dry in the enclosure.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Nah, no big deal. They have a way of sorting it out and getting the old skin off. Make sure the humidity percentage is adequate that's all. And that its not too dry in the enclosure.

How much humidity do I need? I'm only sitting at 45% currently, granted my hygrometer is a little high up but I'd imagine it's not far off from the substrate levels.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Bump, anyone know on the humidity. All the references I've found just say moderate humidity overall. Nobody has any specifics on what I should be at for her to easily shed. She looks like she should be shedding anytime now. Her eyes are quite blued although she seems to still be able to see a tiny bit. Body is very dull colors so she's already secreted her shedding lubricant I'd imagine.

[guidofatherof5]

I would say 60% is a good number.

[Rushthezeppelin]

I appreciate the number guido. I think she might have been having problems with the lower humidity as she's been quite blue in the eyes since the day before yesterday. And even though she had the edges of some lip scales exposed she wasn't even trying to get the shed started. As much as I didn't like disturbing her during shed, I decided to throw a humid hide in there. Didn't have any sphagnum moss so I just threw a damp paper towel inside the box for my basking bulb and threw her inside. Thankfully she didn't stress a whole lot from me picking her up. Crossing my fingers that she sheds by the time I get home, It's frustrating not being able to handle Delilah and I know she enjoys her out of the cage time.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Also got her scheduled for her first doc visit on Mon. Seems the exotic vet market here is rather competitive. Price was exactly the same at the two I called (and rather reasonable $68) and I ended up kinda trying to go on experience of the vet. The one I chose used to work at a zoo and dealing with wild snakes so I think it's a good choice for Delilah. She's just going in for a quick exam to make sure there's nothing obvious wrong with her that I've missed. Figure it will give me some piece of mind since I've been a nervous nelly about every little thing with her lol.

[guidofatherof5]

Good idea. Let us know about the visit, please.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Will do. Hoping she gets a clean bill of health. Meanwhile she STILL hasn't shed >< I almost put her down for an AM appointment tomorrow until it occurred to me I probably shouldn't bring a snake in shed for a checkup.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Bahhh this is confusing. I looked at her during my lunch break today and she seemed to have color back. Took her out and started to search for a shed, nothing. Look closer at her and she still has some bluing in her eyes but it's not near as much as there was two days ago when she was half blind. Still seems like theres the edges of a shed on her upper lip. And she's not eating today. Turned her nose up at fish and worms. Do these snakes sometimes unblue a bit during the process? She's been in shed now since last Sunday I think (at least that was when there was the faintest sign her eyes were bluing).

[guidofatherof5]

They will go clear again at some point, then you can expect a shed at anytime withing a week or so.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Crap, now I'm thinking I should push her doc visit out to next weekend. Would probably work better anywho as my personal truck just had a strut fail on me and it's undrivable till fixed. My work probably won't let me use my work truck to do it. I guess that explains though why I never saw any signs of shedding when I got her till she shed 3 day later. She had already gone through her blue phase I guess ehhh?

[Rushthezeppelin]

Figures I missed the whole thing, she had her shed sometime in the last 3 hours. She was incredibly keen on getting her belly full ASAP too lol. Last meal she had was a smaller (for bait standards) nightcrawler last sunday.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/6EE93EFD-929A-40D3-A35B-944153258244.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/E2AB0C51-AF9B-4FC5-84F5-7BDE29D099F4.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/9F4C763F-BD27-4812-8751-6C4DB2F62033.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/CF0EB2E5-462D-4840-9457-CB011D6D3E00.jpg

Shed came out 100% all in one piece including eyecaps and anal cap. So glad I don't have to fret anymore lol. I love her colors right after shed.

[Qwerty3159]

Very pretty little snake. :)

[d_virginiana]

She brightened up a lot after the shed :) I like those two yellow dots on top of her head. I know a lot of garters have them, but the way they're outlined in black just makes them 'pop'.

[guidofatherof5]

Parietal spots is what they are called.

[Rushthezeppelin]

She brightened up a lot after the shed :) I like those two yellow dots on top of her head. I know a lot of garters have them, but the way they're outlined in black just makes them 'pop'.

