catching wild garters health concerns

[toad772]

OK I was thinking about catching a wild garter but I own CB corns and wondering what health issues the garter could bring? cause if there is any then I don't want to bring one in and risk my corns health

[Stefan-A]

Various parasites and diseases. The problem with wildcaught animals is that it's impossible to know what it carries. I recommend getting your snake from a breeder.

I also recommend checking your local laws.

[toad772]

Various parasites and diseases. The problem with wildcaught animals is that it's impossible to know what it carries. I recommend getting your snake from a breeder.

I also recommend checking your local laws.
No one sells garters here

[drache]

welcome to the forum
and what Stefan said - ditto

[infernalis]

No one sells garters here


Where is "here" ???

I see an American flag as your location, tons of people sell garters in the USA...

[toad772]

Where is "here" ???

I see an American flag as your location, tons of people sell garters in the USA...
here is canada

[gregmonsta]

We do have a few Canadian members here and it is possible to import from America. Wild populations should be left alone if at all possible.
If you do decide to catch one then I would advise a long period of quaranteen with full fecal checks and observation.

[toad772]

We do have a few Canadian members here and it is possible to import from America. Wild populations should be left alone if at all possible.
If you do decide to catch one then I would advise a long period of quaranteen with full fecal checks and observation.
well importing would be costly and if I wanted to spend money I wouldn't buy a garter

[toad772]

and as for laws it is legal to collect them and there is no limit of how many you can collect

[Stefan-A]

well importing would be costly and if I wanted to spend money I wouldn't buy a garter
Why not? If you don't mind me asking.

[toad772]

Why not? If you don't mind me asking.
well the cost to get them imported would probably be huge so it wouldn't be worth it when I could get a corn or a boa for less

[jitami]

well the cost to get them imported would probably be huge so it wouldn't be worth it when I could get a corn or a boa for less

Hehe... hey toad, glad to see you here.... you know that comment's not going to go over well on a garter forum, right? lol

Ok, so quarantine, fecal checks, observation... anything else he should do if bringing in a wild garter? (bet you'll change your mind about their value once you've observed one for awhile :D)

[toad772]

Hehe... hey toad, glad to see you here.... you know that comment's not going to go over well on a garter forum, right? lol

Ok, so quarantine, fecal checks, observation... anything else he should do if bringing in a wild garter? (bet you'll change your mind about their value once you've observed one for awhile :D)
so how far away should I quarantine it(my house isn't that big) my 2 corns are in my room so I would keep the garter in the basement?(it is a finished basement) if I even get one.

[infernalis]

well importing would be costly and if I wanted to spend money I wouldn't buy a garter


Why not? If you don't mind me asking.


well the cost to get them imported would probably be huge so it wouldn't be worth it when I could get a corn or a boa for less


At the risk of sounding mean, if you truly feel that a garter snake is not worth it, then don't get one. (Just my 2 cents, do with it as you wish)

I (as do several members of this forum) have thousands invested in thams.............

[jitami]

so how far away should I quarantine it(my house isn't that big) my 2 corns are in my room so I would keep the garter in the basement?(it is a finished basement) if I even get one.

That would work... I would say any room that's not frequented by your corns would work. If you don't handle your corns in your living room that would be fine, too.

[guidofatherof5]

I hope that you get a garter. There is no comparison between boas,corns and Garter snakes.
Garter snakes are so much more active and take a great interest(curiosity) in whatever you are doing. For my snakes, interaction is what they want. They are a blast to watch as they cruise and explore. I have 2 Ball pythons and 2 Corns and 3 Bull snakes. They come out to eat, drink and poop. They could care less about what I'm doing and don't want to be bothered. Please don't take this as a putdown to those snakes.
My garters beg for contact and once they get to know you , relax and enjoy the ride.
I love my Pythons, Corns and Bulls but they don't hold a candle to my Garters. There's just no comparison.

[Mommy2many]

You should get a garter. Just look at their faces. Look at Tami's avatar. How can you resist???

[toad772]

so how are they about handling? and I take my corns into my living room and kitchen(middle floor) and I keep them in my room(top floor) so I could keep the garters in the basement but could I take the garters up stairs to the middle floor if i where handling them?

[jitami]

You should get a garter. Just look at their faces. Look at Tami's avatar. How can you resist???

Awww, thanks :) That's my 'old man' Sly. I had a hard time getting the pic because he wanted to investigate the camera :)

After quarantine you can have everyone in the same room and handle all in the same rooms... my garters are pretty flighty, but I only handle them when needed. I get all of the enjoyment out of simply observing them interact with each other and their environment. Others (like Steve) have garters who seem to enjoy being handled. It's probably dependent on how much time you invest in letting them get used to you.

