General characterization of subspecies attitudes

[SilasBannook]

Hey all. I have been digging through the threads trying to get a feel for the average personality some of the species have.

It seems that Radix rate very well as they get high marks for being calm and good eaters

It has also been claimed Ordiniodes come in as a close second.

I know that many on the forum have Sirtalis and that is a favorite for many breeders.

I personally also have Vagrans and Radix and actually found my Vagrans took to being handled much faster than my Radix.

I ask because I have been planning to add Infernalis to my collection next year and wanted to know if there is a general attitude trait I should be aware of which could come as a surprise. I love the color and think that having them as I do presentations at schools would really be a hit (I don't show babies). Anyway, I read that Infernalis are more aggressive than other garters. I would love to know about them in particular but think forum members would love to know if there are other generalisms that could be shared.

I do also wonder if attitude/behavior of each snake is varied within subspecies like it is within people groups. Perhaps no generalism can be made and as we share on the forum we pass on our bias for the snakes we enjoy so much. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[RedSidedSPR]

Infernalis are indeed mean.

[chris-uk]

I think although there are broad generalisations that any garter can be raised to run against the general trait for their species. They are quite intelligent animals and I've seen them learn new behaviour, but only when it benefits the individual snake in question. As a comparison, species of dogs such as pitbulls have a reputation for aggression, but it's down to how the owner trains them.

I'm new to infernalis, and so far I'd describe them as shy unless there is food around, then they get more aggressive with each other - I can't say how my three babies will be as they grow though.

[taharial]

Am I the only one that has T. elegans? LOL, I haven't seen much on them at all... Mamas is very skittish, but she is still pregnant (still waiting for the babies). She is actually doing a little better now. Spica does not like being handled at all.

[ConcinusMan]

Am I the only one that has T. elegans? LOL, I haven't seen much on them at all... Mamas is very skittish, but she is still pregnant (still waiting for the babies). She is actually doing a little better now. Spica does not like being handled at all.

Certainly not. Plenty of people have coast garters (T. elegans terrestris) and of course, wandering garters (T. e. vagrans)

T. s. infernalis' are generally very mean / aggressive

[jitami]

Am I the only one that has T. elegans? LOL, I haven't seen much on them at all... Mamas is very skittish, but she is still pregnant (still waiting for the babies). She is actually doing a little better now. Spica does not like being handled at all.

I have 2 T.e.elegans. I don't handle them a lot, but both are easy to pick up, hold, and manage as needed. Both are wild caught and I think that has more to do with their temperament than anything else. My captive born babies, both elegans & marcianus/sirtalis have all been easy to handle, no musking, no striking, rarely startle and are just calm for the most part. The captive born babies also tend to be out and about more often and do less hiding than the wild caught kids, but my w/c guys are such long term captives that there's not a huge difference there, either.

[-MARWOLAETH-]

My marcianus is really shy and will retreat into her hide or plant if there is to much noise or movement in the room.When i'm feeding her she seems less scared of me and will even come up to my hands if I put some food on it.Is this just typical scrub behavior or has anyone had marcianus that act like this?

[RedSidedSPR]

My Marcianus is skittish in a hands off way, and will note to prove it. But I don't think that has anything to do with him being a Marcianus.

[Selkielass]

Easterns- varies widely by individual. Most calm down and tolerate people well.
Marcianus- skittish when small, very laid back and calm if handled regularly as they grow. Easy to train with food.
Butlerii- may be slightly skittish at first, but soon calm down and cling around fingers for security. Older individuals are more likely to cling and freeze than bolt. Do well at slightly cooler temperatures with heat only from overhead. Excellent classroom animals. Very unlikely to bite or even false strike. Very docile.
Brachiostoma- (based on one rescue) skittish, runny and prone to bite and chew when handled.

[RedSidedSPR]

Concinnus.. I can't reccommend any snake over these guys, I have one that's almost a year old, he's never bitten me, or even showed any fear/skittishness, they're incredibly bold from what I can see, he's rarely ever used a hide. He usually sleeps in the leaves, 8 inches above the ground.. He's also never refused a meal, of any type of food.

Just got 2 new babies, they have yet to utilize a hide either, just bask in the open all day. Far as I can tell, they're up there with radix in temperament. Not to mention they look awesome.

Granted I can only speak for a few species, but concinnus are fast becoming my favorite snake. Actually I think they just passed parietalis as my favorite, concinnus rock.