Wild T. radix Ranch Snakes

[guidofatherof5]

I spotted this good looking little male along my foundation. He let me get my camera so I could snap this photo.
I also saw a breeding age female along my back deck. She was not as obliging as the male.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/male5.jpg

[infernalis]

Awesome Steve.

I went outside and walked all around again today, not even a little storeria to be found.

No snakes?

[guidofatherof5]

Mine are late comming out. 80 degrees here today and tomorrow.
Maybe yours are just late like mine.
I hope so.;)

[Mommy2many]

Too cold here, I think, still...

[guidofatherof5]

Found 3 more good looking males around the foundation today.
Young males, second year probably.

[guidofatherof5]

4 male radixes on my deck when I arrived home from picking my kids up at school.
I tossed a few worms out.
Only one ate. The other males were looking for a lady:D

[guidofatherof5]

Here's a few photos from today. 80 degrees and partial sun.
Cold rain for the next few days. Highs in the low 50's and lows in the high 30's.
Not radix weather.:mad:
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/wild11.jpg
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/wild6.jpghttp://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/wild21.jpg

[ConcinusMan]

Hey Steve, I wouldn't complain too much. It's been like that all spring here with very few nice days around 70. Well below average temps still here. Supposed to stay very cool and cloudy/wet all the way through June. Parts of eastern Oregon got snow showers yesterday and this morning and I'm not talking about in the mountains where it belongs. Heck, last summer, those same areas in Oregon got down to freezing for lows. In August!:eek:

[Mommy2many]

We have had rain since Sunday. We have rain scheduled for tonight. We have rain scheduled for tomorrow. Oh yeah, we have rain scheduled for Thursday too. Oh, might as well add Friday in as well. Looks like maybe 3-5" of rain.:(

We will have drowned snake food (earthworms):(

[guidofatherof5]

The boy's were out again today. I did get some security camera video that I will post later.
It's so nice having these wild monsters right outside the back door, front door, windows, etc.:D

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/out.jpghttp://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/out1.jpg

[kibakiba]

That bottom one is really cool looking :D

I wouldn't mind having one of them... But I wouldn't mind having any other garter species, either. ;)

[guidofatherof5]

Here's that video I promised.

L_vhqJmO5U8

[Sonya610]

Cool video! Active little guys!

Reminds me of the spy camera advertisements that always show a sexy woman (who presumably could be video taped unawares!). In your case Steve, you would see the ad and think "Oh wow I could spy on my little wild Radix's with one of those!" LOL.

I realize you probably bought your camera system for security too, the snake monitoring is an added benefit!

[guidofatherof5]

Cool video! Active little guys!

Reminds me of the spy camera advertisements that always show a sexy woman (who presumably could be video taped unawares!). In your case Steve, you would see the ad and think "Oh wow I could spy on my little wild Radix's with one of those!" LOL.

I realize you probably bought your camera system for security too, the snake monitoring is an added benefit!

No, snake monitoring from the start.:D

[Spankenstyne]

Haha that's awesome.

[guidofatherof5]

I found this beautiful brown phase female T. radix(Plains Garter Snake) in a basement window well. In the first photo you see a classic defensive posture, covering the head with a coil.
I heard her in the leaves. She was very scared when I picked her up. She coiled up and musked me. She deep in opaque phase(shedding phase).
After a few photos I gave here a quick check-over and put her back in the window well. She's at breeding size and probably gravid.
Should produce a nice litter of little scrubs later in the Summer.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/wild31.jpg
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/wild41.jpg

[kibakiba]

That's what Dot's does, when I move around the room. He's a shy little one.

[guidofatherof5]

We have a sunny, hot day coming up after a cool rainy couple. My wild T.radix population is out getting some sun and looking out for ladies.
This first snake is a good looking male my daughter Gabby found. No musking or biting. He gave me a "not this guy again" kind of look.
The second is a couple males sunning off the front of my deck.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/male11.jpghttp://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/male21.jpg

[Jeff B]

Thats a pretty sweet set up you have Steve, seeing wild radix on a regular basis in your yard.