[toad772]

Awww, thanks :) That's my 'old man' Sly. I had a hard time getting the pic because he wanted to investigate the camera :)

After quarantine you can have everyone in the same room and handle all in the same rooms... my garters are pretty flighty, but I only handle them when needed. I get all of the enjoyment out of simply observing them interact with each other and their environment. Others (like Steve) have garters who seem to enjoy being handled. It's probably dependent on how much time you invest in letting them get used to you.
So how long should I quarantine them for?(I was going on the idea of permanent quarantine cause they will be wild caught but if that is unnecessary then having them all in my room would be great)and how long does it take for a fecal to be done and what is a normal cost for that sort of thing.

[toad772]

Well if I do get one it will probably be one I catch but I would like any info on importing CB garters(like how I would go about it and who I could get them from)

[gregmonsta]

So how long should I quarantine them for?(I was going on the idea of permanent quarantine cause they will be wild caught but if that is unnecessary then having them all in my room would be great)and how long does it take for a fecal to be done and what is a normal cost for that sort of thing.

Good practice would be to quaranteen a wc animal for a minimum of 6 months (my only store bought WC had 6 months and is currently still living seperately - ie another 6 months). You would want to do a fecal test within the first 2 weeks and then treat any parasites/flagellates/etc. After any treatment there would need to be another test to see if the animal was clear. A final fecal test should be done at the end too.
Best case scenario - you only have to do a fecal test at the start and finish.
Worst case scenario - you have to do several tests and one or two courses of treatment.
I can't comment on prices but .... regardless of it being a 'free' snake, if you don't have the experience/money ready for the worst case scenario then you might well end up spending more than you would for a CB snake.


Well if I do get one it will probably be one I catch but I would like any info on importing CB garters(like how I would go about it and who I could get them from)

Canadian breeder worth contacting - http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/member.php?u=67

Another who is currently investigating import -
http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/member.php?u=7770

[infernalis]

Doesn't Charles openly post that he gathers wild specimens??

[Spankenstyne]

Where in Canada are you toad772? There are a few Canadian breeders/sellers around. While I find the worth comment disturbing, I'm hoping it was just off the cuff regarding shipping costs. With an idea of what city or even province we might be able to steer you in the right direction.

[Spankenstyne]

Doesn't Charles openly post that he gathers wild specimens??


Yep. I believe it's primarily due to the restrictions of the province he lives in (some silly regs). I get the feeling he would happily buy CB if he was permitted to do so. Hopefully he'll see this thread and can comment

[toad772]

Where in Canada are you toad772? There are a few Canadian breeders/sellers around. While I find the worth comment disturbing, I'm hoping it was just off the cuff regarding shipping costs. With an idea of what city or even province we might be able to steer you in the right direction. I am in New Brunswick

[gregmonsta]

Doesn't Charles openly post that he gathers wild specimens??

Yes, but he is experienced and provides good care ;) ..... our new friend is a novice and totally unprepared for the possible problems a WC snake might throw up .... we haven't even brought up feeding problems/pregnant females or the like yet :rolleyes:

[infernalis]

Here we go.....

http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3683&highlight=disturbing+trend

[charles parenteau]

Right on greg!!!
Toad here in Quebec the law said 10 Sirtalis sirtalis maximum including sirtalis pallidulus...but i know whatever is the subspecies don't exceed 10 thamnophis...the law is not the same in your city ,in your province..look your local laws.One thing for sure its illegal to sell thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis here in Quebec i think all over Canada!

but I dont think its a good idea to pick up 10 garter from the wild...
catch young age or year born garter snake if you can...never adult or gravid specimen especially if you begin in the garter snake world....Death rate are over 90% more 95%on year born baby for many reasons.That why adult are so important Next generation depend on adult snake.I prefer you to make a deal with me.

I will have babies eastern garter snake with nice colour .my female is gravid I expect over 30 babies in 2 months maximum....I think I can affort to give you Nice coloring gartersnake if you are wellin to pay the shipping...

[drache]

toad - that is a fantastic offer only a fool would turn down
but you do really need a massive attitude adjustment about the worth of garters
my least "valuable" garter is far more interesting to live with than the most pricey snake I own

[infernalis]

toad - that is a fantastic offer only a fool would turn down
but you do really need a massive attitude adjustment about the worth of garters
my least "valuable" garter is far more interesting to live with than the most pricey snake I own


I could not have said it better!:cool:

[guidofatherof5]

Garters are something very special. The real shame is, so many people(snake people also) think they are "trash snakes". I have many beautiful, large snakes and my garters put them all to shame. My experience with them has found them to be a real treasure in the snake community.
Maybe I'm being selfish but I hope they never take off like Corns or Boas. There are many great breeders out there but there are also people who only see the dollars signs and that cheapens these special animals. Just my opinion.

[Spankenstyne]

Yeah toad, I would definitely take advantage of that great offer from Charles. My Garters are among my all-time favourites along with my Pines & Gophers. Monetary value means nothing, it's an arbitrary number that reflects supply & demand at any given time. It should never be used a measure of the true worth to someone.

