Stefan's garters

[Zephyr]

Nice vagrans Stefan. :P
I like the term "runner."
I think we could adapt that into our growing garter lingo. :P

[Snaky]

Very nice additions, Stefan:)

[Stefan-A]

Thanks. :)

[Stefan-A]

I usually try not advertise my own stupidity, but..

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/hamm08/rueffinkiddinme.jpg

[Snake lover 3-25]

lol that sucks... glad you got him b4 he escaped though lol

[Stefan-A]

He or she got stuck. Wouldn't have gotten through without assistance.

Oh yes, pooping, musking and hissing did occur.

[Snake lover 3-25]

how'd you get him out?

[Stefan-A]

Gave a little push and "wiggled" it loose one scale row at a time. It was pretty easy, but it probably wouldn't have been able to do it on its own.

[infernalis]

I usually try not advertise my own stupidity, but


Just how exactly does this prove anything concerning stupidity?

It's just one of those things, not the same as leaving the cover off:D

How could anyone predict that?

It does prove one thing, That snake has intelligence!

[Stefan-A]

Just how exactly does this prove anything concerning stupidity?

It's just one of those things, not the same as leaving the cover off:D
I disagree. To me, it's the same.

[Garter_Gertie]

That's a striking (get it? LOL!!!) snake, Stefan. Beautiful! What kind is it?

[Stefan-A]

That's a striking (get it? LOL!!!) snake, Stefan. Beautiful! What kind is it?
Viperine snake (Natrix maura). Viper mimic, piscivorous.

A bit tricky to feed, I might have to resort to live fish. The food does disappear from the dish, but it's impossible to tell if both of them are eating.

[Snaky]

I exactly made the same mistake... thinking they would not get through there. I had newborn marcianus, luckily no escaped in the end because I put it in an the enclosure of the adults...

[Stefan-A]

I exactly made the same mistake... thinking they would not get through there. I had newborn marcianus, luckily no escaped in the end because I put it in an the enclosure of the adults...
I had completely forgotten that those holes existed. When I kept my other snakes in this enclosure and others like it, I always blocked the holes just to be sure. This time, I just forgot that they even existed.

Well, the holes are blocked now. Unless they use their own poo to make a screwdriver, they're not getting out that way. And if they manage to do that, I guess we're going to have bigger problems.

[jitami]

LOL Stefan... all's well that ends well, right? :)

[Stefan-A]

No, this is going to haunt me for the rest of my life.

[jitami]

Better ring the therapist...

Really, I'm glad the little one was ok. I know the outcome could have been so much worse. I also know that you realize this and you won't make the same mistake again :)

[Stefan-A]

Better ring the therapist...
Bah, pseudoscience.


Really, I'm glad the little one was ok. I know the outcome could have been so much worse. I also know that you realize this and you won't make the same mistake again :)Yeah, it would have been royally screwed if I hadn't been able to get it unstuck. I don't have anything smaller than a kitchen knife here, so cutting it free would have been out of the question.

[infernalis]

I'd have destroyed the cover if necessary:eek:

Remember the chair??

[Stefan-A]

I'd have destroyed the cover if necessary:eek:
My point was that I couldn't have destroyed the cover without killing or at least seriously injuring the snake.

[infernalis]

You know, your right, that plastic is tough, and does not break easily... Unless you don't want it to.

[kurtnagel]

I usually try not advertise my own stupidity, but..



Well I have a similar *duh* moment with my Radix Rosa. I let my daughter sit with her in the bathtub for a bit and completely forgot about the mesh "beach bag" there with the pool toys. Jess let out a yell and I came in to find Rosa had squiggled through the mesh up to the point where she could no longer move. I tried to gently move her back, but she was not going for it without force. I had to get some scissors and carefully stretch and cut the mesh around her body until I created a hole big enough to gently pull her through. Needles to say, the mesh bag is gone (Pool season is over anyway!)

[thinkmore]

I started thinking about what I might do if I had a snake snuck somewhere like that. Would it be safe to pour something like olive oil on the snake to help in wiggling it out? I guess you'd have to clean the snake off with paper towels or something after, but at least it would be out.

[Snake lover 3-25]

lol actually i've gotten a brown snake that got really stuck in a hole that was quite sharp and rough.... so i slathered him in butter and he came right out lol then he got a bath:D

[thinkmore]

Wasn't it kind of hard to get the grease off? It would come off easily with hot water and/or soap, but can't imagine either of those being good for a snake.

[Snake lover 3-25]

yeah..... but i just put him in water(cool/luke warm) and wiped it off with paper towel..... but NEVER EVER put a snake in ANY kind of hot water.... it WILL kill them.

[thinkmore]

And this brings us to the end of our latest installment on snake first aid... :D

[Snake lover 3-25]

lol :D

[Stefan-A]

Note to self: The vagrans male's first shed (since I got it) is about 52cm long.

[Stefan-A]

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/hamm08/whogoesthere1.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/hamm08/whogoesthere2.jpg

[Lori P]

Oh my gosh... look how tightly he's curled up!! I LOVE that second pic!!!!

[jitami]

What a cutie! And, no, I'm not saying that to antagonize you! He's just adorable! :)

[Garter_Gertie]

They are really CUTESY aren't they? I like'um, Stefan. They're very sweet.

