Baby Garter Snakes

[richard f.]

Here's my story. Found a nest, 6 to 10 inches. Took one to my grandaughter (3 1/2). She loved it; lost it in the car. Brought her three more; found the first one; put them in a large plastic box with sand. She liked one with a yellow belly and yellow neck ring best, and after it bit her, learned to be much more gentle. We knew nothing about garter snakes; gave them worms, bugs and such. one day there were only two. The largest looked placid, the smaller quite active. "Yellow-Bellow" was gone, I assume devoured. Not wanting more trauma, she let them go, but missed them so badly, I found her another small one, bought a terrarium- the cat ate it. I found one about 2 feet long; it shed, and while I was trying to figure out whether to try and keep it (it's late in the year) out came babies. I'm assuming the young would take to captivity more easily, but I'm out of my depth. I need advice, on food, hibernation, etc. Should I release the mother? Should we keep one baby, some, or all? One (of six) opened its mouth wide when I picked it up. Does this indicate hunger or aggression? The mother has not fed in 4 days and shows no interest in superworms or pinky mice. Would appreciate greatly any and all feedback.

[Snake lover 3-25]

o class ended someone help him:D

[Stefan-A]

Welcome aboard, Richard.

The one with the yellow belly and yellow neck ring, was a ringneck snake and it is notoriously difficult to keep alive. And when garters open their mouth, it's a sign of aggression. Proper food for a newborn, is earthworms, pieces of fish and mouse parts. No hibernation is needed. Sand is not a good substrate. In fact, check out the care sheet: http://www.thamnophis.com/caresheets/index.php?title=Garter_Snake_Care_Sheet

My advice might not be the kind you want to hear: Let all of them go and start over. First find out how to care for them, then buy a captive bred one.

[jitami]

Welcome Richard! I don't have all of your answers, but I'm a preschool teacher so have a little insight into 3 1/2 year olds :) Is mommy snake calm when held? Can your granddaughter hold her easily, preferably only with an adult nearby?(might want to put a lock on the tank) Is your granddaughter living with you? If not, are her parents willing to care for her new pet(s)? The babies are going to be too hard for your granddaughter to handle herself... they're just too quick and too squirmy. They're also pretty fragile, but I'd be more worried about their speed and unpredictable nature. If the adult is mellow and good natured I'd be inclined to keep mommy and release the babies. The only trouble there is that she's wild caught and likely to want to hibernate over the winter which doesn't leave your granddaughter a very exciting pet for several months. I wouldn't worry about mom not eating yet. She probably just needs time to settle down, but there are lots of things to think about in the meantime :) Once we get the answers to the above questions we can better guide you. I think it's awesome that you're fostering your granddaughter's love of snakes, though! Sounds like you're a very caring and involved grandfather & she's a lucky little girl to have you!

[gregmonsta]

Greetings :) ... you'll get all the information you'll ever need here. I would be inclined to aggree with Stefan though. As a novice a captive bred snake would be the better choice to serve as an intro to the hobby ;)

[Lori P]

Welcome!! Glad you found this forum, there is a wealth of info here. :-) I also have to agree with Stefan.... release what you have, do some more research, and then find an already started captive bred snake. You will be setting the stage for a much more successful and enjoyable experience. And after reading through the care sheet, feel free to fire away questions at us!!

[Sid]

Welcome to the forum, Richard. The replies so far have offered good advise, so nothing to add. Any specfic questions, just fire away.

[Aundrea]

Welcome Richard. Hey thats my bf's name LOL.

I dont know what you can do but if you do start over look into Dekayi's also LOL. They are also nice snakes and are small :D

[anji1971]

Hello, and welcome!:)

[infernalis]

Hello and welcome.:D


My advice might not be the kind you want to hear: Let all of them go and start over. First find out how to care for them, then buy a captive bred one.

I have to agree, A well started captive is a far better choice. Stick around, you will be "garter savvy" in no time:D

[richard f.]

Thanks to all. Got to correct the country, not for political reasons but for latitude. Separated one baby and it devoured earthworm sections after a car ride to Lucy's father's place, where it will hopefully survive the next 4 days. Mommy's a single mother and a nurse, 4 days on, 4 off. We have her usually half the time. Mother snake is placid and accepting, as is another adult of indeterminate sex that was captured on the same day. My granddaughter has taught me more about snakes than I her. Garter snakes are not allowed to be purchased here. On an added note, the ringneck was found under a stump with an orange-bellied and two browns. Thought they were from the same litter. Maybe not?

[jitami]

Richard, I would help Lucy release the babies... talk to her about how the others have died and that you want to let these babies live out in the wild. Then chose one of the adults and keep it at your house for her. I know she's going to want to take it back and forth with her. Maybe get her a stuffed snake that can travel back and forth... let her know that grandpa will take care of her snake and she can take the stuffed snake with her to remind her of the one at grandpa's house. Let her know she can call and check on her snake at grandpa's, etc. You could get a bigger terrarium and simply say that it's too big and heavy to carry back and forth and that the snake deserves to live in his/her big new home all the time. That it's not fair for it to live in a little critter keeper at her dad's, etc. She sounds like a bright, caring child, so appealing to her sense of nurturing will go a long way. She still may not be totally happy, but if she understands that you're trying to take care of the snake the best you can so that it won't die she'll be ok and feel good about leaving it at your house. Have her explain to grandma, dad, mom, whoever will listen, why she's leaving it at your house. She'll develop a sense of pride over taking the very best care of her new friend. Good luck Richard :)

[richard f.]

Tried this last night, a long reply' must have hit the wrong button, it's somewhere in limbo. Testing, this is, and much thanks to all for now.

[reptile3]

Hi & Welcome Richard!!

[drache]

welcome to the forum Richard

[richard f.]

Can never figure out where to go to post a new thread. Enlighten me.

[Odie]

Hi, from Oregon, Richard :)

[Stefan-A]

Can never figure out where to go to post a new thread. Enlighten me.
Go to the appropriate section and click "New Thread", which should be located just above the list of threads.

[infernalis]

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/thami.jpg