Charles for what it's worth Easterns are fine to keep out here in Alberta. None of the regs are Canada-wide but rather dealt with on the Provincial and Municipal levels. Easterns aren't included in any of our Alberta regulations.

[drache]

Easterns aren't included in any of our Alberta regulations.and you've got peaches - seems like a pretty good place

[toad772]

I will take Charles offer if he still wants to do it when he has the babies

[charles parenteau]

Sure toad ....if everything is fine in maybe 2 months i will have babies gonna keep them for at least a month for personnal selection...be patient my friend .

[charles parenteau]

I expect something like that ...I bred the same snake together...http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s152/parenteau/P1010377.jpg

[jitami]

I really like how this is going. That is a very nice offer, Charles. Glad you're taking him up on it, Toad :)

[Mommy2many]

I love squiggles:D

[Spankenstyne]

and you've got peaches - seems like a pretty good place


Peaches?

Oh and great to see toad taking Charles up on his generous offer.

[guidofatherof5]

A very nice thing for you to do, Charles.
Please move to the US(Iowa, western Iowa, not close to Jeff:D) and bring the snakes.

[Mommy2many]

I think Charles should scoot down the east coast a bit, it's a straight shot to Connecticut!

[toad772]

the more I look around at pics and the more I read the better garters sound

[guidofatherof5]

the more I look around at pics and the more I read the better garters sound

Just wait until it's a full blown addiction. You don't have it yet but when you do, you'll be converting as many people as you can to garter snakes.
I hope the addiction sets in real quick. It's one addiction worth having.
I'm on my 46th year of mine.

[Snakers]

Garters are something very special. The real shame is, so many people(snake people also) think they are "trash snakes". I have many beautiful, large snakes and my garters put them all to shame. My experience with them has found them to be a real treasure in the snake community.
Maybe I'm being selfish but I hope they never take off like Corns or Boas. There are many great breeders out there but there are also people who only see the dollars signs and that cheapens these special animals. Just my opinion.YES VERY TRUE gARTER SNAKES ARE LIKE THE PITBULL OFF DOGS REAL SHAME:(

[charles parenteau]

I have a pair of Adult Surinam and Guyanan red tail boa one amazone tree boa and my garter snakes.I have my boas for over 8 and 10 years that why I still have them but if they die I don't think I will buy other one!!!

Everyday day of my life since 8 years old I have garter snake at home and honestly i will keep them for the rest of my life...This is my favorite snake of all!!

[ssssnakeluvr]

I have been keeping garters since 1980....love them!!!!! I have been catching them since I was big enough to.... I have had all types of snakes and by far garters are the greatest!!!

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

Once you get a garter... you won't look back. And if you do, you are not doing it right. I run into people all the time at the shows who look down upon garters... until they see my snakes, and also after they meet my big cherry florida water snake. Then suddenly, they are begging for me to call them when I get offpring! And a lot of them don't know the first thing about garter snake care... because they're not like keeping your standard corn or king. They require more food, more cleaning, more attention, but are way more FUN! They need a lot of space though, they do a lot of moving around and are very active, and curious... you won't see a corn snake coming out of his hiding place to observe what you are doing! If you don't re-think the whole "garter snakes are cheap beginner snakes" thing, you will fail with them.

[toad772]

If you don't re-think the whole "garter snakes are cheap beginner snakes" thing, you will fail with them.I never said there where cheap beginner snakes I do not want a beginner snake cause I am not a beginner I am new to garters but I am not new to reptiles and have a ton of experience so it is doubt full that I will fail with a garter since I have had much more "fragile" reptiles then a garter

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

well importing would be costly and if I wanted to spend money I wouldn't buy a garter

sorry, but this quote is what gives that impression! :(

[mustang]

hey fyi i have a w/c and hes fine...god knows hes more active(trying to do more vanishing/escape acts...if you dont want to buy one and you end up catching one...( find a young one) youll face a lot of challenges like changing food ect. but theyll get used to it..as for parisites i cant say, i dont think checker has any iv had him for almost a year (less than 3 weeks from today)

[toad772]

hey fyi i have a w/c and hes fine...god knows hes more active(trying to do more vanishing/escape acts...if you dont want to buy one and you end up catching one...( find a young one) youll face a lot of challenges like changing food ect. but theyll get used to it..as for parisites i cant say, i dont think checker has any iv had him for almost a year (less than 3 weeks from today)
they all have parasites just wild caught would have a bigger parasite load and could upset my corns parasite load

[drache]

they all have parasites just wild caught would have a bigger parasite load and could upset my corns parasite load
beg to differ
captive bred snakes from a conscientious breeder or hobbyist don't have parasites

[toad772]

beg to differ
captive bred snakes from a conscientious breeder or hobbyist don't have parasites
yeah I got bacteria mixed up with parasites