[Thamnophis]

Beautiful, Stefan!

[Stefan-A]

Thanks, all of you. :)

I just wish they took dead fish, it would make things a lot simpler (and cheaper). Now I have to try to train the little bastards. It would be easier, if they at least were more enthusiastic about feeding and if they had a garter's metabolism..

[Stefan-A]

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/bigface1.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

Cute little scrubs.

[infernalis]

Excellent photography work on that most recent photo Stefan.

The finest of details stand out! You can see the skin between the scales.

How many MP is your cam?

[jitami]

Simply gorgeous

[Snake lover 3-25]

wow great pic!!!:eek:

[Stefan-A]

Thanks. :)


How many MP is your cam?
Only five. I've been planning to get a new one, but a good camera costs too much.

Here's just the face, original size:

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/bigface2.jpg

Very grainy.

[infernalis]

Thanks. :)


only five. I've been planning to get a new one, but a good camera costs too much.

I have been stuck with a 3.5 MP for about 4 years now, for exactly the same reason.

Sure they have inexpensive upgrades available now, but if I am going to spend that money, I rather pay a bit more and get a REAL camera.

Thanks for posting up that face shot:D

Back in 2005 the local newspaper sent a reporter out to do a story on my race track, I want the canon camera the reporter had, it was amazing, when he clicked the button, it shot frames as fast as any 35mm I have ever seen.

The reporter was really cool, he snapped 85 photos, only 4 made it to the paper. He was nice and let me copy all 85 files off his memory card to my PC before he left:cool:

When he took pictures of the guys slamming machines into the mud bog at speed, his camera captured every droplet of water suspended in the air, sort of "Matrix" looking style.

When I asked, he said the camera was thousands of dollars to buy:eek:

[Stefan-A]

When I asked, he said the camera was thousands of dollars to buy:eek:
That's right. I would need about 1000€ to get a basic DSLR and a basic macro lense. Unfortunately, there's no class of cameras in between the one I have now and DSLR cameras.

[jitami]

That's right. I would need about 1000€ to get a basic DSLR and a basic macro lense. Unfortunately, there's no class of cameras in between the one I have now and DSLR cameras.

That's where I'm at, too, Stefan. Mine is 7.2, crisp & clean, but just too slow. I've had this one for a year and a half and at the time the next step up was a rather steep one.

[infernalis]

That's where I'm at, too, Stefan. Mine is 7.2, crisp & clean, but just too slow. I've had this one for a year and a half and at the time the next step up was a rather steep one.

You should have heard that shutter click on the news reporters camera, I'd bet 3 per second or more would not be any exaggeration.

The big difference is CPU and buffer RAM speed, His memory card was no different than anyone elses...

The 3 things that contribute to cost.

CCD (the optical sensor behind the lens) - Higher quality silicon chips are needed to make the best ones.

CPU - That's right almost everything these days has a CPU, and top technology costs.

Buffer ram, that is your image capture speed, more ram = faster snapshots and more of them.

Sorry Stefan, I didn't mean to turn your Garter thread into a camera discussion...

[Stefan-A]

Sorry Stefan, I didn't mean to turn your Garter thread into a camera discussion...
It seems to bother you more than it does me. :) But you can always start a new thread or pick up an old one if you don't want to talk about cameras here.

[infernalis]

Im happy to talk anything anywhere, Just attempting to be somewhat respectful.

[reptile3]

That's where I'm at, too, Stefan. Mine is 7.2, crisp & clean, but just too slow. I've had this one for a year and a half and at the time the next step up was a rather steep one.


I just recently bought a Sony Cybershot 8.1 MP, only bad thing is the Optical Zoom, is only a 3X, it's got a touch screen, very easy to use & I love it!!!

Stefan, you have some awesome garters...:):D

[adamanteus]

Stefan, you have some awesome garters...:):D

Ain't that the truth..... and his photographic talent/abilities show them off to their best, despite his less than perfect camera.
More recent photos please, Stefan..... how's the tetra doing these days?

[jitami]

I just recently bought a Sony Cybershot 8.1 MP, only bad thing is the Optical Zoom, is only a 3X, it's got a touch screen, very easy to use & I love it!!!:):D

Mine's a Cybershot as well(DSC-H5), but has the 12x optical zoom. I love everything about it except the delay ;):)

[infernalis]

That was my next poser to ask, I am a fan of Canon & Minolta.

Oh well, in my research to sound reasonably intelligent, I googled and found out that Minolta stopped all camera production just over a year ago:(

Sony has taken over all the Minolta & Konica camera support, so I have to assume that Konica/Minolta sold the technology as well...

Sony is good stuff, any better than Canon??

When I went to Windsor CT in 1988 to train at the Konica plant, Digital was just on the horizon and they were producing some of the best imaging equipment available at that time.

[jitami]

I've heard good about both Wayne. The deciding factors when I was shopping... and remember this is outdated 18 months... were good optical zoom(kids sports) and non-proprietary batteries and memory cards. Sounds silly, but I use the camera mostly at outdoor sporting events and didn't want to deal with having to recharge the battery all the time. Mine takes two AA's and it's more expensive to keep replacing AA's, but I just carry extras in the camera bag so they're always ready. I'd love to have one of the higher end digitals like the guy who came out to your track, but last I looked they're still in the multiple thousand dollar range. I just need to learn to use mine better and get better at timing the delay :(

[infernalis]

Tami, I was forced to learn how to work with the delay, I'll PM you a few shots I took at the track, Timing is everything, whenever someone jumps a motorcycle they are only in the air for about a second.

