Questions question questions...

[mtolypetsupply]

Welcome! You've found a GREAT bunch of people here, not only *very* knowledgeable, but kind, patient, fun and a whole lot of other good qualities too!

I'm new to garters too, and I'm a "handle unnecessarily" person. I too, go by their reactions. Ernestine calms down rather quickly, and is perfectly content to cuddle in your hand. In fact, I get uncomfortable with having an unusable hand in a cramped position, before she's ready to leave me! I've had to "dump" (gently of course) her in the enclosure, rather than her slither off me! James, on the other hand, is a little more ADHD. He'll hang out, but would rather be in the enclosure. He'll slither off as soon as you lower your hand in the tank.

Feeders are easy... look on the classified section here.

Check out the "Enclosures" Section of the forum, if you want to see some examples of how people create display tanks.

I'm cheap- I use a work lamp from a home improvement store with a 40w incandescent bulb in it for a heat source. My basking side gets around 80-90, depending on how hot my house gets, with room temps on the cool side. They move about as they desire, and seem to be enjoying the environs I have created.

Humidity, I have a humidity gauge, and it stays around 40-50% in there with no misting or outside sources of humidity. Read the thread about winter preparations for info regarding indoor heating and humidity concerns.

Lastly, be careful!!! These little guys are totally addictive! Once you have one, you'll be searching for ways to get more! I'm on a waiting list for more Florida Blues now!!!!!

Can't wait to see pics of your new bundles of joy, when they arrive!!!

[Sitting_duck]

I haven't ordered any yet, and I won't be. I have LLLReptiles in 10minute drive. Also a LPS which also sells them. So I'll just buy one from one of those places. When I do buy some, I'll make sure to share =).

Any ideas on how to block the holes?

[Stefan-A]

Good to know that soon I'll be able to post whenever I want...

There are a few spots in the 40 gallon that have open holes, any ideas for closing them up?

What i mean is the top is 2 screens. One screen covers half the tank, the 2nd screen covers the other half. They don't exactly fit together perfectly, so there are a few small, gaps.

Got pictures?

You can glue a strip of anything (e.g. plywood, plastic, aluminium or whatever you can get your hands on) underneath one of the pieces, so that it covers the gap.

[Sitting_duck]

Stefan, that helps a lot, thanks. Now that I think about it, I should've thought of that myself! =p.

That solves it, I should be able to do that and cover up the hole..

How often do baby/juveniles eat worms and/or pinkies?(or fish)

PS- The picture you drew looks exactly like my tank, thanks =)

[Garter_Gertie]

Stephiy, don't! (whine) Quit warning the the guy about addiction. (whine, whine)

Like, GIVE ME A BREAK! Let him get hooked - he DESERVIES IT. Don't warn him in advance (whine). He's no better than the rest o'us and deserves the excitement of wanting/getting more, more, MORE. Rearranging the house, going in debt, having more pinkes/mice in the freezer than ice cream, watching craigslist hourly for cheap tanks....

HUSH!

[Sitting_duck]

Stephiy, don't! (whine) Quit warning the the guy about addiction. (whine, whine)

Like, GIVE ME A BREAK! Let him get hooked - he DESERVIES IT. Don't warn him in advance (whine). He's no better than the rest o'us and deserves the excitement of wanting/getting more, more, MORE. Rearranging the house, going in debt, having more pinkes/mice in the freezer than ice cream, watching craigslist hourly for cheap tanks....

HUSH!

Too late, I already do that for my leopard gecko and my turtles

[Stefan-A]

How often do baby/juveniles eat worms and/or pinkies?(or fish)

I think most of us feed the young ones 2-3 times a week, adults 1-2 times.

[Garter_Gertie]

Aaaaahhhhh...

Welcome to the 12 X Bazillion Step Reptile Program.

THANK GODS YOU'RE NORMAL! LOL!!!

[mtolypetsupply]

Stephiy, don't! (whine) Quit warning the the guy about addiction. (whine, whine)

Like, GIVE ME A BREAK! Let him get hooked - he DESERVIES IT. Don't warn him in advance (whine). He's no better than the rest o'us and deserves the excitement of wanting/getting more, more, MORE. Rearranging the house, going in debt, having more pinkes/mice in the freezer than ice cream, watching craigslist hourly for cheap tanks....

HUSH!

Gertie, you're a riot!!! Poor guy doesn't know what he's in for, and I didn't believe it myself until James and Ernestine gave a firm tug on my heartstrings!

[Garter_Gertie]

Yeah, Stephie. He THINKS things were BAD with turtles and geckos ... HA! Silly boy!

He ain't seen nuttin' yet, HAS HE? Hehehehehehehe!

WOOT!

"Another one bites the dust. Another one bitest the dust. And another one gone... Another one gone. Another one bites the dust!"

(hysterically laughing evily...........)