New here, question about my snakes

[drgngrl116]

Thanks I'll have to definitely read more into detail about the specifics. Oh, I was also wondering, is a 20 gallon tank big enough for my two garter snakes you think? I use newspaper for bedding, but I have a lot of flat rocks I use and make caves with them and a log hiding place, a big reptile soaking bowl and sticks and three fake plants :P I'm always worried they're gonna get bored) haha. Oh, and a half of coconut they absolutely love to curl up in! haha. Also, should I use a basking lamp? I use one but I'm wondering if it's required, or should I just get a regular like, fish tank lighting source? Sorry for so many questions!

[RedSidedSPR]

Questions are good

Anyhoo, 20gal is fine, and it sounds like a good setup.

Basking light, IMO, is necessary, but make sure the temps are right.

Somethin like 70-75 on one side, and the side with the heat lamp should be in 80s.

[drgngrl116]

Thanks I'll have to get a temperature gauge so I know. I always have the water on the opposite side from the lamp, so in the event that they do get hot, I figure they can cool off in there. Thanks for the info, I'm definitely starting on a mission for my snakes today!

[Selkielass]

Belle Isle?
Probably Easterns, with the red they have on their necks.
We also have Butlers Garters, Ribbon snakes and Dekayi here in Michigan.
I'm In Mount Clemens- Probably not that far from you if you and your friends visit Belle Isle. (I have one eastern, a checkered and a number of transient Butlers.)

Michigan Easterns are sometimes feisty when they get larger, but bites are seldom more than a sligtly bloody scrape. (They have tiny little needle teeth hidden in their gumline- think 'Toothless' from 'How to train your dragon'.)Handle them regularly to keep them used to people and they should calm down again.

Great Lakes reptile, on Gratiot, around 8 mile is a pretty good store- they do handle some garters tho they know more about the more common pet species.
'The road show' is a decent place for reptiles and supplies, but they don't know garters.

The advice previously offered about feeding is good- scent what you want to feed by mixing or dipping it in something they are familiar with- most snakes will come around eventually. My self caught eastern took readily to worms and fish, but pinky mice took some convincing at first. Make sure the mice aren't any bigger around than the largest part of your snakes body- maybe a little smaller at first. My Eastern was reluctant to eat anything that was much larger than the worms and minnows she was used to in the wild.

I only get on the forum once a week or so, but if you'd like somebody local to call and ask questions of, send me a pm and I'll get back to you when I can.

[jitami]

Sounds like you're doing fine and the scrubs are awfully cute I was afraid of getting bitten... well, still am... but finally got nailed by a corn snake, which is much larger than the garters and even it really didn't hurt. It's startling, but feels like rubbing the rough side of velcro on your hands

[drgngrl116]

that's funny! I live in Mt. Clemens too! I'll have to get used to feeding them the pinkies, curious, how much are they? I used to have three pet mice myself, but I'm sure a diet change would probably be good for them. I'll be sure to pm you if I need any help

Thanks for the encouragement about not worrying about being bitten, it makes me feel much more at ease with getting them 're-tamed'

[RedSidedSPR]

Pinkies are not too expensive IF you order online. But than the shipping gets ya.

My petsmart charged an unreasonable $10 for 6 pinkies... NOT GONNA HAPPEN!!!

But MiceDirect and other online sources is more like $16 for 100 (that's more like it) HOWEVER than the shipping is like $50. ($35 if it's not overnight) Crap. But it's neseccary if you want them tonstay frozen on the way to your place.

[drgngrl116]

Yikes! Well, it seems likes it's not too bad for a bulk price. I'll just have to save up some money and have a 'snake food fund' envelope :P 'Till then, I'll keep feeding them nightcrawlers. Thanks for the advice

[RedSidedSPR]

Keep in mind, more mice doesn't effect shipping. So you might want to throw in another $16 and get 200. more for your shipping cash.

[Selkielass]

If you're in Mt. Clemens, your closest source for cheap feeders is over at Gibraltar trade center; 'Rautio's Reptile and rodent ranch' Phone 586-855-9196 Call and talk to Dave about what you need- he fills pre-orders and seldom has extras.

Pinky mice run from about .40 each to around a dollar, depending on size and quantity puchased. - .40 each is for a bag of 25 frozen mice from the mice breeders at the Taylor Reptile show. MICHIGAN REPTILE SHOW

Great lakes Reptile (586) 773-1807 has really cheap feeders (For retail), but its more of a drive than Gibraltar. If you factor in gas, cost is probably pretty similar.