My first photos were all of the landing, and very unspectacular to look at.

Try this, hold the button half way down, this engages the auto focus, then at the moment you want your action shot, click the rest of the way down.

[Stefan-A]

Ain't that the truth..... and his photographic talent/abilities show them off to their best, despite his less than perfect camera.
More recent photos please, Stefan..... how's the tetra doing these days?
I don't really have any recent photos, they've been kept in the dark (literally) for over a month. Everybody's off feed (well, except the new ones), so I shut off the lights and the heat and covered the enclosures so that practically no light gets through.

Seriously, you can't fool them into believing that it's still summer by keeping the lights on as before and the heat constant, when it used to be about 4 hours from sunset to sunrise, but it's now more than 14. :D

Here's the tetra. It's the latest picture, taken a month and a half ago.

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/reddevil1.jpg

[prattypus]

breath taking...

[Hornets23]

Wow...that in an awesome snake. I am probably about as jealous as ive ever been in my whole life right now. Nice pic.

[reptile3]

breath taking...

I'd second that!!! Amazing colors!!:)

[infernalis]

Oh how I wish the US laws were different!

On the other side of that coin, the law is there to keep the "Bobs" of the world from gathering up the last few remaining wild specimens.

So unless we all move to Europe, the pictures are probably the closest most of us will ever get.

Stefan, I envy you:D

[Lori P]

Oooh. Stefan, will you marry me?? :D

[Garter_Gertie]

Lori, that's adultry. No, I mean bigatry. NOOOO!!!! I'm not awake - BIG - A -MEE. There.

STEFAN!!!!!!!!!! ONLY four hours o'dark?????? Your winters aren't too different than ours - about 11 to 12 hours o'dark. MAN! I could live with that! YEAH! Couldn't do Alaska, but Finland's dark isn't that much worse than here and the summers sound TO DIE FOR!!! I can't stand the dark and live by the sun.

Oh! P.S. Gorgeous snake. I have snake envy and am very jealous. But, I'll get over it. I always do. Only happens when I see the pics and start to drool.

[Stefan-A]

STEFAN!!!!!!!!!! ONLY four hours o'dark??????
In this part of the country, yes (about as far north as Anchorage). Further north, the sun doesn't set at all in the summer and doesn't rise at all in the winter. For a number of days.


Your winters aren't too different than ours - about 11 to 12 hours o'dark. MAN! I could live with that! YEAH! Couldn't do Alaska, but Finland's dark isn't that much worse than here and the summers sound TO DIE FOR!!! I can't stand the dark and live by the sun.No, no. That's 14,5 hours of dark on October 22. :D Around Christmas, it'll be dark for 18,5 hours. :D

[Garter_Gertie]

No wonder you're so... So... So kind'a grumpy and off. GOOD GODS! I'd be postal! I guess you deal with it as it's all you know and have grown up with it. There is no way I could handle it. I've got a SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) light I use even in the SUMMER!

Stefan, I truly don't see how you do it. I'd sleep all winter.

But... Oh, lords! What I would give for your summers! Man! I'd never sleep and enjoy nature all the time! You're lucky for your summers. But I could never deal with your winters. How do you stay awake?

Also, your snigglettes are GORGEOUS! :)

[adamanteus]

That tetra's looking great, Stefan. You certainly caught the colours.

[count dewclaw]

Indeed! I'm jealous again....:(:rolleyes:

[Stefan-A]

No wonder you're so... So... So kind'a grumpy and off.
Why thank you. :D


Stefan, I truly don't see how you do it. I'd sleep all winter.So would I, if I had a choice. :)


But... Oh, lords! What I would give for your summers! Man! I'd never sleep and enjoy nature all the time! You're lucky for your summers.Yeah, the summers.. When you can go to bed at dawn and still get a good night's sleep.


But I could never deal with your winters. How do you stay awake?List of countries by coffee consumption per capita - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_coffee_consumption_per_capita )


Also, your snigglettes are GORGEOUS! :)Thanks. :)

[Stefan-A]

That tetra's looking great, Stefan. You certainly caught the colours.
I think I caught them better in these two photos. :)



http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/2008-07-16-03.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/2008-07-16-04.jpg

[adamanteus]

Really nice, Stefan. Will you be looking for a partner for her this year?

[Garter_Gertie]

Jesus. It truly is NOT fair. I echo Dekay-Waynes envy. Crap. That's one o'the most gorgeous snakes I've ever seen.

BLUE, RED AND BLACK? Gods. Stefan, if ittiz ever figured out how to get one here, please put me at the top o'the list for one.

You are so lucky. BEAUTIFUL snigglette!

[Stefan-A]

Really nice, Stefan. Will you be looking for a partner for her this year?
No, I don't think I'll breed her. I did get a male for a vagrans three-way, though.