[guidofatherof5]

Way sweet.;)

[guidofatherof5]

Today I found a beautiful gravid radix right off my back deck.
This is the second time I've held her as Gabby found her a few days back in the same place. She greeted Gabby with a load of poop and musk.
She was much calmer for me. I checked her over and put her back under the deck.
She had some great facial color and was more of a milk chocolate colored brown.
When I was back by my shed I spotted the back end of a very dark phase radix heading into a wood pile I created for them.
I spent a little time waiting for him to come back out but he didn't.
I hope to see him(pretty sure it was a male) again.
Surrounded by water and the best group of radixes anywhere.

[guidofatherof5]

I saw that little dark phase male again today. As I was mowing the grass back by the shed I saw him heading back behind it. It a great place for cover as I have piled a lot of vinyl sliding there. This little male has sparked my interest as I've only seen his backside so far.
I'm looking forward to holding this little guy.
He's playing games with me and winning at this point.:D

[RedSidedSPR]

You're not planning on keeping, just catching?

He sounds awesome

[guidofatherof5]

That all depends. He appears to be a young male from his size and males I have plenty of in the wild population. I'm guessing 20 males per female.
I'm thinking he's a smart one.
We'll have to see.:rolleyes:

[RedSidedSPR]

20 males per female?! you have that many snakes in your yard!?

[guidofatherof5]

More than I can count sometimes.
I love it.

[RedSidedSPR]

Wow. To think i have only found two garters my whole life of herping... and you can't even count them :D

that is awesome. 300+ indoors, uncountable outdoors... KraZzY

[guidofatherof5]

Wow. To think i have only found two garters my whole life of herping... and you can't even count them :D

that is awesome. 300+ indoors, uncountable outdoors... KraZzY

Crazy good. I'm lovin' it.;)

[RedSidedSPR]

I'd probably love it too... but i can't imagine having that many snakes.

[guidofatherof5]

I'd probably love it too... but i can't imagine having that many snakes.

Remembering names and faces is the hard part.:D

[RedSidedSPR]

no doubt... jeez. Do you ever forget whos who? or not recognize one?

[guidofatherof5]

no doubt... jeez. Do you ever forget whos who? or not recognize one?

Yes. Once in awhile.

[RedSidedSPR]

I figured it would happen, but only occasionally ;)

[guidofatherof5]

Visitors to the Ranch can't believe I have names for many of them and can pick them out.
To them they all look the same but I see them and interact with them daily and know who's who.

[RedSidedSPR]

I understand that. It just seems like soooo many snakes. I love it

[guidofatherof5]

For the last few days in the morning I've been seeing this female radix(1st photo).
I've named her Sunny since she's usually out basking when I see her.
The secone snake is a first timer. Both snakes are living under my front porch which gives them access to the house by way of the secret entrance.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/sunny.jpghttp://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/wild51.jpg

[ConcinusMan]

Not exactly a secret anymore, is it?:p

[guidofatherof5]

They don't know that I know.:D
They think it's still a secret.

[guidofatherof5]

Here's another photo of Sunny from the day before.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/sunny1.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

What a shame.
I found this large(probably gravid) adult T. radix dead in my front yard.
Looks like a severe mover injury. She was able to make it to my front yard.
She was given a proper burial.
Terrible way for her and her babies to have lost their lives.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/dead.jpg

[snakehill]

Soooooo sad!:(

[flickerfriend]

Oh no! im so sorry!

[guidofatherof5]

I only wish she had chosen my yard to live in.
She had to be at least 3 if not more years old. Such a nice looking female.
She appeared healthy, solid and well fed.

[Mommy2many]

I hate seeing tragedies like that. I'm glad you took care of her in the end.

