[ask] just got my garter..

[kenn777]

i just got myself a juvenile albino checkered garter snake.... he/she is around 40cm.. but some strange things occured... when i handle the him/her, his/her body seems to contract..i think that he/she is breathing, but is it true that garters breathe that way? and, i've read some article saying that garters love to swim, but when i put mine in a bowl filled with water(depth around 5-6cm), he/she didnt seem 2 like it.. thx 4 the answer...

[adamanteus]

Hi Lionel, and welcome to the forum.:) It sounds from your description of the breathing, that your new snake is simply scared of you just now. I would suggest you give it a little time to settle in before you start handling it. The same is true of the water thing.... they do like to swim, but they would make their own decision as to when. If you place it in water, it will almost always try to get out again!:D

Have a read through this;
http://www.thamnophis.com/caresheets/index.php?title=Garter_Snake_Care_Sheet
And enjoy it here, any questions, please ask.

[enigma200316]

good advice already and welcome to the forum.................:)

[Stefan-A]

Welcome aboard, Lionel. :)

[anji1971]

Hello, and welcome! Enjoy the forum, Lionel.:)

[drache]

hi Lionel
welcome to the forum

[Sid]

Welcome to the forum, Lionel. Sounds like James is right on the money with his response. Give the new one some time to settle in and then start with some gentle handling.

[tikichick]

Welcome to the forum! :)

[Snaky]

Welcome and enjoy it here :)

[Odie]

Hi, from Oregon, Lionel :)

[kenn777]

thx for the ans guys..