Indeed she did. Her olive color is perfectly dead on green olive now. The dorsal stripe is almost pastel yellow it's so light now. The turquoise of her skin is now a light aqua. Had her out right before bedtime tonight and was admiring her. She's also back to being super calm while handled after that shed. She even came up and tasted my old friend who was over earlier. Also I was looking at my two sheds side by side. New one is 3" longer which kinda surprised me as I didn't think she had really grown much in my care. I surmised it might have something to do with her being about twice as fat as she was when I found her though since she shed 2 or 3 days later.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Delilah got a nice treat today. Instead of a tons of little feeder guppies I managed to snag two full grown males off my friend today. She gobbled both of them up and didn't even have a bulge on her so I had to throw her the other 3 babies I had left in my tank. I figured out how to get her to eat fish without using a ton of energy too. Just throw the fish down on the carpet in the feeding cage and hold her face right in front of it. Once it twitches she strikes and usually misses a couple of times. It's funny to watch her chase down the flopping fish and then end up biting it right in the middle and watching her try to reposition the meal without losing it. All in all I think she had a blast and rewarded me with being a little photogenic with good lighting as she was basking her meal off.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/BA99F61A-8B23-4658-898E-E4EC00F8D1E3.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/E10331EA-FB79-405F-B47D-DF801C6CF029.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

Looks happy.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Finally figured out how to weigh her today. I reload my own rounds and happen to have a fancy digital scale. It was a little tricky figuring out how to get her to hold still on ther but I found a jar lid I managed to tare out and got her to hold still in. She is 11.17 grams (or 172.3 grains) and I also measured her out at 11 1/2 inches. I swear I measured her 10 1/2 just a few weeks ago. She's growin and man is she fat now, her fatness fits her scales a bit better now too after that shed :D

Edit: Also my truck recently started having problems so I only have my work truck which I can't go out of the way with. That means I might not be able to get fish for her for a bit (at least clean ones). I do have a petco on the way home though and I was thinking about buying some flukers to supplement her worms. Whats the recommended usage on a medium sized nightcrawler sized meal?

[Rushthezeppelin]

Ignore the audio, forgot to mute my tv.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJmATJMYFzA

[d_virginiana]

Edit: Also my truck recently started having problems so I only have my work truck which I can't go out of the way with. That means I might not be able to get fish for her for a bit (at least clean ones). I do have a petco on the way home though and I was thinking about buying some flukers to supplement her worms. Whats the recommended usage on a medium sized nightcrawler sized meal?

The flukers is the calcium supplement right? If she's getting whole prey (fish/pinkies) pretty regularly, you probably don't need to worry about supplementing. That's more for if it's going to be a long-term thing.

Also, I know for some species like with my frogs you need to avoid the supplements that have phosphorus added to them (sometimes they'll just say "added P" or something)... I've never used supplements for my garters so I don't know, but if you don't get another reply to this it might be good to start a thread asking about that. They can be really sensitive to certain things in their diet, so it might be good to double check with someone who has more info on that.

If it turns out it is a problem, cuttlebone is another good supplement. It's in the bird section. Just grate some off in a powder on the food. I use that for my turtle.

[guidofatherof5]

Great video showing wall hugging and heading for clothes. Typical garter moves. Nice job.

[Rushthezeppelin]

I like to let her out once or twice a day to pace back and forth on one side of my room. She just likes to explore and get exercise. Usually isn't scooting fast because she's spooked (although you can tell I did make her jump a bit in the vid lol).

[Rushthezeppelin]

Anyone else with some sage words on whether I need to suppliment if she's gonna be on worms only for a few weeks? She's been usually getting about 2 worms to 1 fish by weight on average lately (seems like the worms are helping her bulk up quick and catch up from the year out in the wild not growing much at all from a scrub).

[Rushthezeppelin]

Well I did some research on the whole worms and calcium thing. Hard to say for sure but it seems that canadian nightcrawlers actually do have some calcium content. Not sure how much or if it depends on their food source or what not. Seems to be very little research period done on these little creatures that are basically responsible for most of the growing soil on the planet.

