Questions about our first garter snake

[chris-uk]

Quick update - Binky finished ate the rest of the pinky I left for her overnight, it must have been around 6:30am, as I got up to shout at the cat (who had woken us up and was up to no good downstairs) at 6:00 and the food was still there.
She's been out a bit today, and has been poking her head out a bit more. Still cautious, but her curiosity may be getting the better of her now.

Looks like we're on our way to being hooked, trip to the breeder meet in Doncaster on the cards a week on Sunday.

[RedSidedSPR]

I have 3 babies in a 10gal. All of them are active, moving around in the day. BUT, i have one that likes to come out after dark... Dunno why.

If you want activity (of course you do) I think the bet way is make her feel comfortable and secure. If she feels safe, than she'll probably be put more.

Have you been handling her? Being new, that may stress her out to the point where she stays hidden. Is she really jumpy and skittish near you? If so, that may be the problem. She's still nervous about you.

[chris-uk]

She's been out long enough to get some photos
She was out for a while, and I took a few photos - they're not great because I was shooting without flash (don't want to put her off coming out by flashing bright lights at her).
On Sunday when we got her we did handle her and I think that wasn't a good idea now. Since then we've been trying to get her used to us being near her tank, she's not ducking back into her hide so quickly now, so I think she's getting used to the idea that we aren't going to hurt her.

I mentioned photos didn't I? Hope you enjoy my first shots of Binky.

Headshot -


Most of her body -


Not a great tail shot (does it look female?) -

I know ideally you need a shot of the tail from the bottom, but we're not handling her until she settles, so this is the best I have for now.

[found out how to add photos the gallery, rather than uploading them with a post, makes the pics a nice size in the post]

[RedSidedSPR]

I'm guessing female, but I can't tell from that angle, but the face looks female too.

[Char361979]

Update on the Binky situation!

She has just taken some fish from feeding tongs and is happily sat there half in half out of the hide!! She isn't even running for the hills when I walk past several times!! This has however led to must vocalization from the cat who wants his share.

Char

[guidofatherof5]

Taming the wild beast. Nice job.

[RedSidedSPR]

Like I said. She gets used to ya, shell calm down. Food always helps.

[jitami]

Welcome & congrats on Binky. It sounds like you are off to a great start with her

[Char361979]

Well, she's still out and about. It's the longest she's been out of hiding so we must be getting the hang of it... I hope.

[RedSidedSPR]

She is and will. She's a garter snake. Activity is what we love about them! (well one of many things). They are active snakes. Once she feels secure in her environment, and around you, she'll stay active.