Advice on choosing a garter snake

[Majorica]

Some thoughts on picking out a garter snake:
I know almost exactly what kind of garter I'd like. I saved a picture of my dreamie garter, seems to be a blue axanthic plains garter. Feel free to correct me, seems the plains garter is Thamnophis radix.

If I bought one of these, I'd get exactly what I'd want. On the other hand, what if I buy one and the garter dies on me over some newbie mistake, I'm thinking maybe I should buy a cheaper / plainer looking one as a first garter.

On the other hand, I'm not really looking to collect garter snakes either so maybe buying exactly what I want upfront might be the best choice.
By choosing the cheaper /plainer cresties, I now have a homely male crestie with floppy tail that I've gotten attached to, but I kinda wish I had purchased a fancier one at that point in hindsight. Keeping him has become a moral dilemma since each male crestie needs their own tank. The moral dilemma being does one re-home animals simply because you now want a prettier one.

[Albert Clark]

Hey Maj, welcome to the forum! It's always best to buy the reptile that you really want. This way you avoid feeling pressed to get rid of it down the road. Yes, people do rehome animals for the desire to get something they feel they want more or that fits into a specific project. Best of luck.

[guidofatherof5]

Thamnophis radix - Plains Garter, awesome snake. Females are much more calm and social.

[Tommytradix]

blue axanthics are one of my favorite morphs of my favorite species. very good choice.
i'm expecting a litter of them in the next week or 2 also

[Tommytradix]

[SourceAll]

I'm in the same situation.. Was just going to create this exact thread Its tough so many great choices...

As for a recommendation for a garter. Imo radix have the calmest demeanor and best personality. Concinnus are another sure bet cause they do alot of basking and barely use hides that are provided so you will see them alot more than other garters.

Got this advice on another thread, figured I post it here.

Aside from the snakes Tommy recommended cyrtopsis is high on my list, based solely on appearance of course as I have no recent experience of my own.

Anybody have any experience with them?

[Albert Clark]

Aside from the snakes Tommy recommended cyrtopsis is high on my list, based solely on appearance of course as I have no recent experience of my own.

I am rearing 2 male and 2 female T.C cyrtopsis adults. As hatchlings, they have a strong preference for fish and amphibians. So scenting prey items will be necessary to get them started. Some are more picky than others. They really are a colorful garter who have a attack mode feeding response and are amazingly accurate when striking.

[Albert Clark]

Anybody have any experience with them?Sorry for the poor lighting but this is one of my males. T.c.cyrtopsis.

[SourceAll]

Great description, def some intriguing qualities.

I like how they are absolutely stunning and colorful and yet have that unmistakable signature garter look...

I wish more people sold them at shows... I really want to check some out in person before committing.

Edit: Let me know if you ever have some available.

Aside from the snakes Tommy recommended cyrtopsis is high on my list, based solely on appearance of course as I have no recent experience of my own.

I am rearing 2 male and 2 female T.C cyrtopsis adults. As hatchlings, they have a strong preference for fish and amphibians. So scenting prey items will be necessary to get them started. Some are more picky than others. They really are a colorful garter who have a attack mode feeding response and are amazingly accurate when striking.

[SourceAll]

Anybody have any experience with them?

Sorry for the poor lighting but this is one of my males. T.c.cyrtopsis.

Gorgeous snake, def jealous