Another one? Bigger and mild injuries....

[doomkitty]

It is apparent that even though I live in apartment complex (albeit near some rural spots) the Garter snake population is thriving. My daughter has brought home another one. This one is significantly bigger than baby, but on closer inspection appears mildly injured. I have one tank, so this bring on a whole host of new questions. Can I keep two snakes together that are so significantly different in size? Do the little lacerations look severe? Or should I tell my daughter to let this one go?

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[guidofatherof5]

My suggestion would be to return it back to where it came from. You are just starting out, better to work with that first snake. Get it established and thriving then consider getting another snake. It will certainly be less stress on you and your daughter working with only one animal.

It's a beautiful T. ordinoides.

[doomkitty]

My concern was the little nicks on its underbelly. I will have her let it go should I put anything on the nicks before I let it go?

[chris-uk]

The lacerations look like old animal bites to me, probably an old encounter with a domestic moggie. I wouldn't be concerned about them, and as Steve suggested it may be a good move to release her and learn about garter husbandry one at a time if you don't have another tank ready.

[chris-uk]

We crossed posts so missed your latest question.

If the wounds are pretty much healed I'd leave them alone. If there is still any exposed tissue in the bites you could treat with a little antiseptic (Hibiclens is a common one in the US and many keepers have some in their snake first aid kits, I had some brought back from the States by a friend), that would just give her immune system a helping hand before going back into the wild.

[doomkitty]

Big snake was set free. I've asked the same question on my other post but I'll ask here too. In some of the threads on this forum, it's mention young snakes can sometimes do better when there is more than one. Would baby that I have possibly do better if there was another one same size/age?

[guidofatherof5]

It's possible but getting it established first is most important.

[doomkitty]

Thank you. The transition from wild to cage bound must be shocking enough as it is, without me throwing new room mates into the mix. Baby seems to be doing well. The question popped up as more curiosity for the future; once baby is established should I attempt a room mate (all the pretty colours )...

[guidofatherof5]

I would wait to see how well established this one gets. This one might be just fine with its new situation. Northwesterns are awesome little snakes, I love the ones I have. They are my second favorite Thamnophis.

[ConcinusMan]

My concern was the little nicks on its underbelly.

What do you mean by "nicks" ? if it's just portions of scales missing, with no red, raw, open wounds, it's nothing to worry about. Sometimes they hibernate in waterlogged dens and they get a little scale rot on their bellies. The scales won't grow back but as long as it isn't active rot/inflamed/red, etc. it's no biggie.