Wild taken eggs

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

I always catch Garters in swamps. Swamp Garters can be picky, though.

probably because they've been feeding on frogs... their FAVORITE!!

[ConcinusMan]

They're not picky! you just have to offer the "right" foods.

I don't really have what I would call a "swamp" around here, but we do have areas around creeks and rivers that flood seasonally. We call them "wetlands" if there is 2 inches or more water for at least 6 mos out of the year. In addition to those areas, we have flood plains that fill with a few inches of water when rivers and creeks go over their banks and beyond the wetlands. All of the above mentioned environments is where I find abundant Thamnophis sirtalis concinnus.

Anyway, more to the point, I could never get any garters that are restricted, that is, only found in wetlands, to eat anything that they wouldn't normally find where they live. Most abundant prey is amphibians and their larvae, and small fish (trapped in small drying pools) And of course, they almost never refuse a nice fat juicy night crawler. Couldn't get them to eat mammals of any kind though.

My point is, your "swamp" garters are there, in that habitat because that is where their food is. Later in summer the edges of permenant bodies of water allow a quick and affective escape. Take note of the time of year and environment when the snakes are most concentrated. I think you will find that it coincides with concentrations of amphibians (mostly small frogs and tadpoles).

I guess my point is, I would speculate that your "swamp garters" would go nuts over fish, frogs, and perhaps night crawlers. Not picky, just specialized feeders.

Just use your powers of observation. Those snakes are there for more than one reason, but mainly because there is plenty of food. Find out what that food is, and your "picky" eater will become an enthusiastic eater as long as you provide for their other needs, and make them feel safe and comfortable.

[stripe&houdini]

I can get one of mine to eat fish, but he won't go for mice. I should have said big pond.

[ConcinusMan]

In order to stay on topic, I really want to point out that taking eggs is really a bad idea especially if it's garters you're after; that building or using some kind of trap is not necessary; and the easiest way to obtain wild garters is to go out when the weather/season permits them to be active, and just get them the old fashoned way; catch them! They really aren't that hard to find. Catching aquatic garters can get a bit challenging since they tend to escape across water. A long handled, fine mesh net can help to scoop them from the surface. For terrestrial species the best way is to find an area in early spring where they are concentrated and simply grab them. Or, you can place plywood or other objects around the area for them to hide under, then go out on a cool day when they aren't active. You'll find them hiding under stuff and they'll be easy to collect. Best to find out if this is at all legal where you plan on doing it.

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

They really aren't that hard to find. Catching aquatic garters can get a bit challenging since they tend to escape across water. .

that would be the part where I'd be diving into the water headfirst!! I'm a pretty good swimmer and I have swam, waded or dredged through water after more than one snake!!!

[ConcinusMan]

Oh yeah. Been there done that. No nasty stagnant, polluted water is going to keep me from grabbing that ultimate gorgeous concinnus. I should have mentioned, net or no net, waders are recommended, but don't be afraid to get wet or muddy!

Actually, the largest concinnus I ever encountered in the wild happened when I was about 10yrs old. I was so astounded and impressed by the "regalness" of this snake, I didn't even hesitate. I dove in after it, and got it! This thing was friggen huge!

[Steven@HumboldtHerps]

Getting cold and wet is mandatory if you want to go after our inland Oregon Garters. Ninety degree weather, mountain river water in the low fifties! They dive right into and under the rapids; and they'll stay there for a good five minutes. Does anyone know whether or not aquatic garters have modified a swim bladder out of their vestigial lung?

[ConcinusMan]

Interesting question. I do know that concinnus I have observed don't dive, or require anything to keep them upright, like a fish would need. In fact, they must keep forward momentum across water or they will sink tail first. They only stop when there is supporting vegetation, and only "dive" for food in very shallow water. In other words, their activities on and around water generally wouldn't require a swim bladder since they don't really swim like sea snakes do. But they aren't found in icy cold water but are instead found at low elevations in relatively warm, still water. Downright stagnant at times. In fact, I think the only reason concinnus are found there is for the food. The escape route is merely a secondary benefit. I have actually found them miles from water. As long as there's a summertime supply of frogs and perhaps some temporary spring pools with larvae, that's all it took. No permanent body of water is required to find concinnus but it just so happens there usually is one. In early spring when the water is high, and they are concentrated, some pretty darn big, fat, ordinoides can be found too. Attracted by the easy food, I'm sure, but also just as happy feeding on nothing but earthworms and slugs away from water. My point is, although not considered aquatic, ordinoides do just fine at swimming and won't hesitate to do so if that's their only escape route. They also tend to be larger in concinnus' habitat. Concinnnus wouldn't be so content with nothing but worms and slugs and so are found where there's frogs and easy pickin's of trapped fish and amphibian larvae or fish year 'round while ordinoides can exploit habitats that concinnus do not.

That always amazed me though, how those mountain garters can spend so much time in that frrrrreeezin' water. My guess would be that they are ice age "surviors" and are cold hardy, finding their food in swift streams, whereas concinnus probably survived by staying in warmer, lowland areas? Who knows. Where there's a niche with a food source, there's a predator to exploit it.