new member

[Lovok]

Hi everybody! Yes, I'm a "newbie" to the forum, so I thought this would be the best place to start.

I'll introduce myself by saying that I've recently acquired an Eastern youngster; it's just about 14 inches long, has about the same girth as a Sharpie marker, and by the shape of the lower body--bit of a bulge, then a fairly long tapered tail-- I'm guessing it's a female. I've had her since July 4th, and I found her in a wood pile up home visiting PA.

She seems to be settling in rather nicely. She spends a lot of time out of her hidey-hole, is drinking water and eating, but she still seems to freak out when I try to reach in to pick her up to handle her. I'm hoping that with some more patience and handling, she'll get used to me, but I'm also afraid that she may be one of those that are perpetually nervous, and may never calm down. She's only struck at me once, and that was right before she shed (I think that process might've already been happening when I found her). The other day though, she took an earthworm out of my fingers, which was pretty cool given she normally runs when I take the top of of her tank.

I'm still trying the "trial and error" method of what she likes to eat, and so far, all she seems to prefer are earthworms. I've offered small tiger slugs, small feeder fish (from the local Pet Smart), and even small, wounded crickets (though I know this isn't a "normal" food for them), but she doesn't seem interested.

I'm still exploring the site for info, but if anyone has any advice or input, PLEASE feel free to Private Message me or reply to any of my posts.

Just saying "Hi there" is cool too! :-)

[mustang]

hello!!!good luck with your garters...look up "snakes in NY" or somthn like that and then you should be looking for a government site about NYs wild life and ull find a whole list of snakes and urs will be in it!!!

[jere000]

no definitely not near Brooklyn
better garter territory where you are

yeah i already found 2 colonies

[Odie]

Hi, from Oregon, Lovok

[Snake lover 3-25]

welcome to the forum!

[Lovok]

Thanks for the welcome

I gotta say, this is a pretty darn cool site!

[MichaelSmith]

Hi Lovok - welcome to the forum