Jesse's garter snakes

[RedSidedSPR]

New female just me 7 times repeatedly, along with poo and musk, when I picked her up to clean the cage.

If this continues she shall be called Cruella.

But seeing as its fear, not malice, who knows.

She's terrified of me. I open the cage for feeding and it's enough to make her not eat. This is how my checkered was but he sucked it up when food was involved, and eventually got over it until the next handling, they'd be a all skittish again.

She's just freakin tripped out. Not what I expected the first 3 days after arrival, she was damn near lethargic she was so chilled.

Got no problem whatsoever with the biting and stuf, as it's the only snake that does it, I actually like it. But the not eating out of fear is annoying

[ConcinusMan]

I know that substrate can be a problem but with snakes like that I find that they will eat if given privacy. Like, a feeding tank with paper towel liner and a hide where the snake feels safe. Place the food in the hide. Do not disturb. Perhaps leave it overnight. This is also the only way I've ever gotten rubber boas to eat. They have to feel like they aren't being watched or seen.

[RedSidedSPR]

I'll try that if she continues, thanks. Usually she'll eventually take the food though, but not lately. So I'll give that a shot

[RedSidedSPR]

Spooner (redsided MALE) will not stop trying to mate with Rooster (red spotted -- ALSO MALE) since this morning at like 6:00..

And I don't mean just getting on top of him like before. There's stuff going on down there....

Took him out for like an hour when it looked like Rooster was starting to get annoyed.. Second I put him in again he lunged on rooster and continued.

I'm assuming there's nothing I can do or be concerned about though. ?

Strange.

[ConcinusMan]

I'll bet rooster just shed his skin. It's the lipids causing the attraction. The effect should wear off in just a few hours to a couple of days.

[RedSidedSPR]

I see.. Interesting. Yeah, he shed this morning.

(So did the flame and anery.)

[ConcinusMan]

Just keep separate for a day or two so he doesn't get stressed out. It will pass fairly quickly.

[RedSidedSPR]

I don't actually have a separate cage but I'll stick him somewhere to sleep though.

He doesn't seem to mind or notice, he was actually asleep for half of it.

[kueluck]

Uhh....were you watching Broke Back Mt where the snakes could see it??

[Stefan-A]

Easy with the jokes, there.