Hello!

[eventer]

I'm new to snake ownership, so any advice would be welcome! I've been reading a lot, but still feel a bit out at sea...

I rescued a garter, (about 1 ft, black withlight tan stripes, pale belly. Will post pictures. I'm in Oregon). She wasfound in a horse's stall, probably from a bale of hay. Woke up this morning,and she had one stillborn baby in her cage. I cleaned it up, but I had to leavefor a few hours. Came home, and still nothing. About half hour later there were2 babies in the cage. So, the questions.

Can wildgarters make good pets? What are the pros/cons? How do they compare to cornsnakes?

If I keepthem/one of them... Do I release the babies? The momma? Which would be mostsuccessful for a life in captivity? None?

What do Ifeed momma? What about the babies? I know some fish have thiaminase, which isn't good for them... Does salmon have it? Could Ifeed them little pieces of salmon? If I can get one to eat, should I just keepthat one? I've also heard worms are good, what kind? How often should I feedthem?

Sorry forall the questions, I just want to do what is best for them. If none would makegood pets, I'll release them all. Just want more opinions before I do that :)

[Rushthezeppelin]

Garters adapt to captivity quite well. Just give them an enclosure with plenty of cover some water and a temp gradient from one side to the other (preferably somewhere close to 75-85 range through the enclosure). You might want to separate out the babies into another enclosure as well so it's easier to care for em. As for food, cut up nightcrawlers into tiny tiny bits and put it in a lid with a tad bit of water for the babies. The momma can eat nightcrawlers as well but will need other food to give complete nutrition. You can feed her feeder guppies or minnowfish but beware of ones bought from chain pet stores as they could contain parasites (same with wild fish). Check out the garter care sheet on this site and gartersnake.info for more info on care. Show us some pics of the momma and scrubs and GL.

[guidofatherof5]

Nice to have you with us. I'll link or care sheet. Ask any questions you might have. Garters are great snakes. They are the best kept secret in the snake hobby. Even many snake people shy away from them but that just leaves more for us. Garters are intelligent, inquisitive, and usually easy to work with.
Garter Snake Forum - Garter Caresheet (http://www.thamnophis.com/index.php?page=caresheet)
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//744/medium/welcome.jpg

[Tommytradix]

WELCOME!! cant wait to see pics!

[Albert Clark]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on the rescue and the babies. Garter snakes have been underrated for a long time in the reptile hobby and industry. They are fairly easy to keep and are a very hardy species. Many of them have extremely vibrant coloration and patterns. There are a couple of government protected species by both the Federal government and state government agengies. The states usually frown upon collecting and selling wild garters that are native to that particular state. However, there are plenty of captive born and bred specimens available by breeders that are already accustomed to a life in captivity. I, personally believe born free, live free. That is just my opinion. Wild caught specimens have a history of being heavily loaded with parasites , mites and otherwise myriad of diseases. There are however quite a few that are wild collected and bred with captive bred stock. Variety is the key to a healthy diet in any reptile or animal diet. So, enjoy the forum and we are glad you are here. :) :)

[eventer]

Hi guys! I did have the babies separated, and it was incredible to watch them for a few days. Unfortunately, ones of the babies died, and I decided that I didn't know enough to keep them. It was surprisingly hard to say goodbye, but I know that it was the right decision. There is a reptile expo the end of august in my area, so I'm hoping to go, and maybe get a captive bred snake. Or, if any of you know of breeders in the Portland, Or area, please let me know! I don't like buying pets from pet stores...