Before and After Photos

[Calift]

This is "Nixon" a young eastern garter I found with an injured tail end who couldn't slither properly. He was super dark when I caught him too....but he's since shed and the tail is looking much better! original thread: http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/gene...il-injury.html

Before:



After:

He's so much brighter now!




Sooo my delima is....when to release him? It's going to be sooo hard....he's a wonderful, friendly snake

[guidofatherof5]

He's looking great. Why release him? Is that what you were planning on doing?
You're right, it will be hard. The little scrubs do grow on you. He looks like a very nice male. You've done a great job. Congrats.

[Calift]

He's looking great. Why release him?

Ohh gee, this is the kind of response I really want....because I'd love to keep him and watch him grow- but I'm so torn since the family keeps reminding me he "belongs" in the wild.

[guidofatherof5]

I'm not trying to cause a family arguement. I was just wondering. Sounds like a family meeting kind of situation. There can be many arguement on both sides: Keep or Release.
Good luck. Keep us posted.

[Calift]

Well its ultimately up to me....well just see how many extra pinkies I have by the end of the summer.

PS....he just ate for me too and now has a nice bulge!!

[guidofatherof5]

"A full belly= a happy snake"

[MasSalvaje]

Wow he looks great!

I personally don't think you can go wrong either way. I don't think there is anything wrong with letting him go or keeping him if you decide. It is what ever is best for you.

Whatever you decide you did an awesome job helping him get back on his "feet", good work!

-Thomas

[gregmonsta]

You've done a great job. It is a bit of a dilemma but ultimately both choices have their merits. I don't think he'll mind staying at your 5 star hotel but he also hasn't been away from the natural way of things for too long.
The choice is yours .... but I think we'd all know what would happen if I lived across the 'pond' there'd be garters hanging from the rafters, under couch, hiding in my bed, cruising the kitchen, knocking books off shelves, hiding in my shoes, etc ad infinitum ....

[Calift]

Thanks guys! The longer he stays here, the less "wild" he becomes and the more I get attached. He's fed, shed, and ready-for-release, but I can't help but thinking of the high chance getting run over by a lawnmower or eaten.
Maybe I should make a poll about this?

I think we'd all know what would happen if I lived across the 'pond' there'd be garters hanging from the rafters, under couch, hiding in my bed, cruising the kitchen, knocking books off shelves, hiding in my shoes, etc ad infinitum ....

Hah, I know the feeling! If I lived in Florida I'd be overrun by reptiles and tropical birds.....after all they have wild corns, lizards everywhere and that huge Daytona expo! Or better yet Australia....I think 75% of snake species I love come from that country!

[gregmonsta]

Hah, I know the feeling! If I lived in Florida I'd be overrun by reptiles and tropical birds.....after all they have wild corns, lizards everywhere and that huge Daytona expo! Or better yet Australia....I think 75% of snake species I love come from that country!

Oz is definatley on my list for a prolonged holiday