[RedSidedSPR]

That sucks. :(

[guidofatherof5]

I was able to catch Sunny today when I was out front.
She's a good looking young lady. After a couple photos I put her back under the front steps.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/sunny2.jpghttp://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/sunny3.jpg

[RedSidedSPR]

Love that stripe.

[guidofatherof5]

Today my wonderful kids decided to clean up the back deck area as it's been a catch-all for many wet things from the basement.
One thing that needed disposed of was a small piece of carpet and pad.
Before cutting it up my daughter Gabby unfolded the carpet and found a beautiful normal phase gravid T.radix.
While I was holding that snake she unfolded the pad and found a very nice gravid red phase T.radix.
I love my yard.
Both snakes are in the house for a while as I want to give them the once over and possible keep the red female to see what she produces.
The nice thing is the babies can be released right in my backyard.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/newred.jpg

[RedSidedSPR]

Dang, I love you yard too!!!

[guidofatherof5]

I have a feeling I'm going to be even more impressed with this girl after her next shed.
I have a local red male I would like her to meet next Spring.
I was very surprised to see her, a red phase in the yard. Been a lot of browns and yellow/oranges lately.
That wasn't a complaint on my part.;)

[RedSidedSPR]

I'd be happy to find a snake period, let alone in my yard. (which seems weird because it's 4 acres of woods and stuff). Can't wait to see her after she sheds.

[guidofatherof5]

I'll post it straight away when it happens.;)

[RedSidedSPR]

Good. I love Red Plains. Almost got one... Until I saw that it was sold a week before :D

[ConcinusMan]

"Man finds not just one, but several live Bigfoot and released pictures of the mythical creature. Film at eleven"

They're always what someone else has seen, caught and released, or just had a little while ago. It's always right around the corner, just beyond reach or was just here a second ago and you just missed it. In short, they effectively don't exist. Just like Bigfoot. Just like any snakes of Steve's. They are mythical. Non-existent other than in pictures and stories. When it comes to actual physical specimen, you're out of luck. That's when they vaporize into legend. There are those who have more than enough, and at the same time, there are those for whom "enough" is never enough.

Red Radix = the new bigfoot, without all the feet.:p


Good. I love Red Plains. Almost got one... Until I saw that it was sold a week before :D

Forget about it. You're chasing Bigfoot. One man can claim to have a bunch of them, but that's as close as you'll ever get. Don't waste your life chasing a legend! Anyone that is claiming to have one for sale isn't selling any that are worth a darn anyway, and are asking at least twice what they're actually worth, for a very low quality animal that they are just trying unload and capitalize on. Believe me, the animals of any quality are not for sale.

[RedSidedSPR]

Not sure what your point is, but... It was Scott FYI. Sure, it couldve need less money, but I like 'em, so...

[ConcinusMan]

Not sure what your point is.

Figures. If you didn't get it the first time without my having to spell it out for you, the point is moot to you anyway and you can just join the group of people that sellers of the very few "for sale" red radixes count on. If I have to spell it out then I'll have Scott all pissed off at me, as if he wasn't ignoring me already.

It doesn't really matter. If you didn't get the point, then I wasn't talking to you. I was talking to those who got my point without having to spell it out.

Really, don't worry about it. Carry on. Don't wish to disrupt the thread any further.

[RedSidedSPR]

Oh c'mon, I know what you meant. Just saying, if I want to buy a radix, with a cool red coloring, than I'll spend the $50. (or whatever it was)

[kibakiba]

Richard, there are red radixes and people have them, not just Steve. He just happens to be lucky and have quite a few. I don't see why you freak out about it so much, just because you don't have one.

[ConcinusMan]

Oh boy. I can see your perception is way off right now Chantel. You're not even close. And since when did Steve not have any red radixes. Have you been paying attention?

