General characterization of subspecies attitudes

[SilasBannook]

Hey all. I have been digging through the threads trying to get a feel for the average personality some of the species have.

It seems that Radix rate very well as they get high marks for being calm and good eaters

It has also been claimed Ordiniodes come in as a close second.

I know that many on the forum have Sirtalis and that is a favorite for many breeders.

I personally also have Vagrans and Radix and actually found my Vagrans took to being handled much faster than my Radix.

I ask because I have been planning to add Infernalis to my collection next year and wanted to know if there is a general attitude trait I should be aware of which could come as a surprise. I love the color and think that having them as I do presentations at schools would really be a hit (I don't show babies). Anyway, I read that Infernalis are more aggressive than other garters. I would love to know about them in particular but think forum members would love to know if there are other generalisms that could be shared.

I do also wonder if attitude/behavior of each snake is varied within subspecies like it is within people groups. Perhaps no generalism can be made and as we share on the forum we pass on our bias for the snakes we enjoy so much. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[RedSidedSPR]

Infernalis are indeed mean.

[chris-uk]

I think although there are broad generalisations that any garter can be raised to run against the general trait for their species. They are quite intelligent animals and I've seen them learn new behaviour, but only when it benefits the individual snake in question. As a comparison, species of dogs such as pitbulls have a reputation for aggression, but it's down to how the owner trains them.

I'm new to infernalis, and so far I'd describe them as shy unless there is food around, then they get more aggressive with each other - I can't say how my three babies will be as they grow though.

[taharial]

Am I the only one that has T. elegans? LOL, I haven't seen much on them at all... Mamas is very skittish, but she is still pregnant (still waiting for the babies). She is actually doing a little better now. Spica does not like being handled at all.

[-MARWOLAETH-]

My marcianus is really shy and will retreat into her hide or plant if there is to much noise or movement in the room.When i'm feeding her she seems less scared of me and will even come up to my hands if I put some food on it.Is this just typical scrub behavior or has anyone had marcianus that act like this?

[RedSidedSPR]

My Marcianus is skittish in a hands off way, and will note to prove it. But I don't think that has anything to do with him being a Marcianus.

[Selkielass]

Easterns- varies widely by individual. Most calm down and tolerate people well.
Marcianus- skittish when small, very laid back and calm if handled regularly as they grow. Easy to train with food.
Butlerii- may be slightly skittish at first, but soon calm down and cling around fingers for security. Older individuals are more likely to cling and freeze than bolt. Do well at slightly cooler temperatures with heat only from overhead. Excellent classroom animals. Very unlikely to bite or even false strike. Very docile.
Brachiostoma- (based on one rescue) skittish, runny and prone to bite and chew when handled.

[RedSidedSPR]

Concinnus.. I can't reccommend any snake over these guys, I have one that's almost a year old, he's never bitten me, or even showed any fear/skittishness, they're incredibly bold from what I can see, he's rarely ever used a hide. He usually sleeps in the leaves, 8 inches above the ground.. He's also never refused a meal, of any type of food.

Just got 2 new babies, they have yet to utilize a hide either, just bask in the open all day. Far as I can tell, they're up there with radix in temperament. Not to mention they look awesome.

Granted I can only speak for a few species, but concinnus are fast becoming my favorite snake. Actually I think they just passed parietalis as my favorite, concinnus rock.

[kerensa]

What I have noticed of my red-sided (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis) is they are pretty much dog tame; not all that excitable and settle down to being held well. I've held the 8 that are from the same litter of them in one hand a number of times, and they twine my fingers and such with out any issue while I clean their enclosure with the other hand- Mind you this also means I was able to pick all 8 of them up at once. The other 6 red sided are also nice, but are not kept together so interaction ia all one on one. The ones kept separate also tend to be a little more excitable.

My Eastern (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) scrubs are fairly excitable, they appear to be thinking "OMG the monster is gonna eat me!!" every time I go into the enclosure- warning strikes and scrambling to get away etc. I don't think any have ever made contact- The adults I've delt with have all been calm, friendly interested snakes. Belle-Fleur is the most eager to be handled snake I've ever had. (I've had some very friendly snakes)

[ConcinusMan]

Am I the only one that has T. elegans? LOL, I haven't seen much on them at all... Mamas is very skittish, but she is still pregnant (still waiting for the babies). She is actually doing a little better now. Spica does not like being handled at all.

Certainly not. Plenty of people have coast garters (T. elegans terrestris) and of course, wandering garters (T. e. vagrans)

T. s. infernalis' are generally very mean / aggressive