Steve's Snake Observations

[ConcinusMan]

Condensation. I've seen garters take advantage of condensation. It has to do with the temperature and humidity of course. It's conceivable that a snake (especially if there is a localized heat source) can warm themselves up, and move to a cooler, humid area of the tank, OR cool themselves down and wait for the temperature to go up, resulting in condensation forming on their bodies. I've seen it before. A soaking wet snake, with no water around. The water came from the air!

Think about it. How did that cold glass get so wet that it is dripping water from it's surface? The answer is that the glass is cold, and the surrounding air is warm, and humid. works in reverse too. Warm snake, cool moist air.

[guidofatherof5]

Condensation. I've seen garters take advantage of condensation. It has to do with the temperature and humidity of course. It's conceivable that a snake (especially if there is a localized heat source) can warm themselves up, and move to a cooler, humid area of the tank, OR cool themselves down and wait for the temperature to go up, resulting in condensation forming on their bodies. I've seen it before. A soaking wet snake, with no water around. The water came from the air!

Think about it. How did that cold glass get so wet that it is dripping water from it's surface? The answer is that the glass is cold, and the surrounding air is warm, and humid. works in reverse too. Warm snake, cool moist air.

Great thought. One I never considered but I don't think there is that much moisture in the air. Especially inside that enclosure with no water dish.

[ConcinusMan]

You'd be surprised. Besides that, there should be at least 50% I would think. If there isn't, there should be. Who knows, maybe it was just something that came from the vent, but I'm thinking condensation. I've went to visit my garters early in the morning and found them with a bit of mist on them. (condensation) Even though every thing else was dry.

[guidofatherof5]

The other day I was working with in my TLC enclosure. This group was a blending from my other groups. These were the snakes that needed a little more attention than the others. Since then, they have all grown and no longer need that TLC.
My boy Krinkleback lives in this group. He's the radix with a severe case of scoliosis. I pulled my boy out for an emergency shed since he wasn't able to shed on his own this time. Working with him during a shed is a pleasure. He sits still while I do all the work. He shows no concerns about being held under the running water, the turning and bending to get the shed off. After I finished the job he got to soak for a few minutes. I have to hold his head out of the water as he can't balance himself well enough. When I was done I decided to let him live with a different group.
I introduced him to the group and left. A few hours later I went to check on him. My guess was that he was under the main hide where everyone else usually stays. This enclosure has 3 different hides. 2 box hides and 1 branch hide. The small box hide and branch hides are very rarely used. I was excited about Krinkleback making some new friends and the fact he was in a more normal situation now.
I looked in and saw no one out, so I opened up and lifted the big box hide. I expected to find everyone under this hide and my little man blended in with everyone. I was shocked to find my poor little man by himself, alone. Everyone was at the other 2 hide location. I pulled my man out and scolded the other for not welcoming him in. I rousted everyone from their hides and put Krinckleback back in. A few hours later I checked and the main body of snakes had moved into the big hide with him.
Very weird situation.

[ConcinusMan]

Holy crap! Jeez Steve. You've got the freakiest mutilated snakes I've ever seen! Good grief, what caused that?

[guidofatherof5]

Holy crap! Jeez Steve. You've got the freakiest mutilated snakes I've ever seen! Good grief, what caused that?

Probably genetic. Scoliosis! Scoliosis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Wish you could meet him. He is very cool. When he looks at you, he really looks. Not just a glance but a deep look. Hard to explain in words. There's just something special about this snake. When I take him into my schools he is the hit of the presentation. Once in a great while I'll get a student who will say "He has scoliosis just like me".

[ConcinusMan]

Wow, that's precious.

[salzar]

hi , I do not have a garter, but 3 small brown snakes. they all are very social, do act funny when I do not have my glasses on or if my hair is up as aposed to being long and flowing , they seem to not reconize me. they also do not like it when I have a patterned shirt on, they love solid colors ,like tan, brown, and green, like the out doors , striped and plaids freek them out! and they also know its my when they smell coffee on my breath in the mornings , also they react to the vibrations of my voice as well. all true!! bye
michelle

[guidofatherof5]

hi , I do not have a garter, but 3 small brown snakes. they all are very social, do act funny when I do not have my glasses on or if my hair is up as aposed to being long and flowing , they seem to not reconize me. they also do not like it when I have a patterned shirt on, they love solid colors ,like tan, brown, and green, like the out doors , striped and plaids freek them out! and they also know its my when they smell coffee on my breath in the mornings , also they react to the vibrations of my voice as well. all true!! bye
michelle

Sounds like you and your snakes are in tune.

Reading about your hair situation made me laugh. For me, my snake would have trouble if they saw me with hair.

[guidofatherof5]

Here's one that has slipped by me until today. I've seen it a thousand times but never really saw it.
Here's what I'm talking about. When I open an enclosure my kids come out to see me. If my hands are in inside then they must be checked for food. If no food is found then they look into my eyes with this "where's the food" look. Most of us have seen it. It's an expression on the face. Mostly done with the eyes.
Why do they look us in the eyes/face? Why don't they just keep staring at the hands, that's where the food comes from.
It's just one of the little things that happens when we engage them but I never really saw it until today.
They are such interesting animals. I wish I knew what they were thinking.
It's just my opinion but I think there is more going on than just automated responses. Maybe I just spend too much time with them.