2 dead Eastern babies

[GranpaGarter]

Our family has been keeping a wild eastern for the past 3 weeks found in the yard. Intent is to only keep for 30-days per both State of VA law and for my son to fulfill Reptiles/Amphibians Merit Badge for Boy Scouts.


Day #30 is actually on Sunday August 23, 2015. We noticed the snake exhibiting increased activity over the past week; roaming and testing the 20 gal. High tank - presumably for an exit. I thought it may just be the "normal and assumed" nature to get back to freedom.


Suprisingly however I looked in tank about 2 hours ago and noticed 2 dead babies!


I did a decent amount of reading after capturing, and looking at various multimedia and posts here but, honestly thought we had a male; e.g., lon narrow tail but didn't try to view anal/underbelly because I didn't want the snake to get too used to being handled - keep it wild. Regardless, after this we think we should just release the snake as it appears healthy and has been eating both live toads harvested from the yard and nightcrawlers. Any thoughts...would you agree? Should it be released immediately or in the morning ok? Pics attached.

[Tommytradix]

Yes I would release her if you haven't already done so

[d_virginiana]

Yes, release her as soon as you can unless she's exhibiting serious signs of illness. High activity isn't a bad thing in garters.

[guidofatherof5]

Looks like she's in the process of delivering her babies. I'd release her in as safe a spot as you can(lots of cover) so she can continue birthing her babies.
Just noticed the post date on this thread. Sorry, I didn't see it in a more timely manner.

[GranpaGarter]

Thanks all...I did release her the next morning. Transferred her as gingerly as possible to a pillow case and per State personal use guidelines put her in the exact spot where she was captured, which is the corner of the shed. I created a small covered tunnel out of bricks so that I could lay the pillow case opening at the tunnel - so the release was as comfortable as possible. She casually made her way out of the pillow case, through the tunnel into the tall grass and eventually under the shed. I suspect she had a den under there to begin with. Naturally I wish the babies hadn't died but, this was a really cool experience not ever having had a snake before. I will certainly consider getting a captive bred.

[Albert Clark]

Great update! Thanks for releasing her. Welcome to the garter nation, we are glad to have you around. With captive bred reptiles you have a endless array of choices. She did look like a exceptional specimen btw.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Indeed she is a very beautiful girl. Hopefully she decides to hunker down under the shed and you get to see her in her habitat, keeping slugs, snails and worms at bay

[GranpaGarter]

Definately agree with the comment about being a beautiful specimen, so I have attempted another pic if it works...pics make forums fun. Otherwise, this whole episode certainly has been a great learning experience but one key question that I have is about the birthing process...so can she essentially control her ability to birth over a certain period of time? I've seen posts where some broods have as many 20, 30 or more. Do I presume that she can exercise a limited release over a few days; presumably waiting for "safe" environment and/or conditions?

[Jeff B]

From the picture she looked full of babies, with her spine pressed up on dorsal side. I would bet that she gave birth to more babies after you released her and possibly they where alive,healthy and fine. i have have many females drop a couple slugs or stillborns and then a day or several days later deliver perfect babies. I hope your son was still eligible for his reptile/amphibian merit badge for Boy Scouts. Please contact me if you are interested in a captive bred and born garter, you might be shocked by how generous my fellow Scout discount is

[GranpaGarter]

I was just perusing the sale/trade section and saw you in there...was looking at the offerings. Then saw you had posted here...good to know she'll likely have more. And I can't imagine a merit badge counselor that would deny the requirement when the release was in the best interest of the animal a mere 2 days shy of the 30-day requirement. As an Eagle Scout myself I'd go to bat on it. Thanks for noting the potential discount, will contact if we intend to move forward aND see something of interest.