[adamanteus]

Excellent. I have a pair of vagrans..... but the female is HUGE whilst the male is very small, so I'll have to wait for him to catch up (to avoid accidents!:eek:)

[Snaky]

Isn't it possible to keep infernalis instead of the tetra's? I find them certainly equally nice looking... They resemble them a lot, they just are just striped differently... (There are even people suggesting that they should not really be 2 different subspecies... )

[Stefan-A]

Excellent. I have a pair of vagrans..... but the female is HUGE whilst the male is very small, so I'll have to wait for him to catch up (to avoid accidents!:eek:)
Yeah, with this (sub)species, I'm not taking any chances either. Besides, he's a year younger than the females, but they should be big enough in the spring of 2010.

[count dewclaw]

Yes, we can keep infernalis....they are next on my wish list!!! But the longitudinal (sp?) stripes of the tetras are so very eye-catching!

[Stefan-A]

Isn't it possible to keep infernalis instead of the tetra's? I find them certainly equally nice looking... They resemble them a lot, they just are just striped differently... (There are even people suggesting that they should not really be 2 different subspecies... )
Indeed, I try to point that out every time somebody wants a tetrataenia. Not to people on this forum, though. :)

People on YouTube keep contacting me about the tetrataenia. Some to ask whether I breed them, others to point out that "G&F is gonna be on ur *** LOL. HIGHLY illegal.". ;)

[Snake lover 3-25]

OMG!!!!!! that is THE MOST amazing snake i have EVER seen!!!!!:eek::D

[jitami]

Lovely as usual Stefan!!! Someday I'm going to photograph one in the wild... someday...

[Stefan-A]

You better hurry.

[jitami]

Yeah, no kidding... sigh... I'm 2 to 3 hours from the few who are left. I'm going to give it my best next spring... I haven't been around that long, but haven't seen many of our bay area posters talk about ever seeing them in the wild... definitely worrisome :(

[infernalis]

Isn't it possible to keep infernalis instead of the tetra's? I find them certainly equally nice looking... They resemble them a lot, they just are just striped differently... (There are even people suggesting that they should not really be 2 different subspecies... )


That is exactly why I was so pissed off when Inferno died.

Infernalis are not all that easy to get, Scott Felzer sells out quickly, and they are expensive.

Will certainly get another this spring from him, hopefully a pair (even if I have to start saving up now)

He was a non feeder that started eating, but then ate one of those petco fish that killed $300 worth of garter snakes.

I will NEVER purchase another feeder fish from that dump again...

[EdgyExoticReptiles]

how about horizontal ?

Yes, we can keep infernalis....they are next on my wish list!!! But the longitudinal (sp?) stripes of the tetras are so very eye-catching!

[count dewclaw]

Horizontal stripes would work, too.

[infernalis]

Leanne, We should coordinate our Infernalis purchases for next season.

I could get a female, and you a male, with us living so darn close, we could make lots of little infernos :D

If you need any help making that happen, I'd be happy to assist.

http://www.danceswithreptiles.com/babs/ferno.jpg

[count dewclaw]

Thanks Wayne, I'll send you a PM.

[Stefan-A]

Nobody wanted to cooperate today, but I got a couple of new pictures.

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/09nov08/fmtfb-1.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/09nov08/fmtfb-2.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/09nov08/fmtfb-3.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/09nov08/fmtfb-4.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/09nov08/fmtfb-5.jpg

[Snake lover 3-25]

nice pics:D love the first one:D

[adamanteus]

That little 'Viperine' is very nicely marked. Love the last picture.

[Stefan-A]

That little 'Viperine' is very nicely marked. Love the last picture.
You can see him (probably a "he") flattening his head a bit. :) Doesn't like me very much. ;)

[drache]

very nice Stefan
didn't take you long to figure out the camera

[adamanteus]

I had a couple in the past, a long time ago, but they were quite drab and 'olive' in colouration compared to your boy. He's lovely.

[Stefan-A]

Thanks, everybody. :)


very nice Stefan
didn't take you long to figure out the camera
I still have much to learn, though. It seems easier than I expected, though.

[Stefan-A]

I had a couple in the past, a long time ago, but they were quite drab and 'olive' in colouration compared to your boy. He's lovely.
Yeah, but I almost like the striped one more.

They are a bit picky, though. One of them eats salmon slices (that I know of), the other one I'm not so sure about. They won't usually feed if somebody's watching, you have to leave food in there overnight, which means that you can't mix live fish with salmon pieces in shallow water and hope they'll catch one by accident and learn that way to eat dead food, because the fish will be stone dead by the time the snakes finally get the courage to inspect the food dish..

They are giving me grey hairs. :D I really should separate them and find out if they both take dead food or not.

[adamanteus]

They were a nightmare for me too! But discovering which was eating and which was not, was made easier for me by the unfortunate 'escape-down-the-plug-hole-never-to-be-seen-again-during-routine-cleaning-operation-incident'!!!!
I was very young, and knew nothing of basic plumbing!

[Stefan-A]

They were a nightmare for me too! But discovering which was eating and which was not, was made easier for me by the unfortunate 'escape-down-the-plug-hole-never-to-be-seen-again-during-routine-cleaning-operation-incident'!!!!
I was very young, and knew nothing of basic plumbing!
So, you "disappeared" it? ;)

[adamanteus]

Well, I didn't understand how easy it would have been to strip out the waste water trap and (probably) retrieve the snake.