And just for the record, if it was $50 from Scott, than it sounds like the price for a normal looking baby radix, at birth, that only has a chance of turning red later.(cross your fingers and good luck to you because you might have just bought a regular normal colored radix that just cost you 50 bucks) The pic shown was just an example of a red radix I'm sure. Just going by past offers, Scott simply wouldn't sell a radix that is showing red for that price. That doesn't sound right at all.

[kibakiba]

I never said he didn't have any. I said he had quite a few.

[RedSidedSPR]

I told you....
$50. (or whatever it was)

I hate derailing threads like this.....

[kibakiba]

It's not your fault, redsided.

[ConcinusMan]

Richard, there are red radixes and people have them, not just Steve. He just happens to be lucky and have quite a few.

Which is it. He has them or not? I said they were "effectively" non-existent Chantel. That means in spite of others claiming to have them, they might as well not exist to the rest of us because we will only see pictures of them. Just like Bigfoot. Get it?


I told you...."$50 or whatever it was"


Well if it was $50 that's the price for newborn radix that isn't red but might turn out to be one later if it colors up. I already have two of those and guess what? They're just plain old normal radixes. Like I said, like trying to catch smoke, just around the corner, vaporizes upon contact or as soon as your eyes look that direction.

[RedSidedSPR]

It's not your fault, redsided.

I was involved...

[RedSidedSPR]

Which is it. He has them or not? I said they were "effectively" non-existent Chantel. That means in spite of others claiming to have them, they might as well not exist to the rest of us because we will only see pictures of them. Just like Bigfoot. Get it?

No, she didn't get it. Doesn't mean you have to freak out.

[ConcinusMan]

I was involved...

For anyone to be at fault, there has to be something to blame someone for. You guys seriously need to relax. Why are you so uptight? Who's "freaking out" ?? :confused:

Wow you guys are so touchy today.:rolleyes:

[RedSidedSPR]

Wow. You just said that.....

[kibakiba]

No where in those two sentences did I say he didn't have any. I have seen other people on the forum claiming to own red radixes, just because you may never own one doesn't make them a myth. I'm not going to argue with you about it, It's pointless.

[ConcinusMan]

Wow. You just said that.....

Said what?

[kibakiba]

Redsided, I read what you said, you weren't involved, you made a comment and Richard took offense to it. Don't feel like you caused it, because whose post derailed the thread? Richards. Not yours.

[RedSidedSPR]

Said what?

You know what.

Look, I like you, i really do, but your doing it again.

I understand everything you just said, and agree. Let's be done.

[ConcinusMan]

Redsided, I read what you said, you weren't involved, you made a comment and Richard took offense to it.

Who's offended? Wow, you guys are really on a roll here with the misconceptions. You know what you get you make assumptions? you make an as out of "u" and me.

You're reactions tell me you are totally misunderstanding everything. I'm not doing anything. You're doing it yourself.


You know what.

No, I do not or I wouldn't have asked. Why is that so hard to understand and why is it so hard to give a straight answer? Why can't you just read what I said, instead of making assumptions about what I meant? Now PM me. What is the problem you two?

[RedSidedSPR]

I told you, I do understand what your saying. I am not misunderstanding.

[ConcinusMan]

And I told you to PM me. Chantel too. What's the problem here?

[kibakiba]

I'm not going to PM you. My problem is your snarky behaviour. I'm done with this conversation.

[ConcinusMan]

I sincerely apologize to Steve for this intrusion. I just wasn't trolling this time around but people turned into troll bait anyway. What can I do? I guess I just have a knack for making people look inward. If they don't like what they see, they hate me for it. Like the dude that touches things and they turn to gold, I can say "hi" and "what if" and everyone turns to troll bait.

Sorry. I think we took care of the misunderstandings though PM's. I will say no more here.

[ConcinusMan]

Now back to where we were before I said something that caused such a stir...


Good. I love Red Plains. Almost got one... Until I saw that it was sold a week before :D

[guidofatherof5]

24 hours later she came out to me and took a worm as if she's been here for a long time.
That's nice.;)

[RedSidedSPR]

Yup. A good sign.

