First snake/garter set-up and taming

[MNGuy]

Hey all,

I received my first snake ever on July 3 from one of four forum members, @johnnic. It’s a female erythrisric flame eastern garter. She’s a beauty. Thanks, Tom.

I set her up in a 10 gallon with a mini UVB/heat lamp combo, a digital thermometer, a digital Zilla temperature controller, an analog themorstat and humidity gauge, a water bowl and a few plastic flower pot hides.

I’ve been taking a long and slow acclimation/taming route: first week I didn’t handle her and checked in on her multiple times a day. She’s in my living room, so she also sees me often. The second week, I’ve been sitting right next to her tank for an hour or more each day while I read or surf the web. She’s been very curious and has mellowed out more about my presence.

I plan to start placing my hand inside the cage without touching her. I’ll do that for a few days and then try touching her. What do you think? How do you tame baby snakes?

Maybe I’m being too cautious, but I don’t want to freak her out.

I’m feeding her worms and silversides every 3 days at the moment. How many silversides per feeding would you recommend? I’ve been doing one or one and a half depending on size and how they break off.

Thanks.