Being patient sucks

[lokai99]

So... I really wanted to add a garter to my collection. I wish it were summer already. Does anyone know where I might find someone who may have an available snake that wouldn't cost an arm, a leg, or my soul?

[guidofatherof5]

What part of the country are you from?(State/City)
The arm and a leg and possible soul will be the shipping no matter what garter you choose. I ship overnight, before 10 am delivery when at all possible. This of course is a bad time of the year to ship because of the freezing temps. Shipping in perfect weather is dangerous enough, but adding heat and cold make it even more stressful for the snake and shipper.
When I hit it big I will hand deliver all my snakes from my private jet. I just waiting for my ship to come in. Should be any day now, it's called the Titanic:D

[drache]

where in the country are you?
many garters are reasonable - the shipping is where the arm and leg fee comes in

[lokai99]

I live in AL. Troy AL to be exact...blink and you'll miss it. Shipping is always a drawback. I raise pigeons and pheasants too. My shipping has run from 35 to a hundred or so. I figure shipping for a snake would be somewhere in the 35-50 ish range...which is doable. I'm sure it's possible I'll survive until summer comes and the temps are right and breeders are selling the 2010 babies...but I'm really itching to get one.

I really wanted to go with a breeder. I don't think kthere is anything wrong with a person having one or two wild caught, but I would feel better if I don't impact the local population.

[drache]

quite a few forum members are breeders, and here is a little preview of the season
http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6153&highlight=2010+plans
you should have no problems finding something nice
and then there's always Scott: http://albinogartersnake.com/

[ConcinusMan]

Alabama? should be garters there I would think. Any breeders from AL?

You're in the middle of nowhere. Should be plenty of habitat for them. Try one of the lakes, ponds, streams in your area when it's sunny and in the low 70's this spring. Watch out for venomous snakes though. That could prove to be a hazard although they are easily identifiable from the harmless snakes that make good pets.

See this: http://www.outdooralabama.com/watchable-wildlife/what/reptiles/Snakes/

I have to tell you, if I was in AL, I'd be gettin' me a rat snake or corn snake. Hognose snakes, ringneck snakes, and milk snakes can make pretty good pets too. All those aside, Eastern garters should be around there somewhere. Near water. I even saw a pic somewhere of a great looking eastern garter caught in AL. It had beautiful orange sides.