Sku's new roomie

[GarterNovice]

So everyone on here was right. I couldn't stop at just one I went out tonight and picked up a garter snake from the pet store. As corny as it sounds but I've named him Stu, Sku's step brother I tried to get some pictures. They might be a bit blurry as he's very busy investigating his new surroundings. If anyone feels like attempting to identify what particular breed he is I'd be very grateful. He has two light brown stripes down his back with a thin black stripe in between.

[adamanteus]

Nice snake. But it's not a Garter Snake, it's a Keelback Snake Xenochrophis vittatus.
This is an Indonesian species, and if wild caught, which they nearly always are, is likely to be heavily infested with parasites. Please keep it separate from your other snake until you're sure your vet has cleared it of internal nasties!

[drache]

ditto
definitely keep separate from your other snake for a quarantine period of at least two months in any case because parasites can turn up under the skin that the vet might not find through a fecal exam

[reptile3]

Nice snake. But it's not a Garter Snake, it's a Keelback Snake Xenochrophis vittatus.
This is an Indonesian species, and if wild caught, which they nearly always are, is likely to be heavily infested with parasites. Please keep it separate from your other snake until you're sure your vet has cleared it of internal nasties!

Why do pet stores say they are garters? I still haven't yet to see any garters, ribbons or keelback snakes.

[adamanteus]

Why do pet stores say they are garters?

Because they don't know their arse from their elbow.

[ssssnakeluvr]

Why do pet stores say they are garters? I still haven't yet to see any garters, ribbons or keelback snakes.

cuz people that are smart and know their reptiles are too smart to work in pet stores.... I have seen snakes with all sorts of wrong names.....and garters are rarely seen in pet stores cuz they don't want to pay for decent captive bred specimens, just cheap wild caught ribbons by the hundreds.....(although there are a few good ones, got a fish specialty store here that has some herps, wants melanistic easterns when I get them, and another wants some of my cheaper normal garters.....I did get my albino checkered from him, rare find here!!!!)

[guidofatherof5]

That's great advice! Still a great looking snake. Looks like it has a good home. Enjoy, Keelbacks need good homes to. We have a Petco. and Pet Smart opening soon in our town. I plan on keeping a close eye on their reptiles.

[Snake lover 3-25]

wow beautiful snake! i want one of those..... too bad they don't sell anything other than corns and balls around here

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

gasp!!!!

well as stated previously, that is not at all a garter, but a striped keelback.... their care is similar but I would definitely, without a doubt separate it.... it is almost positively wild caught and loaded with parasites that could be really dangerous to your other snake... Every striped keelback I've ever bought has dropped dead for "seemingly" no reason.

I personally would not house garter/ribbon snakes and keelbacks together at all... they are both rear fanged animals and being so different, if one accidentally bites the other...especially the keelback to the ribbon.... bad things could happen!!!

I do wish you best of luck with this new snake though! I wish I could find some already!!!

[count dewclaw]

Nevermind. Zoe beat me to it...