Another newbie

[kmreese]

Thanks! I'm sure you all are way more experienced with snakes than I am since this is the first one I've ever had. I've never been afraid of snakes, though, and I give them the utmost respect in the wild. I've encountered many copperheads and black snakes and once I heard a rattler, but didn't ever see it. I wouldn't kill any of them. I just keep on my way and move out of their territory. After all, the woods are where they live, not me. I just visit from time to time and camp out. One of the reasons I kept this one is because I sort of rescued him...sort of. I was at work a couple of weeks ago and I saw this cat. I stopped to pet the cat and noticed that he was really into something...I first thought it must have been a mouse or a mole or something. When I looked, I saw that it was this little snake he had cornered. I was thinking that he might have been killed by the cat so I picked him up, but instead of releasing him somewhere else, I decided to keep him. So...I guess I really captured him...instead of rescuing him, but at least I know he's safe with me and will hopefully live a long life

Have you tried just putting food in your hand and not moving your hand until he has taken it from you?

It took mine 9 days before he would eat, although that was probably my fault since I was trying the wrong type of food. Also, I have been doing things to his environment almost every day so he's become accustomed to my hands being in his cage. I started feeding mine by hand from the start and now he seems like he's used to it. Tonight I fed him 2 more nightcrawlers and a while later I just put my empty hand in there and he started checking it out looking for food. He started moving back and forth across my hand as well. I can gently stroke him as he moves around, too. It is pretty cool. I'm hoping I can pick him up soon without him freaking out. I'll give him more time for that, though. I don't want to ruin what I have going now.

I apologize for the loooong post . I'm not a frequent post'er...I just write a book when I seldom do post something

[infernalis]

Nothing wrong with a long post

Feeding snakes is alway an interesting experience.

Garters really like fish too, live guppies in the water dish will make your new friend really happy. AND it's a hoot watching garter snakes go "fishing"

As far as the handling goes, some will freak out more than others, most will settle down very quickly once picked up.

Love your philosophy about the woods, it's great that you understand that.

I bet kitty was not real happy that you took away his/her new "toy"



I put that photo up for fun, it was taken before the reptile room was even thought of, now our cat 'Silver" has no access to the tanks at all.

[Stefan-A]

The cat needs to be big enough to take down antelopes before it even stands a chance of breaking into any of my enclosures.

[infernalis]

I have to admit Stefan, I was negligent and left the cover off for a "minute or two" turned around and was freaking out!

It was feeding time, and I went to grab some more food items.

Happened once with the Savannah monitor, but Silver knows better now

Little dinosaurs with talons and attitude are a lot different than a garter snake, and Silver found that out in a hurry.

[kmreese]

Wayne, that's a cool pic! A Kodak moment, for sure. If I ever saw my cat (Harley) in Jr's cage I don't think I would be able to grab the camera before grabbing Harley...but since you've had that experience without harm to the snake, I guess the cat (at work) may not have killed Jr. after all, but he may have, too or injured him. Either way, you're right about "I bet kitty was not real happy that you took away his/her new "toy""