[kibakiba]

Like I've said, you bring the best out of everything and (almost) everyone. ;)

[ConcinusMan]

Like I've said, you bring the best out of everything and (almost) everyone. ;)

Thanks Chantel. I know. (jk) :p

Once in a while Steve, I'll come across a wild-caught that isn't wild at all and will eat out of my hand the first day. Miss piggy did. It's as if she was already a pet and was just waiting for someone to find her.

[guidofatherof5]

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/newred.jpg

Shedding has begun for this female.
Updated photo to follow.;)

[RedSidedSPR]

C'mon, baby, SHED!!

[guidofatherof5]

I've moved her up to the living room to help in getting her used to people.
She's taking her sweet time with the shed. It's just off her head at this point.

UPDATE:
She looking great so far.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/red17.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

She's all done and taking a bath.
I'll get a dry photo tomorrow.
She's a very pretty female.
Not too shabby for being found on my back deck.

Rhea, she's a green head.;)

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/red18.jpg

[RedSidedSPR]

Shes so red!

[guidofatherof5]

Here's that dry photo I promised.
I've got a local male that will go great with her.

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/red19.jpg

[RedSidedSPR]

Sweet! She gets duller, half way down, have never seen that..

[kibakiba]

Awwww, such a pretty little girl! :D

[guidofatherof5]

Awwww, such a pretty little girl! :D

Thanks.
She's still jumpy. I'll be glad when she can be moved in with a group.
I still think she's gravid. Better to have he alone for right now.
She started eating last night. 4 night crawlers.

[brain]

Thanks.
She's still jumpy. I'll be glad when she can be moved in with a group.
I still think she's gravid. Better to have he alone for right now.
She started eating last night. 4 night crawlers.

Just crawls no pinkies.
Watching this one real close. :D

[guidofatherof5]

Just crawls no pinkies.
Watching this one real close. :D

No pinkies in stock at the moment. Otherwise I would have been offering them. She's a radix, the pinks would have been gone in the blink of an eye:D

[RedSidedSPR]

Do they take them easier?

[guidofatherof5]

Do they take them easier?

Some of my snakes take them nicely.
Others hit them so hard they fly out of my hand.:D

[RedSidedSPR]

I see :D

I meant do your radix take them better than others? Have you noticed?

[guidofatherof5]

I see :D

I meant do your radix take them better than others? Have you noticed?

They do seem to be harder hitting than the others.
They certainly get more excited when mice is on the menu.:D

[RedSidedSPR]

Gotcha... All your radix talk makes me want one!!!

[guidofatherof5]

They are a special snake.

[Kantar]

Thats an incredible find. I'm so jealous that you have different color garters where you are at. Seems like here they are all one huge family since they pretty much ALL look the same, no pattern, no color variation, no nothing, just yellow stripe, black along the upper middle, and light beigh on the sides and belly.

I wanna come over there take some different kinds home with me to manitoba

[snakehill]

Come on over!!! ;)

[RedSidedSPR]

Come on over! :D

[guidofatherof5]

Thats an incredible find. I'm so jealous that you have different color garters where you are at. Seems like here they are all one huge family since they pretty much ALL look the same, no pattern, no color variation, no nothing, just yellow stripe, black along the upper middle, and light beigh on the sides and belly.

I wanna come over there take some different kinds home with me to manitoba

That's funny. Yours sound so different from mine I want to come to Manitoba and bring some back:D

[Kantar]

Eastern Plains Garter Snake (http://www.museum.state.il.us/muslink/prairie/htmls/popups/reptiles_garter.html)

Pretty much half of what you will find here, the other half are red sided, but they aren't brilliantly red, just red spots down its sides.

[guidofatherof5]

That's it. I'm coming over for dinner and some herping.

