Catching Wild Garters/Snakes

[SerpentGirl]

I have been interested in possibly doing this.

I see many Prairie Ringneck snakes around my house here in Missouri, and I think that they are really neat. I don't believe that I have seen any garter snakes though.. which kind of sucks. Maybe if I look harder.

Anyway, is there anything health-wise to worry about? I am sure that wild snakes would tend to have mites and/or ticks. And what about diseases --- towards the snake, or possibly towards me?

Another thing that I would tend to think could be a problem, is eating. Would the snake eventually adapt to his new home, and eat, or would he possibly starve himself?

I will appreciate any help you can give, like I said, I have been interested in this, but I won't just do it unless I have a good idea what I am doing first! Lol.

[ssssnakeluvr]

haven't seen ticks on a snakes, mites occasionally, but not on wild caught. wild caught garters generally adapt to captivity, occasionally one will go off feed and not do well, but generally they do well. it's best to quarantine wild caught snakes for a few months to make sure they are healthy and won't transmit anything to your other snakes, and I don't know of anything off hand that they could transmit to you.

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

unless of course you pick up some of their poop and eat it then you may become ill with salmonella :D

moral of the story...

dont eat snake poop!

[Loren]

unless of course you pick up some of their poop and eat it then you may become ill with salmonella :D

moral of the story...

dont eat snake poop!

Ok... I'll try not to.:(

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

i know it's hard but I HAVE FAITH IN YOU

[adamanteus]

Well, that's my weekend dinner plans ruined!:mad:

[Sid]

I have been interested in possibly doing this.

I see many Prairie Ringneck snakes around my house here in Missouri, and I think that they are really neat. I don't believe that I have seen any garter snakes though.. which kind of sucks. Maybe if I look harder.

Anyway, is there anything health-wise to worry about? I am sure that wild snakes would tend to have mites and/or ticks. And what about diseases --- towards the snake, or possibly towards me?

Another thing that I would tend to think could be a problem, is eating. Would the snake eventually adapt to his new home, and eat, or would he possibly starve himself?

I will appreciate any help you can give, like I said, I have been interested in this, but I won't just do it unless I have a good idea what I am doing first! Lol.

My experience with Ringnecks is limited at best. If allowed to settle into their new environment with as little disturbance as possible, they will eat and handle well. The Northern and Southern species found here consume mainly salamanders and worms. The preference being salamanders. If you are serious about keeping any, I suggest a Google search on their care. They need a different environment than Garters.

[Loren]

i know it's hard but I HAVE FAITH IN YOU
O.k. then, I'll not eat snake poop, just for you.:)

[hissy100]

My snakes settled in easy, but i'm not sure about ringnecks...

[GartersRock]

If done right, most wild caught snakes settle and eat great! And I have only had one case of mites ever and never any other problems in 8 years. =)

[Zephyr]

As far as the actual catching itself, I find just grabbing the snake works, then keeping a cool, calm, and controlled environment turns them from wild beasts into babies in seconds. :P

[SerpentGirl]

Thanks for the replies. I am really excited about trying this. I guess I should start looking around soon, the weather is warming up, and the grass is growing... Spring is here. :D

[Samm]

I found a garter snake outside friday,and brought it home, [mainly because i was afraid i hurt it,i didnt see it until i stepped on it :(]

But it's already eaten,and seems very playful,though i havent taken it out of its cage,in fear of it running out and the dog getting it or something

but as far as i can tell,its in good health..but ill guess ill know for sure when i take it to a vet

[SerpentGirl]

Cool, good luck with him. :)

I have to wait for the weather to warm up again, it has turned quite cold again.