breeding garter snakes?

[redfoxtrystman]

Can anyone tell me if different breeds or different species of garter snakes together?

I have a Thamnophis sirtalis concinnus - Oregon red-spotted garter snake and I want to get a Thamnophis sirtalis - "Crimson" or "Flame" Garter Snake and see what I get.

Im new to the idea of breeding snakes.

I would also like info on some data web sites or good books that might help.

I grew up breeding rabbits and my mom bred english angoras for ten years and through breeding she was able create the broken strain that was eventually acknowledged as a real breed.

I also know that you can breed almost any breed of rabbit with another. Is this possible with garters as well?

[mb90078]

It is possible to hybridize garters, but it is highly frowned upon, both here on this forum, and in the pet trade in general.

Furthermore, if you did try to cross those two snakes, the result would not be what you're expecting, I can almost 100% guarantee that.

[guidofatherof5]

Hybridized garters. Mark me don't as a "bad idea".

Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.
No offense.

[Odie]

Hi, from Hillsboro, Redfoxtrystman

[kibakiba]

It is extremely frowned upon. In a way, when you do that, you're wrecking everyone's attempted to keep all of the lines pure. Garter snakes are NOT boas, pythons and corns. They don't need to be hybridized to do anything. If you want to know what you'll create, imagine it in your head and nothing more. Hybrids are worth a lot less than pure garters, mostly because no one wants them.

[RedSidedSPR]

I personally wouldn't be interested in hybrid snake.

[guidofatherof5]

With the variety of colors, striping and sizes available there's no need for a hybrid.
Nature provides for hybrids in overlapping ranges but I don't know of a single hybrid that has been found from
this situation that had the WOW factor, where something amazing was created.

The WOW factor comes from there normal species and subspecies.
Just my opinion.

[kibakiba]

You're very right, Steve. There's, what, 20+ species of garter snake, I believe? Each of them had something amazing about them, and there is no need to muddy up anyone's lines.

[d_virginiana]

Yup, Chantel and Steve pretty much summed up my ideas on hybridizing too. Besides, I don't even think a hybrid would have the interesting colors or patterns you're looking for. IMO you'd end up with a bunch of babies with patterns similar to one parent or the other that no one would want to buy bc they're hybrids.

[redfoxtrystman]

thank you all for getting back to me. i'm not sure what i will do yet about breeding at all. and if i did want to try and breed a hybrid i would never sell them it would be for me only. i don't think i will ever do it but i was just wondering about it. what kind of garters have the most bright colors? i have never been much in to albinos the red eyes kind of freak me out. but a white and red or a white and black would be cool. any more info you all want to throw my way would be a great help. and thank you very much.