[snakehill]

Come on over!!! ;)
Or should it be come on down!:rolleyes:

[Kantar]

this is an hour north of me
http://i.pbase.com/o6/25/427525/1/71486323.jeDOEDGW.PICT2452wtmk.jpg

[RedSidedSPR]

Or should it be come on down!:rolleyes:

Whatever.

[guidofatherof5]

Sunny decided to show herself today. My youngest brought her in the house and down to me. She's looking good. Seems to be in good health. She took a good drink of fresh water and was let go back out front. She lives under the front steps and is a welcome resident.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/sunny4.jpghttp://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/suuny5.jpg

[RedSidedSPR]

That's cool that she's so calm... And purty:D

[guidofatherof5]

Well, she was calm when I held her but she gave Hailee a nice load of musk before she got to me.

[RedSidedSPR]

She just likes you.:D

[ConcinusMan]

That's funny. Yours sound so different from mine I want to come to Manitoba and bring some back:D

Well then you must have been kidding about the snakes jumping into the van and hitching a ride when you visited Manitoba. Remember that story? Coming back from Canada, the Officer looked into the car and asked "where's the snakes?" and one of your kids said "back in Iowa" LoL.:D

[guidofatherof5]

She just likes you.:D

I think she's getting used to me. She's a really nice female and seems to be doing well on the wild side of life.

[guidofatherof5]

Took a walk through the backyard this morning. Came across two nice radix females.
One, a dark phase was probably born late Summer.
The other female was from last year. Nice brown phase.
Both snakes were active and appeared healthy.
Nice to see a few snakes after the Fall we've had around here.

[katach]

Took a walk through the backyard this morning. Came across two nice radix females.
One, a dark phase was probably born late Summer.
The other female was from last year. Nice brown phase.
Both snakes were active and appeared healthy.
Nice to see a few snakes after the Fall we've had around here.

That fabulous news Steve!

[Johanna]

Thats great news..

Maybe i should move.
I also like to have wild T.radix in my backyard.

[guidofatherof5]

Thats great news..

Maybe i should move.
I also like to have wild T.radix in my backyard.

I think there are a few homes for sale in the area.;)
It would be nice to have another garter snake nut around:D

[GarField000]

You'll be having 2 nuts around then ... also me :D

[Johanna]

It would be so nice...:):):):D.

[guidofatherof5]

For the first time on the Ranch I caught a wild radix in March.
I walked out the front door and found this adult male orange phase T.radix (Plains Garter Snake) at my feet.
I took these photos and released him. Then realized I didn't even give him a drink of water and that was after he was nice enough to musk me.
I had the screen door open and heard him up by the house in the leaves so I remedied that mistake.
He took a nice drink of water and was sent on his way.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/wild1marchradix2012.jpg
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/wildmarchradix2012.jpg

[chris-uk]

For the first time on the Ranch I caught a wild radix in March.
I walked out the front door and found this adult male orange phase T.radix (Plains Garter Snake) at my feet.
I took these photos and released him. Then realized I didn't even give him a drink of water and that was after he was nice enough to musk me.
I had the screen door open and heard him up by the house in the leaves so I remedied that mistake.
He took a nice drink of water and was sent on his way.


I wasn't expecting an update on this thread for another month or so. Good to know you didn't forget your manners, really not offering the little fella a drink straight away?

[guidofatherof5]

It was a pleasant surprise.
I think he is a snake I released last Spring.
Looked very familiar.

[EasternGirl]

He is a nice looking fella...and he knew the right place to show up. I have been thinking now that we have been getting some warm days around here, I better start putting my garter radar on...start looking around the yard and checking the basement.

[BUSHSNAKE]

Ill be visiting my spots tomorrow;)

[katach]

I would visit my spots, but we woke up to 2in of snow this morning.

[setfree]

Great pic's! they look nice!

[EasternGirl]

I went outside today for a little sweep of the yard...I call it "doing a sweep"...looking to see if any garters were around since it has been so warm out. I may have gotten out too late in the day...but I didn't see anything. Of course, I haven't seen any around here in a while.

