New member with questions

[Lumpy]

Hey all,

While working in the garden yesterday, my wife came across this little guy. I haven't seen a Garder snake in years, I must not hang out at the right places.

So here's the question. Are caught snakes good pets and is it fair to make him a captive guest? He seems to have made his home in the corner of the house, and my fear is running over him while mowing when he's out and about.

I've never owned a snake, but I have had Carolina Anoles I've caught.

Thanks for any info!

Lump

[adamanteus]

Hi Greg, and welcome to the forum.
It's an Eastern Garter Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis.... and I think she's gravid.

[dashnu]

My two easterns were caught as babies almost a year ago. They are doing great as "pets" I am not so sure how she would do seeing she has lived her entire life in the wild. I am sure someone here with more experience will give you better advise, I am pretty new to.

Anyways welcome to the forum!

[adamanteus]

Wild caught Garters generally do very well in captivity. As you are new to snake keeping, the imminent babies might be a problem for you.

[Lumpy]

Double post, sorry

[Lumpy]

Babies? And I named Gary!

So is there pre-launch I need to do for her?

Lump

[Stefan-A]

Welcome aboard, Greg. That't a very nice gravid female eastern.

[Zephyr]

Babies? And I named Gary!

So is there pre-launch I need to do for her?

Lump

From personal experience with easterns... You're looking at around 30 babies with that girl. In about... 2-3 weeks. Easterns tame down great as pets, but through recognizing you as a food provider as opposed to handling. She looks an awful lot like the female I found last night. XD
Also, welcome aboard! Good to see more Michiganders on here. :P
As for feeding her, she'll settle down a lot quicker if you offer her worms.
The babies can be fed chopped worm bits with reptocal/vitamin powder as a supplement.
**Edit- Also, check the sides. You've got one of our almost state-exclusive "Northeastern" phase easterns. :P

[jeanette]

Hi Lumpy and welcome
congrats on getting a beautiful gravid Garter

[Lumpy]

Know not much at all about snakes, would I keep the family all together, or do I need to separate them from her? Is there a resource about rearing young? If she is going to have a family, I really would worry about mowing right by where she's been hanging out. I thought she just wandered off to the corner of the house for some protection, but since she's been there all yesterday and today, I'm guessing that's home for her.

Lump