[Stefan-A]

Yeah, I'm still kicking myself over a couple of mistakes that I'm sure as hell not going to tell anybody here about.

[Zephyr]

Yeah, I'm still kicking myself over a couple of mistakes that I'm sure as hell not going to tell anybody here about.Oh my.
Dark secrets much Stefan? :P

[anji1971]

Yeah, I'm still kicking myself over a couple of mistakes that I'm sure as hell not going to tell anybody here about.

And why should YOU get away with not sharing your stupidity moments??? As brilliant as you appear, we do "suspect" that you're not perfect!!:D:D:D
And we'll all still love ya!

[Garter_Gertie]

Yeah. My lift may not go all the way to the top, but I'm with Stefan. There's been one bone-head move since May and I'll never divulge it! (shudders at the memory, almost wanting to cry... Thankful for a great Hoggy breeder and a happy ending.)

[anji1971]

Hell, if it weren't for stupidity (well, maybe just general ditziness), I'd probably be declared brain dead. Might as well share it, it usually provides entertainment!

[ssssnakeluvr]

Yeah, I'm still kicking myself over a couple of mistakes that I'm sure as hell not going to tell anybody here about.
hmmmm....I think most of us have those..... got a couple myself!!!!

[Stefan-A]

Problem solved, both snakes eat dead fish now.

[anji1971]

Good news!:)

[Stefan-A]

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/hamm08/mamamamaura.jpg

[Snake lover 3-25]

wow he's cool!!!!:D love his stripe!!!:D

[Snake lover 3-25]

OMG!!!! what's his name????

[Stefan-A]

That's not a garter, Shanley. :D

[Garter_Gertie]

I'm quickly falling in love with the dark or 'black' or whatever snakes. Very rich looking.

[Snake lover 3-25]

i know that lol what's his name???

[Stefan-A]

i know that lol what's his name???
I don't name my snakes. :D

Or did you mean the scientific name?

[Snake lover 3-25]

really??? you should name him eclipse!!! look at his eye!!!:eek: lol from now on i'm gonna call him eclipse:D

[Stefan-A]

really??? you should name him eclipse!!! look at his eye!!!:eek: lol from now on i'm gonna call him eclipse:D
Whatever floats your boat. But his name isn't going to be eclipse. :D

[adamanteus]

I think you should name him Natrix maura. It really suits him.:D

[Stefan-A]

What about the other one? :D Vipera latastei gaditana, just to mess with people? ;)

[adamanteus]

Vipera latastei...... want it!:rolleyes:

[Snake lover 3-25]

lol fine!!!:p

[Stefan-A]

Thamnophis, for a change. ;)

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/vagrans-w-canon1.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/vagrans-w-canon2.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/vagrans-w-canon3.jpg

[anji1971]

Very nice. Is that "my" vagrans? I'm still plotting to kidnap it you know.:D

[guidofatherof5]

What a great photo. I see so much more from thoses eyes than just eat, drink, shed, poop and breed. They are a wonderful creature. Thanks for sharing.

[Stefan-A]

Very nice. Is that "my" vagrans? I'm still plotting to kidnap it you know.:D
Yes, it is your vagrans. :D One of them anyway. ;)

[anji1971]

I knew I recognised that face. ;)
I think I may steal the natrix too, when I manage to perfect the kidnap scheme in a hundred and fifty years or so.

[Stefan-A]

I knew I recognised that face. ;)
What, this face? Or the one in the background? :D

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/vagrans-w-panasonic1.jpg



I think I may steal the natrix too, when I manage to perfect the kidnap scheme in a hundred and fifty years or so.
You're going to need a lot of ninjas for that mission, I can tell you that. ;)

[anji1971]

Why the one in the background of course. :rolleyes:

Ninjas. HA!
A determined woman does not need ninjas. She just needs lots of time to plan..........and money, and chloroform, and duct tape and help. Lots of help. (yes, mental help too).:D:rolleyes:

[Stefan-A]

Another one from the early days. ;)

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/vagrans-w-panasonic2.jpg

[Stefan-A]

Why the one in the background of course. :rolleyes:
Lucky guess. :p

[anji1971]

Lucky guess. :p

Not really. I kind of figured you would ask a tricky question.

[Stefan-A]

Not really. I kind of figured you would ask a tricky question.
Actually, I asked the question before I identified the snake in the foreground. :D

[anji1971]

Well then, it was a lucky guess.
Like I'd actually be able to tell them apart anyway!:rolleyes:

[Garter_Gertie]

Stefan, that first one you posted, that was black and gray, was that a natrix? Damn pretty snake. Very rich and elegant. I could love one o'those babies easily!

[Stefan-A]

Stefan, that first one you posted, that was black and gray, was that a natrix? Damn pretty snake. Very rich and elegant. I could love one o'those babies easily!
That's indeed a Natrix maura. Viperine snake in English, because it mimics vipers.

[jitami]

Thamnophis, for a change. ;)

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/vagrans-w-canon1.jpg



Damn, I love this snake!!!

Anji, just think what two women could do with a little time & money :D

[Garter_Gertie]

Now Wait A Minute!

No one's going over there to steal sniglettes UNLESS I'm in on it!