As for Delilah she is getting more and more comfortable with me. Lately when I handle her she has made a game of slithering constantly through my fingers on one hand, not going hand to hand like she is trying to get away. She also holds on rather tightly with her tail, these little things have a surprising amount of strength, then again they are just a muscle tube with a head so I guess it makes sense lol.

Took her a while to let go of my pinky in this one, she was holding on tight with the side of her neck.
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/3D57FDB6-A2A1-4B38-8E0D-8470FA245DC6.jpg

And of course everyone's favorite, knot practice. She seems to be trying to do a figure 8, maybe she wants to go rock climbing with me lol.
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/65B500CC-64F8-4622-A443-958B52AE052B.jpg

[Rushthezeppelin]

Well I just found out that my petco down the street sales frozen pinks. I'm gonna grab a few (is 3 for $4 a good deal?) here this afternoon and see if I can't get her to gobble one down scented with worm.

[d_virginiana]

Generally petco and petsmart don't have the best buys on mice (but it's a good place to get small numbers if you aren't sure what she'll take). If you can get her to take those, I'd recommend looking at somewhere like rodentpro or micedirect (online vendors) and buying enough to last several months. The shipping cost is crazy, but overall you'll come out cheaper than buying three at a time from petco.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Sounds like the same strat I use for buying gunpowder online (you have to pay a big hazmat fee with that stuff).

Well I've got two pretty small pinks in her feeding tank. Managed to find a super small nightcrawler in my tub to scent them with. Use half the worm cut in tiny pieces and smeared all over the pinks. Got her started with the other half of the worm, hopefully in the next 10 or so she will start looking at one of those pinkies with interest, might have to dangle it in her face though lol. If she doesn't take them or only eats one I'm assuming the rest need to go into the trash and not be refrozen correct? Especially after having worm guts smeared all over em.

[d_virginiana]

Yeah, after a few hours they need to go in the trash. Some people leave the mice in there with them, but I've always had better luck with actively moving them around. If the worm guts don't interest her, you can also try braining the pinkies. Or even cutting one open and leaving the organs on the feeding dish. I've had finicky young ones that were super interested in the way the organs smelled (mainly heart, lungs, and liver... never had one that wanted intestines yet lol). Just keep playing around with it to see what she likes :)

[Rushthezeppelin]

Well 15 minutes of sitting in her feeding bowl, no interest. Tried dangling and dragging for 5, still turning her nose up. I'll give her a little while longer now that she's seen one move maybe shell go for it. If that don't work I'll try the cut up pinkie to see if she likes the smell of organs.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Lol she's gotta be hungry right now. In fact she slithered up and looked straight at me with her head up and stuck her tongue out a few times. I swear she was saying "But I want a worm" lol.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Tried cutting the pinks 7 ways to sunday and dousing in more worms guts and more dangling/dragging. No dice. She got another small crawler and went back to her viv. Here in another 2-3 days I'll give it another shot. Does being persistent one this usually pay off or are there just some that will never take a pink (short of forcefeeding which I am def not interested in).

[guidofatherof5]

Put the food dish right at the front of her hide or better yet put it under the hide. I've had to do this for a few snakes along the way.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Wish I could just put it straight in her viv but I'm using eco-earth atm and don't want her nomming her substate. I figure next time I'll probably just put her in the 10g with some plants and a scented cut up pink and leave her there for the day.

[liveunderoath]

Tried cutting the pinks 7 ways to sunday and dousing in more worms guts and more dangling/dragging. No dice. She got another small crawler and went back to her viv. Here in another 2-3 days I'll give it another shot. Does being persistent one this usually pay off or are there just some that will never take a pink (short of forcefeeding which I am def not interested in).
I just got both of my checkereds to start eating pinkies by scenting them with a tilapia fillet. I had a bunch in the freezer and I don't care for tilapia, so I figured I would try it, and they took it immediately. I've tried scenting with worms before and had no luck.

