New Snake Guardian

[mikem]

Welcome to the forum Cute little garter you have there!

[Mandi0284]

Thanks for the warm welcomes everyone. I didnt realize that there were so many different types of garter snake. I looked at some pics on the web and I found he does look like a wandering.

I will get some pics of his underside so I can get help figureing out the snakes gender.

i will get some new substrate for him in the coming week.

are the wandering garters the most common in CO? I remember catching garters as a kid and some of the ones i recall had bright yellow on them.

[Mandi0284]

P1020628.jpgP1020626.jpg

Here are some pics of the underside of the snake.

[guidofatherof5]

From the photos presented I would say male. Any chance we can get a photo of the underside tail hanging down?

[katach]

Can't really tell from the second pic, but first says male. A straight tail photo would definitely help though.

[Invisible Snake]

I agree with the others, judging from those pics it looks male.

[Mandi0284]

lol i will see if i can get a pic with his tail down. he likes to curl it around my fingers when i hold him.

i was reading from care sheets about garters that they can eat earthworms, fish and pinkies. and then some others say only fish....and then no fish..... and then only pinkies.

i offered him small fish yesterday, but he didnt want them. should i try worms?

[Steveo]

Without knowing what it was fed in the past, it might take a little experimenting to see what it will eat. It may also just need a few days to settle in.

[guidofatherof5]

I think the best diet is a varied one. I feel it offers the best balance from all the foods offered. Each in their own rights have goods and bads.
The varied diet levels all those out in my opinion.

[EasternGirl]

Lovely snake you have there! And I concur with the others...that is not a common garter...most often when referring to common garters people are actually talking about an eastern garter...T.s.sirtalis. It is definitely hard to tell from the photos...but I would also say male based on the first pic...but we will need some with the tail hanging down to be sure. Definitely get some different substrate in there...as was suggested...aspen or carefresh are good suggestions. A couple of hides, some fake plants, and a lamp or heat mat on one side of the tank for warmth would be good. If you have anymore questions about specifics...we can help. I also feed my snakes a varied diet of nightcrawlers, frozen/thawed pinky mice, and fresh fish fillet from the seafood counter. You could try that instead of live fish. My garters won't eat live fish...but they love cut up pieces of fresh trout...raw, not cooked. And always buy fresh...not frozen. Tilapia is a good choice too. Make sure not to feed him on top of the substrate...you don't want him getting anything mixed in with his food. Either feed him with feeding tongs or hemostats...or put paper towels down over the substrate and then put his dish of food on top of the towels and watch that he doesn't drag the food into the substrate. Let us know anything else you need and welcome to our forum family!