Hey!

[NikiGB]

Hi

Im new here!! We brought a Garter snake today and he's lush! lol! Don't really know that much but did do research before we brought him. What are peoples views on handling? If it were up to me i'd hold him all day lol! Do they like being handled? Is it bad for them?

Also can anyone suggest a name? haha I saw someone had called theirs 'sly'-thats cool but don't want to copy hehe!

Anyway looking forward to chatting some more xxx

[Stefan-A]

Welcome aboard.

The views on handling vary a bit. From what I can tell, they don't enjoy being handled and the only benefit you can get from it, is that they can become a bit calmer over time. But apart from that, it's stressful for them and every second they're outside the enclosure, there's a risk that they'll make a run for it, get dropped or get hurt in some other way.

[Sid]

Hi and welcome to the forum. I personally keep handling to a minimum. In my opinion we do need to handle our collection to a degree to check their health, etc.

[Loren]

Hi Niki.
I think handling is best left to a minimun,but it depends on the snake. If the snake constantly seems nervous, and doesnt seem to get used to it, I would say he's better off in his cage. If it seems to really relax and enjoy being held, then its not as big of deal, but should still be kept to a few minutes here or there.
As the others said, handling is more for our joy than theirs. They usually feel safest in their cage.
Dont handle them soon after a meal either, and for the first week of having him, I'd leave him alone, let him settle in.

[bsol]

Hello and welcome - This forum is a wealth of information!

[jitami]

Welcome Niki! Congrats on your new garter

btw, Sly really wouldn't mind if you used his name... he can't hear or read, so I think we're safe

[infernalis]

Hello, Welcome, and what they said

[Snake lover 3-25]

hello and welcome

[thinkmore]

Welcome! Snakes do have personalities. There's always an oddball now and then who doesn't follow the usual snake rules. If you happen to have a weird one who'd rather stay out more, I vote for letting it Regardless, garters are great to watch in their tanks. They don't just lay around all the time.

[reptile3]

Hello & Welcome!!