[d_virginiana]

lol I don't know why I didn't think to recommend scenting with fish! It's by far the strongest-smelling food stuff out there :D

Glad she took the mouse though. You might have to keep scenting for a couple feedings, but she should start taking them plain pretty quickly.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Guess I'll have to see if I can find any clean tilapia next time I get groceries. Wouldn't be bad anyway for some diet variety. I'll update you guys on if the fish works.

[d_virginiana]

Guess I'll have to see if I can find any clean tilapia next time I get groceries. Wouldn't be bad anyway for some diet variety. I'll update you guys on if the fish works.

I don't remember if you've been around for any of the discussions about fish, but even species without thiaminase commonly contain preservatives that can be fatal to garters if you buy it from the store; even when it's fresh. I don't feed fish, so I don't know the specifics, but it might be good to ask around with people who do before feeding anything from the grocery store.

[guidofatherof5]

Wish I could just put it straight in her viv but I'm using eco-earth atm and don't want her nomming her substate. I figure next time I'll probably just put her in the 10g with some plants and a scented cut up pink and leave her there for the day.

Set a piece of cardboard down, then the food and then the hide.

[Qwerty3159]

I bought frozen tilapia for my previous snake, and I am now almost positive that his unfortunate passing was caused by added chemicals. I foolishly just bought it from the counter where there were no ingredient labels on the back. I was lurking around and found some discussion on here about a particularly foul chemical commonly found in frozen packaged fish. It's late now but I'll search for it tomorrow.

[guidofatherof5]

http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/husbandry/9914-note-concerning-pre-packaged-frozen-fish.html

[liveunderoath]

http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/husbandry/9914-note-concerning-pre-packaged-frozen-fish.html
I just read that thread and the only ingredient listed on mine is tilapia, so it should be safe. It's the kroger brand frozen tilapia.

[guidofatherof5]

I just read that thread and the only ingredient listed on mine is tilapia, so it should be safe. It's the kroger brand frozen tilapia.

You would hope so. I think some "foreign" pre-packaged fish may not be the case. Always rinse/soak the fish before using as a precaution.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Set a piece of cardboard down, then the food and then the hide.

She's really stubborn about immediately dragging her food every which way.....I'd have to have it cut into tiny bits for this to work for her so she couldn't get too far with her mouth open.

[Rushthezeppelin]

So I've noticed she doesn't really use her climbing side too much. I was thinking perhaps it's because I have her warm area down on the bottom on the other side. Would she naturally gravitate towards the high perches if that's where the higher end of her temp gradient is? I was thinking if I just did some adjustment on her basking lamp I could get that area in the upper mid 80s. That would probably be an easier temp gradient to keep to just keeping the heat high where it wants to be anyway. Anyone see any problems with this idea? There's enough cover in the form of fake vines on the shelf and branch that I'd think she would feel it equivalent to a hot side hide. What do you guys think?

[Rushthezeppelin]

Well pinkies round 2 begins. Got her in her 10g with some some plants, a hide, water her lamp and a bowl with a diced pinky mixed equal portions with tilapia filet (stuff I found didn't even have added water). Lets see if she goes for it by the time I get back at the end of work.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Ohhh crap I think it worked already. I walked away to type that post and she ran back in the hide while I was in the living room. Go back and she had a pretty big chunk in her mouth (i made the fish pretty fine and the pinky only got cut in four chunks) that I'm almost sure was a pinky piece. I'll sneak back in in a few and see if she's gobbled down more.

Edit: Just watched her take what I know for sure was the biggest pinky part in there. Gobbled it down with pleasure. Thanks underoath for reminding me of fish scenting. Worked like an absolute charm.

You guys think it will be neccessary to scent them again for the next few times she has pinky meal day?

[liveunderoath]

It might take a couple of times, but next time try just the pinkies with the fish juice on them.

[Rushthezeppelin]

No biggie, I've got a very large supply (snake wise) of fish now. I'm just glad she gobbled it up with gusto. Shes already gotten about half the bowl of food down, I think shes eaten 3 of 4 pieces of pinky now. Guess I won't need to feed her for about 5 days now.