[ConcinusMan]

I would visit my spots, but we woke up to 2in of snow this morning.

Wow. It was sunny and in the 60's in Vancouver, WA on the 7th. Nothing but cold rain in the forecast now. I think I pretty much count on no good herping days for the next month or so. Heck, last year I couldn't find squat until the middle of April. It was just too dang wet and cold.

[guidofatherof5]

Someone made a return visit to the Ranch.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/wild22.jpghttp://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/wild42.jpg
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/wild32.jpg

[kibakiba]

That little guy must really love you!
That's an odd scar from his eye to the top of his nose.

[Selkielass]

Lovely!
The Butlers are out n about today in Mich.

Hero rule#55. Put something else in your snake bag and you will immediately catch a snake.
As soon as I'd filled my bag with feral hens n chicken plants and stood up, a butler darted off the rubble pile I'd just given up on.
Caught HIM and brought the sweet fella home in my sleeve.
He looks just like Scarlet & s.a.n.g. but is most definately male.
Rhett? Jeeves? Rooster?
I'm so tempted to break quarantine to give Trax a shot at babies.

[RicMartin]

Spring is springing!

[EasternGirl]

I wish some easterns would come around in my backyard!

[guidofatherof5]

I wish some easterns would come around in my backyard!


So do I. My yard that is.:D

[infernalis]

Nice.. No snake sightings here yet.

[guidofatherof5]

Sunny 76° and the radixes are out.
I found this big female caught between a couple of boards on the deck. Lucky for her it was at the trap door so removing her was a breeze.
After taking a couple photos she musked me.
I returned her to the under side of the deck so she can do some breeding.
I love my house.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/big_female1.jpg

[EasternGirl]

Julian and I have packed up all of our stuff and we will be arriving to move in with you in about a day. :D

[guidofatherof5]

"Come into the light, all are welcome"

[chris-uk]

"Come into the light, all are welcome"

"Carrie-Ann! Carrie-Ann, don't go into the light. Stay away from the light.".... Classic film.

[EasternGirl]

Well in that case Steve...I think all of the forum members should just move to the ranch and start a commune...a snake commune. Who's with me?

[Selkielass]

Gorgeous gal!

I've been considering offering to host a meet up at either the Taylor reptile show or a Herping picnic at a local park.
I'd turn up at a Ranch commune for a visit if Ihad a houseboat, but the ranch's back 40 was a mite bit wet for me to consider pitching a tent.

[tress29]

I think all of the forum members should just move to the ranch and start a commune...a snake commune. Who's with me?
But I'll have to bring the two dogs, one cat, three ferrets, one leopard gecko, one western hognose, and my own little garters. Oh, and the twins! Almost teenagers now, and starting to act like it!

[mikem]

let me know when we migrate. i need to get some boxes! ;)

[EasternGirl]

I'll be bringing one nine-year-old that acts like a teenager, a crazy chihuahua that hates everyone but me, 3 cats, 2 guinea pigs, and two hermit crabs. Lets rent a few Uhauls with the Narcisse Snake Den pics on them and have a snake caravan...we'll just stop along the way and pick members up as we go...

[guidofatherof5]

I found this male t.radix (Plains Garter Snake) out back by the den opening on the deck.
He was having trouble moving so I observed him for a few minutes. He appeared to dragging himself like during a shed.
I picked him up to find he had retained most of his belly shed. The rest of the shed was gone and just the belly scales remained.
I had to pull each scute(belly scale) shed off one by one. He didn't seem to mind the attention and took off under the deck when I was finished.
We are a full service radix shop.

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/wild_male.jpg

[Alpine Herp]

Hoping to get out today. Would really like to find some. With temps the way they are in Southern Colorado low 80's for the past few days, I hope it is bringing them out...

[EasternGirl]

Good work, Steve!

