Garter scared of me

[christop]

Hi, I have a garter that I've caugth this summer (on june), and he is still scared when I'm approaching(im not doing sudden moves in front of him). He eats, but not when im there, so i've never seen him eating and I was wondering why hes scared of me...

[jitami]

Some are like that. Is he in an area that gets alot of traffic? That's where I'd put him. Give him plenty of hides that he can peek out of if he wants. Soon you'll see that he's checking out all the action, even when it looks like he's hiding. He'll get used to all the movement, etc. and you should be able to approach the tank eventually without scaring him. He may never truly like being handled, though. I don't think any of mine really do. They tolerate me

[christop]

I've found hime near a river, no traffic close to the place. I've made him two places to hide, and sometimes he digs and hide underground.

[jitami]

Sorry, by high traffic area I meant a part of your home that is very busy, people moving about, coming going, etc. It will help him get used to lots of stuff going on around his tank

[guidofatherof5]

This won't hurt him so don't be alarmed. Stop feeding him. Skip a meal or two, then try to hand feed him. Hunger can be a great motivator. He may come out and do a Grab-n-go but he'll start to see you as a food provider and not a threat. Give it a try.
Tami's idea is a good one also. The more they see you doing things the more relaxed he will be and start to take an interest in what you are doing. Be patient, you have to do this under his terms not yours.

[christop]

Good ideas, i'll try this. Thanks!

[ConcinusMan]

Amy is very tame and will even approach my hand if I present it. But still, she's easily startled if I approach too suddenly, or if I cast a shadow over her, she'll practically jump out of her skin and dive for cover. Your snake will probably calm down a little but I would think that as long as you've had it, it's always going to be a bit nervous.

[Lovok]

I think mine is going to be the same way. I've had her since last July ('09), and she still is skittery whan I approach her tank. I did the same thing though, and her tank is on my dresser, so she sees me coming and going all through the day. She goes in phases, and is tame as anything one day, then she'll be jumpy the next. I think she's responding to stimuli that I, as a human, can't or don't see/feel/smell. I figure, as long as she doesn't turn into a biter, I'll have a great pet for a long time. It's SO true that you have to deal with them on their terms, but w/ patience, you CAN "wear them down" somewhat LOL

[mustang]

relax iv had checker for about 9-10 months now and he is still scared of me...w/c s will take a long time if ever to get used to you and "like you"

[ConcinusMan]

I think mine is going to be the same way. I've had her since last July ('09), and she still is skittery whan I approach her tank. I did the same thing though, and her tank is on my dresser, so she sees me coming and going all through the day. She goes in phases, and is tame as anything one day, then she'll be jumpy the next...

Temperature (snakes body temp) and perhaps time of day/lighting and appetite does influence how the snake reacts. Garters (and Jewels) definitely react differently when those factors come into play. Jewels, when warm and hungry is at her worst. Grouchy and skittish. When fed, or between feeding times, and cool, she's, well, cool.