I've got first dibs on the black and grey natrix-thingy-whatever.

[Snake lover 3-25]

lol lets all plot to steel stefans snakes!!!!!:eek: i want ALL of the rest of them:D:p

[jitami]

Sssshhhh... we're going to have to take this private ;)

[anji1971]

He's lucky he's a-waaaayy over in Finland.
Lucky.............for now............hehehehe

[Snake lover 3-25]

mu ha ha ha ha :)

[Stefan-A]

Oh dear. I better not post any more pictures, then.

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/nov12-2008-1.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/nov12-2008-2.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/nov12-2008-3.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/nov12-2008-4.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/nov12-2008-5.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/nov12-2008-6.jpg

[Garter_Gertie]

Stefan, is that SOUTHERN HOGGY????????????? You've been holding out on us!

Stefan, you have a HOGGY!!!!!!!!!! It's got the patterning... It's got the scale lay... The nose is not what I'm used to...

IS THAT A SOUTHERN HOGGY????????????

Oh, lord. That sucker will be scarfed up first; THEN the natrix!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Garter_Gertie]

IT IS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You've got some kind'a Hoggy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[adamanteus]

Gertie, it's a Wandering Garter Snake T. e. vagrans.
Or did you mean the Viperine Snake, Natrix maura?

[Garter_Gertie]

Even the way it curls up, Hoggy-like!

Stefan, I've never heard you mention you've got a Hoggy?

(Boy, am I gonna look really stupid if ittiz NOT a Hoggy... But I really think ittiz!)

[Garter_Gertie]

Feeling stupid coming on big time...

The first one, James. Isn't that a Hoggy? Look at the patterning...

Rut-Ro... Think I'm gonna have to go sit in the stupid corner on the stupid chair with the stupid hat on my head...

[Stefan-A]

Feeling stupid coming on big time...

The first one, James. Isn't that a Hoggy? Look at the patterning...
No hoggies here. Yet. They're on my list. After a few other species.

[Garter_Gertie]

(toddling off to the stupid chair, feeling stupid... Placing stupid hat on head... "Oh, I am a dufus, a dufus I am so!")

(Shaking finger at forum...) ONE o'these days I'll be able to eye-ball snakes! One o'these days!

[Stefan-A]

Here's a tip: next time you think you see a hognose, look if it has a hognose. ;)

[Garter_Gertie]

PPPPPPPPPPPPLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTTTTTT TTTTTTTTTTT!

:p:p:p:p:p:p


(blowing strawberries at Stefan)

[adamanteus]

Stefan! So sarcastic! Diplomacy is your middle name..... we all make mistaken IDs from time to time........

Except me of course!;)

[Stefan-A]

we all make mistaken IDs from time to time........
Sure, but.. Come on. Hognose? :D

[Garter_Gertie]

It looked like it! I asked if it was southern - I'm not familiar with them. I'm telling you, the patterning is spot on for a Hoggy.

Besides, how do I know what kind'a snakes you've got in Finland? Just because my Hoggies look like my Hoggies, maybe you have some where the noses don't turn up so much.

Mr. Diplomacy, go back and do it this way, "Nope, mk. Not a Hoggy. All [or whatever!] Hoggies have the turned upnose. But I can see where you see the similarity due to the patterning."

[Stefan-A]

Besides, how do I know what kind'a snakes you've got in Finland? Just because my Hoggies look like my Hoggies, maybe you have some where the noses don't turn up so much.
We have 3 snake species in the wild and the same species as you in captivity. :D


Mr. Diplomacy, go back and do it this way, "Nope, mk. Not a Hoggy. All [or whatever!] Hoggies have the turned upnose. But I can see where you see the similarity due to the patterning."
Never!

[jitami]

Mr. Diplomacy, go back and do it this way, "Nope, mk. Not a Hoggy. All [or whatever!] Hoggies have the turned upnose. But I can see where you see the similarity due to the patterning."

Isn't that what he said? (shrugs shoulders) :D

[Snake lover 3-25]

lol you guys are too funny:D wow i REALLY like the darker one..... ehat kind is THAT one???

[Garter_Gertie]

Natrix. However, I dibbsed it first. Ittis mine! :)

[infernalis]

Stefan! So sarcastic! Diplomacy is your middle name..... we all make mistaken IDs from time to time........

Except me of course!;)


I thought Stefan's middle name was Frank:D

[Stefan-A]

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/2008-11-19-1.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/2008-11-19-2.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/2008-11-19-3.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/2008-11-19-4.jpg

[Lori P]

LOVE that last pic. :-)

[olive oil]

Enjoying a nice little swim.
Beautiful snake!

[Stefan-A]

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/2008-11-19-5.jpg

[Snake lover 3-25]

wow stephan....... very very nice!!!!! lol shannon's got some competition!!!!!!

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

Dear stefan:

Since you get to keep the one snake I really want and cannot have,

I hate you.


Love,
Shannon

[ssssnakeluvr]

http://webpages.charter.net/trussell/pictures/raspberry%20smiley.gif

you and your san frans......... :D

[guidofatherof5]

Great looking snakes. You should be proud.

[Stefan-A]

Dear stefan:

Since you get to keep the one snake I really want and cannot have,

I hate you.