[d_virginiana]

You could always try it without scenting next time. Since she's taking them so quickly, you should be able to see whether she's going to take it or not pretty quickly and go back and scent it if she isn't going for it. That way you don't have to waste any mice.

[Rushthezeppelin]

That would be good not to waste anymore. I felt bad having to throw away two of em the other day.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Just found this interesting paper with regards to my question about vertical temp gradients https://www.aazk.org/wp-content/uploads/Suggested-Guidelines-for-Reptile-Enrichment.pdf. I think garters can be considered arboreal enough (really they are an even mix of arboreal, terrestrial and aquatic it seems with most species) to benefit from this. I'll give this a shot and see if I stimulate a little more activity out of her. She has been a tad bit lazy lately anywho so I'm sure she could stand to burn some calories lol. Also going to try and get a hide up high on or near the branch so she's more comfy up there besides just having leaves to hide in. I was thinking about one of those wall hides but then I would love to have something that hangs off the branch, I wonder what I can concoct for her.

[guidofatherof5]

I think most Thamnophis would be considered terrestrial. Just my opinion.

[Rushthezeppelin]

I think most Thamnophis would be considered terrestrial. Just my opinion.

Tell that to the Thams in this thread
http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/enclosures/12312-projects-3.html

These guys seem to very much enjoy the heights.

[guidofatherof5]

Tell that to the Thams in this thread
http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/enclosures/12312-projects-3.html

These guys seem to very much enjoy the heights.

I should have clarified my answer, I meant wild Thamnophis not captive.

[d_virginiana]

Just make sure there are plenty of safeguards for falling if you're trying to get her to use the vertical space more, like maybe platforms instead of just branches. They can climb, but in the wild like Steve said they're pretty terrestrial, and they don't have the muscle tone to be safe at bigger heights (they can grip, but if you compare it to the grip of snakes that are really built for climbing and hanging on, you'll feel the difference immediately). Mine are pretty clumsy to boot lol. I just mention this because your enclosure seems a lot taller than a typical tank so the potential for her to get hurt falling is a little greater.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Well, I ended up getting more ivy type plants, this time it's the ones thare are built on little plastic chain loops. Figure she can get purchase . The bottom is now a little more open as the plants are all spread between the shelf and the branch. The main area she would fall is now just bare substrate so she's got some nice cushion there. They are quite thick but I can still see all the way to the back so she can't disappear on me. Also moved her log hide up on the shelf and found a little mini birdhouse that fits perfectly on the other side of the shelf. And by arboreal I don't mean up in the live oaks out here, I just mean in the low lying brush. But I guess that's not really the meaning of arboreal lol.

[Rushthezeppelin]

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/A74BB093-FC06-4A4C-9916-B51CE4405262.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/5475A80C-FFC8-4F4C-BA38-EAF7DF07440D.jpg

[Tommytradix]

looks great!

[d_virginiana]

Looks good :) Looks like it'd be pretty difficult for her to fall off from the highest point too. Plenty of vines and platforms to catch her on the next level down.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Might be getting a little ahead of myself but I'm already working on some stuff for her next upgrade enclosure once she hits about 2' plus. Figure if I start now I should easily have it done in a year and honestly it's already going pretty fast lol. The long term goal for this is to house at least a few females in absolute luxury. http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/enclosures/14218-mega-enclosure-long-term-project.html#post263712

[Rushthezeppelin]

Delilah figured out the climbing bit today. Woke up and found her basking at the top of her vine canopy.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/7C5780E6-EC53-440C-95F8-39A03057D6D1.jpg

I was honestly somewhat surprised by that though as I had half given up on her using the top there and positioned her basking lamp to where it hit her hide sitting on the L hand side shelf. The canopy was also catching enough of the side of that lamp though to also hit perfect basking temp and she seemed to enjoy being up there.

[Qwerty3159]

Looking good.

Maybe I should give my snake a somewhat elevated area...

[Rushthezeppelin]

She has definitely been more active since I switched things up.

[d_virginiana]

lol You know, you're really good at making enclosures. I could make stuff, I'd be copying you. I really enjoy keeping up with these threads to see how Delilah reacts to all the little bells and whistles type things in her home.