[guidofatherof5]

My daughter Gabby(age12) found this beautiful little female T.radix (Plains Garter Snake) out in the backyard under some debris.
I gave her(the snake) a quick check, shot a few photos and she was returned to her hide.
The photo doesn't do her justice.
She's a second year snake. I hope she makes it to breeding age.
Live well little one.
http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k501/guidofatherof5/wildone.jpg

[thamneil]

Oh Steve you're so lucky! Wish I had snakes living under my house. I need to drop by Iowa sometime soon.

[guidofatherof5]

Spotted 4 different males out yesterday. 2 adults, 1 sub-adult and 1 last year birth.
They all looked to be in good health. Should see some breeding activity soon. Storms moving into the area soon.

[BLUESIRTALIS]

Just rub it in why don't you! Lol.

[guidofatherof5]

Found these two snakes out along the foundation of my house.
The male seems reoccupied with something :D

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//821/medium/mating11.jpg

[Foxrun402]

Man I wish... I just went looking around and have plenty of places for them to be hanging out... and nothing lol. Pretty sweet they just hang out around the place!

[guidofatherof5]

I love it. I worry about my wild Ranch snakes but know they are smart and strong. I hope they know my house is a safe one to be around.

[guidofatherof5]

The first sunny day in a few brought out a few males from under the deck.
The first male was giving me some attitude with his tongue but once I picked him up he was fine. No biting , no musk and no attitude. When I set him back down he only went a foot away and continued sunning. The second little male was a bit jumpy but didn't panic. He went back and forth under the deck and didn't mind me being only a couple feet away.
I love the fact my wild population isn't too afraid of me. Of course, handing out worms to them helps.

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//821/medium/wild13_male.jpg

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//821/medium/wild13_male2.jpg

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//821/medium/wild13_male1.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

Was out cutting the grass in the backyard when I saw a beautiful dark phase female radix sitting out in the open. It had been raining and the temps were not high at the time. I saw that she was in the process of shedding so I gave her a hand(actually two of them) She had just started the shed off her nose and chin so after finishing the head the rest of the body was a breeze. Once she was done I sent her on her way. She moved into the neighbor's yard while I finished cutting mine. I love helping these wild radixes. Hope to see her again.
I also found a smokin orange dorsal striped male radix last night. He is in the house and may become part of my breeding stock. Deep orange dorsal strips are hard to find. Photos to follow.

[ConcinusMan]

The male seems reoccupied with something :D

Apparently he is. He didn't even notice he was running over that other snake. :p

speaking of shedding 3 of mine shed at the same time today. I didn't even have time 2 get the camera. They were all done in like 60 seconds. Jeez. :rolleyes:

[ConcinusMan]

I love the fact my wild population isn't too afraid of me. Of course, handing out worms to them helps.

Well they're no different than captive ones. They're just as intelligent and can learn that you're not a threat even if you don't feed them. I know a heavily wooded area with a paved foot trail. Not on, but along side trail is the best spot for them to get some sun but on sunny days it's also heavily traveled. Snakes that live there don't have much fear of people walking by. or even stopping to take pictures. You have to get extremely close or approach very fast in a threatening manner before they'll budge at all and then they just move a few feet away. I'm sure after a thousand times of seeing people and the fact they were born into it, they figured out that people are OK.

Then along comes some a-hole like me and snatches them up for a better look. LoL, no I'm only kidding. sort of. Even that doesn't really seem to phase them because after releasing they just go right back to basking in the open as if nothing happened.

[guidofatherof5]

Late last night I headed to bed( I sleep in the basement) and found this little scrub outside my bedroom door. She was dehydrated so she spent the night and most of the day in a container with some water. Tonight I moved her to a dry container and offered some worm. She looked a lot better before the meal but filled out nicely after it. I probably have more newborns in my basement so I hope they will come out before it's too late for them.
I think this scrub will survive, she'll spend the Winter in the safety of the Ranch.

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//821/medium/last_2013_radix.jpg