Love,
Shannon
http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/extra/nelson.jpg

[Sid]

Great photos, Stefan and very nice specimens.

[Stefan-A]

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/tetrame1.jpg

How's this for a self-portrait? :D

[jitami]

How's this for a self-portrait? :D

Too cool! Definately a keeper :) Love the snake, too, of course :)

[Snake lover 3-25]

is your hair getting longer????? now we really need an updated pic!!!!:eek::p

[Lori P]

Oh, man, that is TOO COOL. Great pic Stefan!!!!

[infernalis]

eye see you:eek:

[Stefan-A]

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/2008-nov25-1.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/2008-nov25-2.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/2008-nov25-3.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/2008-nov25-4.jpg

[infernalis]

You already know what I think of your garters Stefan...

Nice photo work as usual.;)

[guidofatherof5]

Stefan, What kind of substrate is that in the photo?

[Stefan-A]

Stefan, What kind of substrate is that in the photo?
Peat moss.

[jitami]

Stefan, it's very lucky you're so far away.... then again, when it comes breeding time I'm going to wish you were closer!

[adamanteus]

Beautiful photos again, Stefan.

[Stefan-A]

Thanks. :)

Your pictures aren't bad either, James.

Tami, still one year before I'll make any attempt to breed them. :)

[Stefan-A]

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/2008-nov25-5.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/2008-nov25-6.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/2008-nov25-7.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/2008-nov25-8.jpg

[drache]

beautiful photos, Stefan
you even make the tetra look good

[Snake lover 3-25]

wow stephan!!!! how many neat snakes do you have????!!!!!:eek::D

[Stefan-A]

wow stephan!!!! how many neat snakes do you have????!!!!!:eek::D
Only 7. :D

[infernalis]

seven snakes and an extra letter added to your name:D

[Stefan-A]

seven snakes and an extra letter added to your name:D
One deleted, two added.

[reptile3]

Wow, those are great pictures of your snakies!!!

[infernalis]

One deleted, two added.

I just looked back at it, she started to say Stephen

wonder if she knows just how close to on target that really was?

[Stefan-A]

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/2008-nov26-1.jpg

I've now taken just over 1000 photos in 21 days with the new camera. :)

[infernalis]

What camera did you get? or you gonna make me dig back 21 days to find out:D

[drache]

Canon digital SLR

[Snake lover 3-25]

really???? only seven snakes???? ok well..... now you have to take one new pic of each and post them:D

[Stefan-A]

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/hamm08/vagransmale-1.jpg

53.5 cm :)

[infernalis]

Looking good:cool:

[guidofatherof5]

Very nice photos.

[jitami]

So pretty... very nice Stefan.

[Stefan-A]

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/first-01.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/first-02.jpg

[brain]

Jesus. It truly is NOT fair. I echo Dekay-Waynes envy. Crap. That's one o'the most gorgeous snakes I've ever seen.

BLUE, RED AND BLACK? Gods. Stefan, if ittiz ever figured out how to get one here, please put me at the top o'the list for one.

You are so lucky. BEAUTIFUL snigglette!

Dito Gertie:D me to me to :D:D Stefan put my name on that list

[brain]

Jesus. It truly is NOT fair. I echo Dekay-Waynes envy. Crap. That's one o'the most gorgeous snakes I've ever seen.

BLUE, RED AND BLACK? Gods. Stefan, if ittiz ever figured out how to get one here, please put me at the top o'the list for one.

You are so lucky. BEAUTIFUL snigglette!


You're not doing bad!:rolleyes:
I'd like to see just one pic without any corrective work.... just to see how the colours compare to mine.:)

james do you have a breeding pair of the SF garters?

[reptile3]

Stefan great pics of your snakies!!! Love the upclose one.:)

[Snake lover 3-25]

SF garters are illegal to own in the USA unfortunately

[Stefan-A]

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/doubleplusungood/xmaspresent2008.jpg

Merry ****ing Christmas.

[Lori P]

Oooohhhh crap Stefan. That SUCKS. I'm really, really sorry.

[mtolypetsupply]

Sorry for your loss Stefan.

[guidofatherof5]

Sorry to hear about your loss. You are in our family prayers.

[drache]

oh crap, Stefan
I'm so sorry - what a bummer
don't know what else to say

[Sid]

Sorry for your loss, Stefan:(. That's always a real bummer.

[infernalis]

My condolences Stefan:(

[anji1971]

Awww, what a crappy Christmas surprise.
I'm so sorry, Stefan.:(:(:(

[adamanteus]

Aww sh1t. Sorry, Stefan.

[Stefan-A]

Thanks, guys.

[infernalis]

What snake was it Stefan?

[Zephyr]

Wow Stefan.
I'm sorry. T.T

[Stefan-A]

What snake was it Stefan?
The parietalis female.

[ssssnakeluvr]

that sucks...sorry!!!!

[infernalis]

Damn, I lost one too. She was upside down in her viv.

Sucks..

Thanks for satisfying my curiosity.

[jitami]

Merry ****ing Christmas.

OMG... not sure how I missed this post... I can't believe our members have lost so many snakes in the last few days.

I'm so so sorry Stefan!!! :( :mad: :(

[Stefan-A]

Damn, I lost one too. She was upside down in her viv.

Sucks..

Thanks for satisfying my curiosity.
No problem.

