Checkered garter?

[jamromhem]

I found this little fella in my pool today. I am new to snakes and wanted to make sure I properly identified him before I started trying to handle him.




The pic is a little blurry.. took it with my phone.. if it isn't good enough to properly identify let me know.

[adamanteus]

Yep. It's a Checkered Garter, T.marcianus.

[jamromhem]

Thanks for the verification. I know they eat aquatics, now as far as what to feed em I was told to put about half a dozen "guppies" was the term they used. I am assuming simple minnows or something to that nature. and let them hunt. should I try to find some variety to his diet other than those types of fish?

[mustang]

I GOT ONE TOO ITS AMAZING...Watch out thell find a surface (like a bed or carpet) that they like and will cr@p on it whenever they get the chance

[Millinex]

Nice looking little guy good luck with him

[jamromhem]

Thank you he is a beauty. (assuming it is a he) I would guess he is about a foot and a half long. Trying to get better clarification on feeding. the local aquatics store I called stated that small fish would be the best diet, though I think there might need to be a bit more variety. I am not sure where to find small frogs. I might be able to get some lizards from the back yard. I always have a tone of geckos back there.

Any suggestions?

I also keep my house in the mid to high 70's not sure if that is adequate for him or if I should keep him warmer.

(I am learning so bear with me)

[adamanteus]

(I am learning so bear with me)[/quote]

No problem, James. Actually, at first glance it looks like a young female.
A few degrees more might be an advantage.

[adamanteus]

I have a small group of marcianus that feed on strips of trout (or salmon), pinkies and earthworms. I've never found this species to be fussy feeders.

[k2l3d4]

I have a small group of marcianus that feed on strips of trout (or salmon), pinkies and earthworms. I've never found this species to be fussy feeders.

Oh man I so wish I had your eating habits in my snakes then... my two male checkereds (one normal, one albino) will eat fish only if it is live and loves then pinkies... turned there noses up at salmon, tilapia, earthwornms,. ect..

[mustang]

i think everyone is learning iv only had mine for a month or two