Checkered garter?

[jamromhem]

I found this little fella in my pool today. I am new to snakes and wanted to make sure I properly identified him before I started trying to handle him.




The pic is a little blurry.. took it with my phone.. if it isn't good enough to properly identify let me know.

[adamanteus]

Yep. It's a Checkered Garter, T.marcianus.

[mustang]

I GOT ONE TOO ITS AMAZING...Watch out thell find a surface (like a bed or carpet) that they like and will cr@p on it whenever they get the chance

[Millinex]

Nice looking little guy good luck with him

[jamromhem]

Thanks for the verification. I know they eat aquatics, now as far as what to feed em I was told to put about half a dozen "guppies" was the term they used. I am assuming simple minnows or something to that nature. and let them hunt. should I try to find some variety to his diet other than those types of fish?

[adamanteus]

I have a small group of marcianus that feed on strips of trout (or salmon), pinkies and earthworms. I've never found this species to be fussy feeders.

[jamromhem]

Thank you he is a beauty. (assuming it is a he) I would guess he is about a foot and a half long. Trying to get better clarification on feeding. the local aquatics store I called stated that small fish would be the best diet, though I think there might need to be a bit more variety. I am not sure where to find small frogs. I might be able to get some lizards from the back yard. I always have a tone of geckos back there.

Any suggestions?

I also keep my house in the mid to high 70's not sure if that is adequate for him or if I should keep him warmer.

(I am learning so bear with me)

[adamanteus]

(I am learning so bear with me)[/quote]

No problem, James. Actually, at first glance it looks like a young female.
A few degrees more might be an advantage.

[mustang]

i think everyone is learning iv only had mine for a month or two

[jitami]

Beautiful little snake Don't worry too much about the feeding. Give it a few days to settle into it's new home first. If a local store has guppies try a couple of those in a dish of water with some frozen/thawed fish fillet cut about the width of the snake's head, maybe a tad smaller. Into the dish you could also put a frozen/thawed pinky mouse if you want. Often the snake will be attracted to the live fish and once you get a feeding response going it will eat just about anything it comes in contact with. If that doesn't work, try some nightcrawlers(either harvested from your pesticide/herbicide free yard or bought from the bait store/walmart). If it readily takes worms you can then use a worm to scent the fish fillet strips or pinky mice.