This one wasn't upside down, but I noticed she hadn't moved at all for about an hour, so I had a closer look. She's currently occupying a ziploc bag in my freezer, haven't figured out what to do with her yet.

[Stefan-A]

OMG... not sure how I missed this post... I can't believe our members have lost so many snakes in the last few days.

I'm so so sorry Stefan!!! :( :mad: :(
Thanks. You too, Kyle and Don.

They were probably all part of some garter suicide cult.

[ssssnakeluvr]

They were probably all part of some garter suicide cult.

hopefully the leader committed suicide also so no other followers will join....:cool:

[infernalis]

I have seven in the freezer, we bury them when the ground loosens up.

No exam will bring them back.

The 2 blacknecks, I know what happened, they starved to death. (One ate and regurged then died)

The Hypermel Wandering, some very painful attack, I could tell by the thrashing.

and the Florida blues dehydrated (Under a full water bowl)

The red sided, I'm clueless, but I had 4 from that same litter just croak for no apparent reason. (one after it was delivered to the new owner)


They were probably all part of some garter suicide cult.

So that is what the kool aid was in the water bowl!

[jitami]

This all sucks beyond words...

[Stefan-A]

I have seven in the freezer, we bury them when the ground loosens up.

No exam will bring them back.
Chances are that not all of it will be buried, there are a few things I'd like to have a closer look at. I'd like to examine it myself (well, as much as I can), but I won't have access to a proper microscope for a few weeks, so freezing it was the only option and sadly freezing would have killed off many of the parasites it may have carried. I say "sadly", because they are much easier to spot while they're still alive.

[infernalis]

Some day I'd like to buy a microscope of my own.

Knowing full well that due to sheer numbers, Death is going to be a part of my life here, like it or not.

[Stefan-A]

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/2008-12-28-tetra1.jpg

[Zephyr]

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/2008-12-28-tetra1.jpg
Kissy face!!! :D:D:D:p

[infernalis]

nice shot Stefan.

[anji1971]

She looks thoroughly annoyed with having had her picture taken!

[jitami]

Nice Stefan! Somehow I don't think she's a fan of the new camera :)

[ssssnakeluvr]

alright!!!! enough with the photos of tetrataenia's!!!!!! :D just kidding!!! very nice snake and photo!!!!!

[Stefan-A]

She looks thoroughly annoyed with having had her picture taken!
No, this is her being thoroughly annoyed. :D

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/2008-11-19-5.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

Great looking pictures.

[gregmonsta]

Hehe ... flathead ... definately not happy!!! :D

[anji1971]

No, this is her being thoroughly annoyed. :D

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/2008-11-19-5.jpg

Point taken.
She looks just a little bit crabby at having had her picture taken.;)

[reptile3]

nice snakie!!! :)

[drache]

nice shots
and the snake's pretty nice too

[Stefan-A]

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakes09/2008-01-04-tetra.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakes09/2008-01-04-vagrans.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

Great photos, Stefan.

[drache]

yeah
really nice

[Snake lover 3-25]

beautiful snakes.....:) nice pics:D

[jitami]

Awe, is that my favorite wandering? Great pics Stefan!

[Stefan-A]

Awe, is that my favorite wandering? Great pics Stefan!
Which one is your favorite? :D

[jitami]

This one :D



http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/2008-07-17-04.jpg

[Snake lover 3-25]

lol I LOVE THAT ONE TOO!!!!!!!:eek::D:p

[Stefan-A]

This one :D
In that case, no. :D

[guidofatherof5]

Another great shot. A very beautiful snake and photo.

[jitami]

So you're hiding two gorgeous vagrans over there in Finland, eh? Maybe I should go back and read the beginning of the thread... :)

[Snake lover 3-25]

post #239 & #137 ;)

[Stefan-A]

So you're hiding two gorgeous vagrans over there in Finland, eh?
Three, actually. :p

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/snakesies08/hamm08/nya-14.jpg

[Snake lover 3-25]

wow stefan!!!! that one is my ULTIMATE FAVORITE WANDERING GARTER!!!!!!!!! i love his black head!!!!! more pics of him!!!!! and maybe one of all three!!!! how many garters do you have??

[ssssnakeluvr]

wow stefan!!!! that one is my ULTIMATE FAVORITE WANDERING GARTER!!!!!!!!! i love his black head!!!!! more pics of him!!!!! and maybe one of all three!!!! how many garters do you have??
hmmm...it is an awesome one....have you seen any of my wanderings???? :rolleyes:

[Snake lover 3-25]

no!!!! i'm bored (and procrastinating my homework) PLEASE show them???!!!!!!!!!:eek:

[ssssnakeluvr]

no!!!! i'm bored (and procrastinating my homework) PLEASE show them???!!!!!!!!!:eek:
ok :cool: will start a separate thread with photos... :D

[Snake lover 3-25]

YAY!!!!!!!:D o dear it is getting late isn't it.... ick homework.....:( that's ok i'll do it while i wait!!!! (HURRY UP PLEASE!!!!!!) lol so stefan got any more cool snakes hiding over there in finland???

[ssssnakeluvr]

sorry it took so long.....my wife called me over for some games on the computer we haven't played in years...got a bunch up now! enjoy!!!! :D