How quickly and often do your snakes shed?

[SilentWrath*]

I have what I believe to be T. radix, and they are approximately 22 days old, and one has completed the shed 2 days ago,
in one piece, and the other is in blue phase right now.

I was just curious too see if this is about average?
I am guessing they shed more frequently when they are smaller since they are growing at a more rapid rate.

[guidofatherof5]

You are right about the frequency of shedding.
It all depends on the amount of food and how often they get fed. I'm not sure there is away to tell you an average.
Post up a photo and we'll try to identify your garter snake.

[SilentWrath*]

Here's a picture of Silent Bob:



Here's a photo of Jay's shed:

[kibakiba]

It does look kind of like a radix, but Steve is the radix expert he'd know more than I do about them Bob is a very cute snake!

[Stefan-A]

Yeah, the frequency depends on the growth rate, which can vary from snake to snake and situation to situation. I've had snakes shed once every four weeks like clockwork for the first year, then slow down to once every three months and in one case, twice a year.

[guidofatherof5]

Silent Bob looks radixy(new word). A more detailed photo would be very helpful.
What State are you in? Then we'll know what snakes range in you area.

[SilentWrath*]

Silent Bob looks radixy(new word). A more detailed photo would be very helpful.
What State are you in? Then we'll know what snakes range in you area.

I'm in South Carolina, though Jay and Silent Bob were babies from a local pet store, and not wild caught.

Their mother had a little red in her, but neither of my snakes have any red in them.
My snakes do have two yellow dots on their head if that helps in identification.

Today Silent Bob is out of blue phase but still hasn't completed the shed so I expect that any day now.

Here's a few more photos:











Hope this helps with the ID!

[Stefan-A]

I almost want to say: Hybrid.

If I had to guess, I'd say T. radix x T. sirtalis parietalis.

Did I mention that I'd have to guess?

[guidofatherof5]

I see a lot of T.s.parentalis. Stefan could be right. Might be a hybrid.

[SilentWrath*]

I'm guessing it will be easier to be sure once they get bigger.

Whatever they are, they are most definitely some awesome snakes.
I've never had any snakes before but am already a garter fan!

Jay is very outgoing and animated, definitely the dominant one.
Silent Bob on the other hand, likes to hide, only poking his head out and coming out to eat.

They were named after I noticed these personality traits, as I thought it was fitting.

They have only been eating minnows up till now, but I'm about to try switching them to fish scented nightcrawlers.
Do I need to dust with calcium every so often since they wont be consuming any bones?
I keep green tree frogs as well and this is common practice with captive amphibians.