So I want to buy a snake...

[GaiusIuliusTabernarius]

How exactly does that work? note after two weeks of dreadfully unsuccessful attempts at trapping and herping I've come to the conclusion that my state reptile is endangered where I live... I suspect the increase in birds to be responsible.

Therefor I wish to purchase one... I pmed one of the people in the classified section but I'm a total novice at this and I was wondering exactly how it all works. How does one precipitate a transaction for snakes and arrange to have them shipped? What should I know ahead of time in attempting it? And can I be sure the snake won't be dead or sickly on arrival?

Also what is the normal price range for a young common or eastern female garter that is not albino and has no special coloring? I'm guessing between 20 and 30. Or at least that's what I've seen so far.

[guidofatherof5]

How does one precipitate a transaction for snakes and arrange to have them shipped? What should I know ahead of time in attempting it? And can I be sure the snake won't be dead or sickly on arrival?

Also what is the normal price range for a young common or eastern female garter that is not albino and has no special coloring? I'm guessing between 20 and 30. Or at least that's what I've seen so far.

We have a lot of wonderful people breeding garter snakes. Your post should activate some interest from them.
I'm not sure what is out there in that size though. Usually babies are sold but that doesn't mean someone might not have a breeder or others for sale.
It's usually just a matter of finding a snake, agreeing on a price and making arrangements to pay. Most snakes are shipped in an insulated box with a cool pad or heat pad if needed. Most shipping is overnight so that the snake is not in the shipping system very long.

I know there are breeders on the east coast so shipping times and cost may be less.
Best of luck with finding a snake.

[GaiusIuliusTabernarius]

Thanks for the advice, and yes I hope it does. That along with getting some basic info was my intention. My mother went and checked all the local pet shops, (against my advice) and non of them even carry garters. Which is probably a good thing as far as the snakes are concerned.

[sirtalis01]

i have some nice big Baby albino checkerds FREE just pay for shipping...im in NY so it shouldnt be to much...

[GaiusIuliusTabernarius]

i have some nice big Baby albino checkerds FREE just pay for shipping...im in NY so it shouldnt be to much...

That sounds like an excellent deal... I wasn't actually looking for albinos but considering how rare and expensive I know them to be that's rather tempting.

Have you sexed them? I was hoping for a female since they tend to be larger and less hostile.

[d_virginiana]

Have you sexed them? I was hoping for a female since they tend to be larger and less hostile.

I wouldn't say the males are necessarily hostile, just more energetic and perhaps a bit more jumpy if they aren't used to being handled But I can see why you'd prefer a female.

If you're after a normal, is there any way you could find one in a local petstore or something? They're so cheap that shipping one would seem almost pointless... Also, that's a really good-sounding deal on those albino checkereds!

[Sonya610]

Also what is the normal price range for a young common or eastern female garter that is not albino and has no special coloring? I'm guessing between 20 and 30. Or at least that's what I've seen so far.

Just keep in mind the shipping will likely be more expensive than the animal if you seek a normal nothing unusual garter so think ahead. Don't decide a week or two after receiving the new baby that you really should have gotten TWO and then pay shipping all over again!

Shipping two costs the same as one (at least for the little guys). Free albino checkerds are quite a deal btw. : )

Most here take paypal. The breeder will tell you the shipping cost based on your zip or you can look it up and calculate it yourself (breeders may prefer one carrier over the other for various reasons). Discuss packaging and such as needed for your comfort and make darn sure the address is correct -- make extra darn sure you are there to receive the package when it arrives!

[Jeff B]

Discuss packaging and such as needed for your comfort and make darn sure the address is correct -- make extra darn sure you are there to receive the package when it arrives!

Better yet have it shipped to your closest local Fedex or UPS location and pick it up yourself, that way the snakes aren't riding around in a hot truck all morning baking in the sun.

[guidofatherof5]

Better yet have it shipped to your closest local Fedex or UPS location and pick it up yourself, that way the snakes aren't riding around in a hot truck all morning baking in the sun.

Good suggestion.

[sirtalis01]

i have 15 females lol