How to Introduce a New Snake?

[Gyre]

Hey everybody, I haven't been here in quite a while. =)

I've still got my female garter and I'm realizing more and more that they are the perfect pet for a college student.. Since her mate died a few years ago, I've been meaning to get her another cage buddy. I found a candidate this afternoon and I'm isolating him (or her ?) and making sure he's healthy. The new snake is a little over a foot long, I believe a male based on the shape of the tale, and about to shed. My female is 24" now and has a good appetite.

I was hoping to get some tips on how to safely introduce this new snake, or if I should under these circumstances. I'm not sure how common cannibalism is in garters and I'm a little nervous about the size difference.

Thanks for any advice,
Hannah

(Here are some pictures of the new snake)
Snake ID and Misc 083 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Snake ID and Misc 080 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Snake ID1 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Snake ID2 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[Zephyr]

Looks like another female you have there, actually. :P

Put her in quarantine for a bit first. Wait until she's shed at least once, and possibly get a fecal done to see if she's carrying worms/parasites.

As far as the actual introduction, there shouldn't be any aggression or cannibalism, especially if both snakes are similar in size. If they aren't there shouldn't be a high risk of it if both snakes are well-fed.

Good luck with the new snakey; She might be gravid. :O

[Gyre]

Hahah, I was just looking at her and made a note of how round she was.. :P

Thanks!

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

Quarantine the new guy for a few months before introducing him... that way you have time to make sure he is healthy!

[Snake lover 3-25]

neat little snake very pretty