Heyhey people!

[Dragonbeards]

New here from the lovely state of Washington. I have wanted a pet snake ever since I could walk, and just now my mother has decided that I can keep a garter. Not a rubber boa or a ball python, but hey, garters are awesome too!

So I just joined to learn up a little bit more on these awesome animals. Catching them in my yard isn't exactly the same as speaking with owners ;).

[Stefan-A]

Welcome aboard.

[guidofatherof5]

Nice to have you with us.
A good start is with the Care Sheet: Garter Snake Care Sheet - Caresheets (http://www.thamnophis.com/caresheets/index.php?title=Garter_Snake_Care_Sheet)

It will answer many of your question. Let us know what we can do for you.

[radtad]

Welcome aboard have you picked out on yet?

[Charis]

Hello & welcome! Just got back from a lovely vacation in beautiful Washington. Do you have a species of garter in mind?

[Dragonbeards]

I've been thinking either Puget Sound (T. s. pickeringi), Blue Striped
(T. s. similis), or Red Striped (T. s. parietalis). I really like the both the Puget sound and the Blue Striped. Maybe though I'm slightly biased because thats my favorite color :).

[Selkielass]

Hello, and welcome from Michigan!

[Odie]

Hi, from Oregon, Dragonbeards :)

[Snakers]

Welcome!

[Dragonbeards]

For some reason my first post didn't go through, so I'll try again. I was thinking either a Puget Sound, Blue Sided, or Red Sided. Preferably one of the first two, if I have the finances.

[Spankenstyne]

Hello & welcome!

[Charis]

I love the Pugets too! But you might want to check your state's laws, I think Pugets might be illegal to own in Washington. There are quite a few sub-species & phases of garter or ribbon snakes that are blue though.

[kibakiba]

I want a Puget too... I cant wait till I move so I can save for more snakes :D but I do believe it's illegal to have a pet Puget in Washington since it's a native species.

[Dragonbeards]

That may be right. Well, I might go for a blue sided then, or some other species. Actually, I've seen some really nice Plains morphs out there. Ah, who knows?

[kibakiba]

There's many types of garter snakes, I'm sure at least one fits your criteria ;)

[Mommy2many]

Welcome from Connecticut!

[Dragonbeards]

Regarding the Puget Sound Garter, I sent off a message to the WDFW. They should be able to tell me the status of keeping these snakes.

[ConcinusMan]

You should probably go with a red sided (what's a blue sided?) or even better, plains garter.. those make awesome pets. Puget's aren't legal to keep in WA. Not legal to collect either which makes a person wonder how they got in the pet trade in the first place since they only live in WA.:rolleyes: