Hungry, hungry Mama

[kibakiba]

Indeed we do, I wouldn't trade my garters for anything... They are literally a part of my family and I don't know what I would do without them. Snakey has been with me through a whole year of crap and yet he still hangs out with me when I'm watching movies

[Flicker]

I really don't understand why garters are not more popular. They come in so many cool colors and sizes, they are awake during the day, curious and interested in their surroundings, pretty mellow (well, mostly) and they don't get large enough to eat small children (or pomeranians).

Seriously - why are they so neglected by reptile enthusiasts? They are so awesome. I wanted a snake for years and years - but when I'd look into it, it was never appealing I think because most of them were imports from other countries and rather tempermental in terms of food, housing and temperment.

I'm very happy with my little snakey. He's temporarily being housed with the new concinnus I got for my 11 year old from Richard. And it's so awesome having two in there - I think I might need another one at some point. <.<

[guidofatherof5]

I think I might need another one at some point. <.<

"Another one bites the dust"(singing)

[drache]

I really don't understand why garters are not more popular. They come in so many cool colors and sizes, they are awake during the day, curious and interested in their surroundings, pretty mellow (well, mostly) and they don't get large enough to eat small children (or pomeranians).

Seriously - why are they so neglected by reptile enthusiasts? They are so awesome.

there is just no accounting for taste
and you know what happens when corn snake lovers get into garters?
the first thing they want to do is play with the genetics

[ConcinusMan]

I kinda like the fact that we're a tight-knit small group and most of us don't want hybrids and such. I'd hate to think what would happen if garters became as popular as corns and a bunch of idiots started messing around with them and producing hybrids. We don't seem to have any unwanted snakes, in spite of all the breeding and I don't know of a single case of albino (or any) garter snakes ending up sitting in rescues unwanted. I'd like to keep it that way.

[kibakiba]

I'd take any garter, hybrid or not... I don't care about genetics, I just love garters Mama has gotten quite a lot calmer with me, she doesn't get spooked when I pick her up any more and comes out of the tank (when I have it open for any reason) and slithers onto my hand now. It makes me feel wanted and loved haha.

[guidofatherof5]

I'd take any garter, hybrid or not... I don't care about genetics, I just love garters Mama has gotten quite a lot calmer with me, she doesn't get spooked when I pick her up any more and comes out of the tank (when I have it open for any reason) and slithers onto my hand now. It makes me feel wanted and loved haha.

I know what you are saying about loving garters(all) but you should also add the statement about making sure to never breed them.
I would take a hybrid in a second but hope no one would ever intentionally breed them. If it were a mistake and the snake/s need a home, I would provide one.
I know this is a touchy subject and some think the hybrids should be euthanized but I couldn't do it. I understand their position on the subject.

You're right about feeling needed. Once they trust you they seem to want interaction. They are a comfort snake, for us. I sat on the couch last night with one of my big girls(Lookalike) she was content to weave amongst my fingers and relax. It's a good feeling when they trust you.

[Kevinh583]

I really don't understand why garters are not more popular. They come in so many cool colors and sizes, they are awake during the day, curious and interested in their surroundings, pretty mellow (well, mostly) and they don't get large enough to eat small children (or pomeranians).

I feel the same way. I know that lots (most?) people hate snakes but I think they are pretty quick to change their mindset if they are around a snake for any period of time. I have a couple friends who have already made comments about not killing snakes on sight anymore after spending some time watching my new house guest. My mother who would go ballistic at the sight of any snake has even warmed up to my new pet enough to actually want to watch it catch fish from its water dish.

Also, for someone like me that travels a bunch and can't have a pet that requires daily attention a snake is perfect. I can leave for a few days without having to find a sitter every time. And though I'm no snake expert, from the reading I've done in the past couple months I think I'm definitely sticking with garters. You do not have to worry about them getting too big (bigger enclosures, more food, more painful bites) and they don't just sit under a hide all day. And there are so many great looking garters out there...makes you want one of each.

[Kevinh583]

I know this is a touchy subject and some think the hybrids should be euthanized but I couldn't do it. I understand their position on the subject.

Seems pretty harsh to kill that snake because something a person did, even if their behavior might have been irresponsible. Especially if the snake is otherwise healthy and has a chance for a good life.

I would even be more understanding of people who kill snakes out of fear. That is a natural response, even some animals will kill a snake they come across out of fear. However, I do not see any excuse for someone systematically killing snakes that they determine should not have been born. Prevent them from breeding by all means but no need to destroy them. That of course is just my opinion and I must admit I am pretty ignorant regarding breeding/genetic sciences and the broader ramifications of hybrids.

[guidofatherof5]

Seems pretty harsh to kill that snake because something a person did, even if their behavior might have been irresponsible. Especially if the snake is otherwise healthy and has a chance for a good life.

I would even be more understanding of people who kill snakes out of fear. That is a natural response, even some animals will kill a snake they come across out of fear. However, I do not see any excuse for someone systematically killing snakes that they determine should not have been born. Prevent them from breeding by all means but no need to destroy them. That of course is just my opinion and I must admit I am pretty ignorant regarding breeding/genetic sciences and the broader ramifications of hybrids.

Very well put.