looking for a snake

[aquamentus_11]

Hey Everyone,

My name is Nate and I'm in the market for a garter. I'm originally from eastern MI and grew up with the olive- and tan-colored easterns, so I'd like to find something a little more "exotic". I'm a huge fan of the eastern red-sideds and the melanistics. I have a great set-up all ready to go: big water bowl, live plants, branches, hides, basking rocks (not heat rocks) underneath my UVB bulb, etc. I also have a 23" repti-racks cube that I was going to use for an ATB on the way, but now it'll be set aside for when my garter grows into it. Basically, I have everything except the snake.... I'm getting the idea that spring is the time for babies, but I'd also be very happy with a juvie/2011 baby. Anyone know where I can find one? Thanks!

[guidofatherof5]

Welcome to the forum.
I think we have a couple members near you that might be able to help.
Here's a link to the forum care sheet.

Garter Snake Forum - Garter Caresheet (http://www.thamnophis.com/index.php?page=caresheet)

[GarterGuy17]

Welcome to the forum nate.

The thing is most breeders wont ship snakes in the winter due to the cold weather which means you might have to wait for it to get a bit warmer.As for the live plants just some caution you would need soil for that and the soil can carry all types of parasites which is very bad for the snake , not sure if you know that already but just a word of advice. Maybe if you find a breeder in your area you can work out a deal to get a red sided. I recently did that exactly and got my jade I had to go pick her up here she is
3951

Good luck in finding your snake :) and again welcome !

[mikem]

Welcome to the forum! Hope you find what you're looking for!

[aquamentus_11]

Good call, the plants have been repotted already, but that's something that I've forgotten in the past. As for the weather, if I can find someone who is willing to ship today or tomorrow, the temp will be high enough then and through thursday to be safe. Or, if they're close, I should have time this weekend to drive. Thanks for the fast responses, guys: seems like a great forum.

[EasternGirl]

You can use potted live plants...not a problem. You just have to know the right plants to use so that you don't end up putting a plant in the enclosure that is toxic to the snake. In fact, I have read books that recommend using live plants in vivariums. They are harder to care for and make the vivarium harder to clean...but here is a link started by one of our members: : Potted Live Plants (http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/enclosures/9825-potted-live-plants.html)

[aquamentus_11]

I have ficus spp. in there now and am working on getting some pothos to fill out. I have a bromeliad, too, but now it just seems too tropical haha. That care sheet for the snakes is great, btw. The list of thiaminase pos. fish is really nice to have right there.

[aquamentus_11]

@guido: could you give me the names of the members near me so that I can talk to them?

[guidofatherof5]

I was hoping they would contact you over the next few days. I'll see what I can do.

[EasternGirl]

We would love to see a picture of your vivarium if you could post one!

[EasternGirl]

Nate...look in the For Sale/Trade/Adoption (http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/sale-trade-adoption/)


section.

[PINJOHN]

Welcome from a springlike Liverpool
http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR4y1dPtN-EVPENg1BYYsLqoHg5jOJOmruRHFC-G6D7nGLBSxPphAhttp://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSaz93quM1Ay0V0d7uMRqvUm3CpZZtMC wWq2SdiSWB_eWH5brgjzg
TODAY'S SCOUSE FACTOID
Liverpool’s Mayor founded the world’s first charity for sailors.
scouse is a type of stew. it was eaten by Liverpudlian's living in poverty before the 1900s and remains the city's traditional meal.

[aquamentus_11]

I've got a 10" female het for anery red-sided on the way. She'll be here tomorrow morning :) Thanks, garterchick.

I'll try to post some tonight: it's nothing fancy right now. Just a 20gal high for the time being. Might switch to smaller if the size makes her nervous, but I have a lot of foliage and hides in there, so hopefully she'll be ok.

[aquamentus_11]

oh, and btw garterguy.... jade is a great name. I'll be naming mine Jadis (White Witch from the Chronicles of Narnia books NOT movies because they offend my childhood), so pretty similar.

@PINJOHN: I always thought "scouse" was just the accent or name of the people in a certain region of Liverpool. I guess that's where they got the name; very cool. I have family in Ynys Mon (not sure of the town) and around Caernarfon, but I've never been to Britain.

[chris-uk]

oh, and btw garterguy.... jade is a great name. I'll be naming mine Jadis (White Witch from the Chronicles of Narnia books NOT movies because they offend my childhood), so pretty similar.

I agree so much about the films vrs the books. My wife would agree as well.
And the worst offence as far as the Narnia films is concerned was a few years ago when we visited Florida we queued for the Prince Caspian "thing"... OK we queued and were out in less than an hour, but it was an hour we spent to basically see an immersive trailer for the film. Grrr.

Back slightly on topic - naming snakes after characters in books is something I approve of. :)

[PINJOHN]

@PINJOHN: I always thought "scouse" was just the accent or name of the people in a certain region of Liverpool. I guess that's where they got the name; very cool. I have family in Ynys Mon (not sure of the town) and around Caernarfon, but I've never been to Britain.
Oh goody my factoids are working....now if i can just get a job with the Liverpool tourist board and actually get paid for this stuff,all will be well with the world.
your relatives live in a very beautiful part of Briton and they have a magnificent castle well worth the trip by its self, i have always been attracted to old ruins [its why i married Linda....boom..boom] call up your relatives get your self invited over, its not too far from Liverpool so you get yourself a free Beatles tour.

[snakehill]

Yes Jade is a great name! My green head Radix is named Jade. :)

[EasternGirl]

Congrats on getting a snake! Please let us know that she arrives safely. I really like the name Jadis. Love the books too. I think she will be fine in a 20gal...my young Hermes (named for the Greek god) is in a 20 gal long and he is fine. Like you said...as long as they have plenty of hides and plants to feel secure, shouldn't be a problem...lots of room to explore! We will need to see pics of the new snake as soon as possible! :).

[tress29]

My name is Nate and I'm originally from eastern MI
Hi Nate,

I grew up in Montrose! Moved all around when I was in the Navy, and settled in Indiana.

[aquamentus_11]

no way. my aunt and uncle lived in montrose for years. they live in new lothrop now.