Canadian Garter Snake Keepers

[MafiaM16]

Managed to get some photographs of the snakes. Simply check out my Gallery since I have a few descriptions of the snakes there and I can't post links just yet... Mostly I am interested in what others think of the individual known as 'Piggie' (I like to name my snakes for data keeping). It's not so much his colour and pattern that puts me off, but more so his head shape. The comparison between it and another more normal looking snake is shown as well, both snakes are roughly the same size with Piggie be the larger of the two.

[joeysgreen]

There are quite a few gartersnake keepers in Alberta, but they seem to keep to themselves. I expect san frans to be commonly available in the next few years as that's what I see the most of. Lots of other west coast species too, but in less numbers and I'm uncertain if anyone is breeding them.

[Spankenstyne]

Ian are you sure you're seeing lots of San Frans? I know Jim brought in just a couple of pairs from Europe and our female passed. I don't know of too many others that would be around unless some of the super secret eastern folk have released some lately? Hope it's true..

We did just have some infernalis babies, should be available in a month or so depending on how well they take to feeding.

[Zdravko092368]

Ian are you sure you're seeing lots of San Frans? I know Jim brought in just a couple of pairs from Europe and our female passed. I don't know of too many others that would be around unless some of the super secret eastern folk have released some lately? Hope it's true..

We did just have some infernalis babies, should be available in a month or so depending on how well they take to feeding.

I was going to comment on that as well... as far as I know Tetrataenia definitely are not popular in Canada, no garters are really. Maybe he was thinking of Infernalis, which have risen in popularity by an absurd amount in the last two years. I'm having some brought in myself. Sjoerd Van veen I remember mentioned he was planning a shipment of Tetrataenia to Canada last year but I don't know if that's still going to be a thing.

[joeysgreen]

Chris, congratulations on the infernalis!

And no, I'm definitely not confusing species. There are San Fran's out there. When someone brings in a Snake they've paid a grand for, they have done there homework... and it's hard to stump me on identifications. While we may be "in the know" in the hobby, by being part of reptile clubs, intimate with importer/exporters etc., there is still a huge part of the hobby that is out of the spotlight. These people have imported them privately, most often from Europe when it comes to this species. Actually, if I recall, one hobbyist was a European that moved with his small collection.

Ian

[Spankenstyne]

Yep fair enough. I know you know your stuff. I've just heard a number of anecdotal stories about tetrataenia the last couple of years that seem to always turn out to be something else, so the "that's what I see the most of" comment struck me as odd. I know there are others out there, particularly in Eastern Canada, so it's good to know you're seeing them out here too.

[Albert Clark]

Well I think t. infernalis and t. concinnus is a far safer route to obtain the west coast species than to take on unnecessary risks. There is a reason t. tetrataenia is protected. Come on guys, we just made some small strides with the Lacey Act injunction. Lets not take steps backwards. Stay in peace and not pieces.

[joeysgreen]

Albert, I think you have us mistaken... all of these are captive bred tetrataenia we're talking about. Definately no need to harm a wild population that is struggling.

[Boots]

It would be nice if there was more interest in keeping garters in Canada, but most of the interest tends to be with the larger snakes and morphs. I know I would not mind picking up a couple more garters, but I have not seen to many at the shows.

Jason

[Albert Clark]

Albert, I think you have us mistaken... all of these are captive bred tetrataenia we're talking about. Definately no need to harm a wild population that is struggling.

Oh, ok then. Thanks for the clarification.