Probably worrying too much, but...

[Mommy2many]

"The duct tape doesn't have any sticky surfaces exposed to the air, is it still a problem? Oh, and Mort is full grown, maybe 3 1/2 feet."


Doesn't include duct tape but does have small spaces. Look at this thread:
It was my Florida Blue Garter, Jesse, who is around the size of your snake...this is what can happen

http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/gene...epic-fail.html

[EasternBlackNeckedGarter]

Well, he doesn't have anything like that in his cage, but I'll change the lid as soon as possible. :P

[jwolfe152]

oh and also if you have any wood at least as long as your longest side of the tank like a 2x6 or 2x8 you can just "rip" the board into about 1inch sections the length you need and nail them to make the lid and a staple gun to attach the screen material. if you do it like this leave an inch or 2 of extra screen material to roll up where you attach it so that there is less chance of the screen material ripping where it was stapled.

[EasternGirl]

Does he have a water dish that is big enough for him to soak in? The heat and humidity could be bugging him a bit. I know my garters get a bit bothered when it is really hot and humid here...it is important to have a large water dish that he can soak in if he becomes hot. Also, I have noticed that some of my garters do go into their hides and lay around for a few days after a big meal. Some garters do not like the heat more than others. Some of mine basically just lie around on the cool side of the tank when it's really hot. Is he pooping and flicking his tongue?

[EasternBlackNeckedGarter]

His water dish is about 2 inches deep and 6 inches wide, and it usually only gets hot around here, not humid. He's certainly pooping, that's for sure. And yes, he flicks his tounge whenever I see him.

Edit: He's out and about now. No sign of a skin, but I couldn't see his eyes to check their color. He is looking pretty dull, and I think he's overdue to shed.

[guidofatherof5]

Here's a thread to help you identify a retained shed if it comes to that.

http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/husb...treatment.html

[EasternBlackNeckedGarter]

Right... I've heard about that but I certainly hope that's not it... I'll see about getting a shed box.

[EasternGirl]

Retained sheds are certainly something you want to deal with...and they can be difficult, but it is doable to remove them. Keep us posted on his behavior.

[EasternBlackNeckedGarter]

Mort has successfully shed and is now approximately 34 inches long.

Also, his head is approximately the width of a quarter (I've attached a picture of the mesh and a quarter) is the lid still a problem? The tape is gone and the sides have been weighted.

[guidofatherof5]

I have to say YES. I'm certainly not trying to cause you trouble but I'm sure Mort could get his snout and part of his head into something that size. Please get rid of this before you wish you had. Send me the dimensions of the inside lip of the aquarium and I'll cut you a frame out of screen making aluminum. I'll also send with it the screen material. All you will have to do is take it somewhere to get the screen material installed. It must be installed loosely or it will twist the frame and the finished lid will not sit flush on the inside lip.
If this is something you want me to do simply get the measurements(tight measurement) I'll take a 1/16th off those measurements so it's not too tight. PM me the info. and your name and address and I'll get it out to you ASAP.