[Albert Clark]

Yeah, she really is living it up since her wild days. Queen Delilah. Haha.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Just trying to make her as happy as possible. Pretty sure it's working :D

[Albert Clark]

You are doing a great job with her. I am sure she is happy.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Got her to take down a whole pink today. Tried without scenting, no go. Then I decided I was gonna make a large feeding hide for her out of a sloppy joe container. Put a little window in it for me to see. Scented up the pink with some fish and she kept looking at me funny. Got her started feeding with a small worm chunk...still nada. Finally I turned her hide opening away from me for about 20. And of course miss self conscious finally eats her pinky :D I'm gonna try unscented with privacy next time and see if she goes for it.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/45C74D60-1E0A-4384-9215-27762DD4411A.jpg

[Rushthezeppelin]

She wanted to be photographed today. She's really starting to darken back up again, I'm guessing in the next week to week and a half she will be in blue, no signs on her eyes yet though.
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/5E341208-13A3-4F5E-BD0E-BA9CD4E28740.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/F9C344E5-070A-470F-BED9-FB5EA2D0673A.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/E8D31FAF-A172-4242-9A3C-993970E890EF.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/E95658BC-1A1B-4D7C-8A0D-F64981D2DDE4.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/113C9149-8F8B-40AA-8FCE-FF4EC3442522.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/560A6A17-62F1-4E1B-803D-FF77C38A5D74.jpg

[Rushthezeppelin]

Also been noticing that she is getting a little bulgy ahead of her cloaco. It's a little more pronounced than right before a feeding atm but still starting to wonder. My guesses, she might be getting a bit to fat, she possibly has parasites that are becoming pronounced now that she is well fed or she decided to be gravid on me. As far as feeding goes I usually feed her until she has a good sized bulge through bout 1/4 of her body or so, 2 day wait after worms, 3 days after fish and 5 days after pinks. Figured she was growing so I'd stay a little agressive on the feeding but I might be overdoing it lol. As to the possibility of being gravid I'm not feeling anything that seems lump but it's rather hard to tell with how small she is. No other signs of parasites, she's eating very healthy (obviously), shes active in and out of her viv, tongue flicking normally and I suppose napping normally. I need to hurry up and line up a ride so I can get that vet visit rescheduled.

BTW that darkness at her cloaca appeared right on the last couple of shots before she went into her viv, I think she was just about to poop was all but I didn't wait to find out.
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/09ACB534-F6FE-427B-BF40-247223A6BF72.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/E71751A9-09D8-4E23-98DE-632276F092F8.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/B11C463C-FED9-472A-A8E5-D4617E12175C.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/E77DDE54-5F68-4357-812A-CE5CB37E4A53.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/A236BDCB-D7E0-492F-8C11-F1515E6F1419.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

Photo?

[Rushthezeppelin]

It's there now sorry.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Anyone? Pics are at the top of the page.



http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/09ACB534-F6FE-427B-BF40-247223A6BF72.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/E71751A9-09D8-4E23-98DE-632276F092F8.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/B11C463C-FED9-472A-A8E5-D4617E12175C.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/E77DDE54-5F68-4357-812A-CE5CB37E4A53.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/A236BDCB-D7E0-492F-8C11-F1515E6F1419.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

I don't see anything alarming. Looks to me like she needs to poop but I don't see anything that hints of a blockage or growth. I'd say she's loaded and ready to fire.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Still too small for me, I want her at least two feet before I try popping scrubs outa her. So she doesn't actually look gravid? Just plump?

