Ups and downs in 09

[guidofatherof5]

Last year was a remarkable year at the T.radix Ranch.

Ups:
All the rescues and births that came from those rescues. Even though I don't do any formal advertising it was apparent the word got around that garter snakes were welcome in my home. I never expected to have so many gravid females at one time. The birthing season was an awesome time. It seemed like everyday we were having babies born. My children were so helpful during this time.

Finding my male radix Scar outside was a remarkable occurrence. He is a special snake and the house seems complete again with him in it.

As always, anytime I spend with our girl Lucky is a pleasure. Even though she was lost(escaped) a number of times she returned to us. She is the most human garter I've ever seen. Brings a smile to everyone who comes in contact with her. We are hoping she will produce some more babies this years.

Traveling to the Narcisse Dens in Canada was everything I thought it would be. Not only the time with the snakes but the time with my 5 kids was priceless.

Seeing Krinkleback turn 1 year old. Hoping for more birthdays for him.

Finding an adult albino red-phase radix female was very nice.

Being able to work with my Vet. on many of the snakes I took to him. The education I got from that was great.

Another year of working with my adults that have been here from birth. It's like seeing old friends everyday.

New Additions to the ranch:
2-Hypomelanistic bull snakes
3-Fox snakes
2-Ball Pythons
1- Gray-banded King snake
3-Checkered Garter snakes
20-Redsided garter snakes


Downs:
The loss of Spot(female T.radix) who died from cancer was very hard for the family. Losing Tang(male radix) after a long fight with his injuries. The loss of any of the un-named radixes that I have had the pleasure of taking care of.

A 20% loss rate on the babies born on the ranch.

Not having the abilities to make life better for some of these snakes.(lack of resources and education)

Looking forward:

Buying my own microscope. Saving money by doing my own fecal screens at home.
Traveling back to Narcisse for more that one day.
Building an outdoor enclosure for some of my snakes.
Retiring from my current job. Moving on to something new.

[Mommy2many]

Here are some of mine:

UPS:

My husband finding "Stewie" on Mother's day and re-awakening my love of garter snakes from my childhood.

Finding our "Baby Snake".

Adopting Jesse & Noodle from Stephi.

Connor finding our Dekayi, "Connor Snake" I had never seen one before.

Stewie having babies. We have 10 squiggles. We only lost 1 in the first week.

Erin finding "Midnight". She is the same size as Stewie & Jesse, about 2 feet long.

One of the best UPS ever: Finding and becoming friends with many of you on this forum. You have enriched my life and been a tremendous help in my caring properly for my new friends. Thank you.

DOWNS:

Losing baby snake. She died after about 6 weeks from unknown causes.

Losing one of "Stewies" babies. I know they all can't survive but it is still hard.

LOOKING FORWARD TO:

Maybe more babies this year???

A bunch of healthy & happy garter snakes!!!

[gregmonsta]

UPS -

Building my own snake unit.

Learning more and more about our favourite beasties.

New snakes - Panama, Sky, Spazz, Kink, Fawn and Sangria.

Going to Houten Snakeday and meeting some of our forumbuddies

DOWNS -

Loosing Xena.

Having to put down Clint.

Xerxe's eye infection.

No babies from Sky :P