Edit: Wait I get the pun lol. Yes, she LOVES to poop on me...and my carpet and my keyboard and w/e else she can poop lol.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Was grabbing a few quick groceries at lunch today and found one of those 3 in 1 clip on lens kits. I'm actually pretty impressed with the macro lens. It might not have a huge focus range but when I get it positioned right it takes some pretty darn good shots for a smart phone.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/3C530504-4F60-459D-904B-F7A0721184F0.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/81240CBA-3777-4B77-91BB-067E68D4A9DB.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/A62F4E11-22DC-46B5-A098-B40FFAD8BBC7_1.jpg

Wasn't 100% before but I've now been able to confirm this is in fact a scar and not a blotch in her pattern. Pretty small and looks pretty well healed. No sign of shed problems in that spot.
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/0599BC1F-FE99-4140-9A81-E75EDEBE4A71.jpg

[Rushthezeppelin]

Another angle on the scar

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/2A1BCD38-A191-413A-9C89-4541183B7544.jpg

[Tommytradix]

most of my juvies and babies look like that before they poop lol especially the females cause they tend to eat more. if your near the enclosure you may hear her release that load haha

[guidofatherof5]

Gotta love those macro lens. Nice job.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Pretty sure I'm seeing the edge of her starting to shed in some of these shots

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/EFBF6719-0E27-4B47-88EA-A4FCB93E1EC3.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/A9B869CA-B3DC-4854-B9AC-B4E4AEC2A9EE.jpg

[Rushthezeppelin]

Sure enough she is in blue. She's already half blind.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Her appetite sure as heck isn't diminished though...just took down a smaller worm no problemo. I swear nothing keeps this snake from a meal ><

[Rushthezeppelin]

Does shed time drive anyone else bonkers? I try not to handle her once she's half blind (although her demeanor doesn't seem to change even when shes almost full blind) but I sit there and run to her tank every 30 min to see if she's actually working on getting it off yet (always seems to happen on a weekend oddly enough so I'm home to check constantly). At least this time I got prepared with a humid hide early so hopefully it goes a bit quicker than last time.

[Tommytradix]

Does shed time drive anyone else bonkers? I try not to handle her once she's half blind (although her demeanor doesn't seem to change even when shes almost full blind) but I sit there and run to her tank every 30 min to see if she's actually working on getting it off yet (always seems to happen on a weekend oddly enough so I'm home to check constantly). At least this time I got prepared with a humid hide early so hopefully it goes a bit quicker than last time.

I do the same with my red albinos,red plains, infernalis and hybinos to see how much more of their color is coming in.shortly after I do a photo shoot lol

[Rushthezeppelin]

She's been clear eyed since her lights came on this morning but still no shed. She's just been sleeping in her cool corner all day >< Guess I'm gonna miss another shed lol.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Bout to have more girls in the home come Tuesday. Bought and red albino from Tommy and he was gracious enough to throw in another mystery female. All I know is it's a Radix lol.

Got the QT all setup for when they get here.
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/A8C17E5D-D5AB-4136-8A5C-6F7160A4BF7E.jpg

Can't wait till I get to let Delilah have some friends (why does QT have to take so long lol).

[guidofatherof5]

A radix, AWESOME. I like that species.:D

[d_virginiana]

Well *I* would have recommended an eastern, but I guess radix are okay :rolleyes:

Can't wait to see pictures of the new snakes!

[Rushthezeppelin]

Delilah still hasn't shed yet as far as I can tell. She's sitting in her humid hide (has been since at least 3 hours ago) so I wasn't able to check there. Hopefully should be anytime now...she's just taking longer than usual as she has been pre-shed clear again for at least 36 hours.

[Tommytradix]

one of the ones i sent you is going into shed too lol

[Rushthezeppelin]

Ohhh great so I get to start worrying all over again lol. Delilah is still just chilling. Added a tad more water to the hide too. She tasted me and didn't do much else. I'm betting she does it here in an hour or two during the night (is it normal for them to shed anytime of the day or night?). She's been soaking for a while.

[guidofatherof5]

"Relax":D

[Rushthezeppelin]

Sometimes I'm glad I don't have human children.....god I can't imagine having to worry about that. Especially since they don't stay put in a viv lol.

[Tommytradix]

yes relax please lol

[Rushthezeppelin]

Figures...I go to the grocery store and she sheds while I'm gone. She didn't get a complete shed though. She's still got an inch or so left on her tail. I'm assuming just let her work on it overnight is the best course? Eyecaps and everything else seem to have come off fine though.

[d_virginiana]

She'll probably get it off overnight, but when I see something like that I usually just grab a wet paper towel and get it off; takes like twenty seconds and most of the time the snakes don't even notice I'm doing anything other than just holding them.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Ya Tommy set me straight on it. He said as long as they have started shedding it's fine to intervene, it's just trying to help them before they get it started on their own that's bad. I got it off in less than 10 seconds. Apparently not a good thing to leave it on too long as it will shrink if it dries and cut off blood to the tail and I don't want a stub tailed snake ><

She is so vibrant again lol. I would take pictures but she was already stressed enough from me checking on her after lights out and after a shed lol. She's getting a big fat pinky in the morning though for being such a good sport.

[guidofatherof5]

Ya Tommy set me straight on it. He said as long as they have started shedding it's fine to intervene, it's just trying to help them before they get it started on their own that's bad. I got it off in less than 10 seconds. Apparently not a good thing to leave it on too long as it will shrink if it dries and cut off blood to the tail and I don't want a stub tailed snake ><

She is so vibrant again lol. I would take pictures but she was already stressed enough from me checking on her after lights out and after a shed lol. She's getting a big fat pinky in the morning though for being such a good sport.

Great update.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Finally got to catch her in the act eating a pinky this morning. Tried unscented in the (now converted back to) feeding hide, no dice. Scented it up with tilapia though and she took it right out of my hemostats in seconds. Got a video of her eating it that's uploading right now. Can't wait for the new girls to arrive, they are on the fedex truck as I speak. Happy day for me :D

[guidofatherof5]

More of a good update. Congrats.

[Tommytradix]

More of a good update. Congrats.
he is going to be addicted to radix now steve lol

[Rushthezeppelin]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZaaSH7BsnU

So sorry about the orientation....wasn't even thinking about it with how excited I was she took the pink so quick after scenting.

Also the thamily has grown FOURFOLD thanks to Tommy. He sent me two albino Radix (the red I ordered and a yearling) as well as a normal eastern. As he said I need the trifecta lol.

Pics coming very soon.

[Rushthezeppelin]

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/B51E90B5-82B1-4F17-AE1E-F6994AE94493.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/6D73582C-7615-4B0A-821D-1E43E8512CED.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n640/Rushthezeppelin/BB4542CF-B28C-44CD-B921-C9E61ADEE80D.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

They look good.

[Rushthezeppelin]

All girls btw.....now I need to come up with names lol.

[Tommytradix]

your welcome. and im no good at naming lol

[Qwerty3159]

Nice additions! :)

[Rushthezeppelin]

I've got names. The largest one is Joan, the juvie is Eliza and the scrub is Betty. Gonna need to grab me some post it notes now.....gonna be alot to keep up with feeding schedules lol.

[Qwerty3159]

I've got names. The largest one is Joan, the juvie is Eliza and the scrub is Betty. Gonna need to grab me some post it notes now.....gonna be alot to keep up with feeding schedules lol.

Lol. You could always make a spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel or a similar program like Steve suggested to me once. :D

[Rushthezeppelin]

That made me laugh more than you will ever know. Inside joke from another forum. It is a good idea though although I think having stick notes right on the tank would make it easier for me to actually write it down instead of walking away and saying I'll do it in 5.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Noticed something interesting that delilah has been doing. So I have those thin stacked stones (the fake I think resin ones) I've been using as a hide in Delilahs enclosure for a while. I took it partially out when she went into shed so I could fit the humid hide in there. Left some of the stones scattered and didn't really put it back the way it was because she never really used the hide but very rarely. So I've noticed over the past 4 days one of the stones has moved twice....about two inches each time lol. It's not heavy but it's not exactly light either. Anyone ever seen their garters rearranging their vivs?

[Qwerty3159]

Yep. My checkered shifts his somewhat heavy hides around from time to time. The little half paper towel rolls I have in there just to add new surfaces to climb over and under are always getting moved around until he eventually stuffs them in the corner lol.

[Rushthezeppelin]

The funny part is theres a nice bowl depression where it was from delilah pushing it lol.