First Garter

continuum13 · 07-11-13, 09:35 PM

My first Garter snake arrived this AM via the FedEx man! I have boas and have had pythons so I'm pretty used to their basic needs, but this Garter thing is pretty new to me. I've done the usual research but still just wanna pick people's brain's for anything I should watch out for. He's a Neon Blue Cali Red-Sided Garter. Here are a few pics...

Amadeus · 07-11-13, 09:36 PM

Very nice new snake. Their care is very simple. Ask away.

sweatshirt · 07-11-13, 09:37 PM

Wow, he's stunning. Congrats =)

**EL Ziggy** · 07-11-13, 10:27 PM

Very handsome snake. Congrats.

continuum13 · 07-12-13, 06:16 AM

Thanks everyone, I'm lucky to still have him after last night. My Savannah cat is now hypnotized by the Garter's movements and decided to knock the Critter Keeper I have him in on to the ground at about 1am. I woke up panicked seeing the top open and the cage sitting sideways on the ground. Luckily the little guy was still there!! He was probably scared as hell after a fall like that and just hid in his substrate and didn't bail from the cage... *PHEWW* Needless to say I cleared a spot for him on my bookshelf that the kitty can't accesss.

hunter4life · 07-12-13, 07:26 AM

Amazing snake! Honestly it isn't too hard to care for them, I mean if they can live naturally in Michigan, they'll be easy! They don't need too high heat, so maybe just one heat lamp with a 60watt in it. Or if you don't want a heat lamp, get a small heat mat

I catch wild garters all the time! Wish I could find one THAT color though haha. I've kept 3 Garters before in late May, beginning of June and kept them till the end of August and release them back and I just kept a heat mat on them and they were fine and were active!

infernalis · 07-12-13, 07:41 AM

Thamnophis Sirtalis Infernalis... My favourite species.

Garter Snake Forum - Garter Caresheet

Our sister site for garter snakes.

sharthun · 07-12-13, 08:02 AM

Cool snake! congrats!

continuum13 · 07-12-13, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by infernalis

Thamnophis Sirtalis Infernalis... My favourite species.

Garter Snake Forum - Garter Caresheet

Our sister site for garter snakes.

Thanks, this should be quite useful! Since I got him yesterday, how many days would you recommend waiting before attempting a feed?

infernalis · 07-12-13, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by continuum13

Thanks, this should be quite useful! Since I got him yesterday, how many days would you recommend waiting before attempting a feed?

why wait?

I have fed baby garters within an hour of unpacking the fed ex box.

smy_749 · 07-12-13, 12:19 PM

Stunning snake, congrats. As Wayne said, you can try to feed right away if you want, most of my snakes who arrive in good health will take food from day 1.

formica · 07-12-13, 01:56 PM

beautiful snake, love the deep red color on his head

continuum13 · 07-12-13, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by infernalis

why wait?

I have fed baby garters within an hour of unpacking the fed ex box.

I got him from Scott Felzer and he instructed me to wait a few days. Only reason I'd like to do it sooner is because I will be busy most of the weekend and I'd rather do it tonight than tomorrow or Sunday.

bcr229 · 07-12-13, 05:55 PM

I have a garter, wild-caught from the garage LOL. If she's hungry, she eats.

Be sure to note the thiaminase danger discussed in the caresheet posted above. I cringe when I see garters advertised for sale on the reptile forums and the owner says that it's been eating goldfish.

KORBIN5895 · 07-12-13, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by infernalis

Thamnophis Sirtalis Infernalis... My favourite species.

Garter Snake Forum - Garter Caresheet

Our sister site for garter snakes.

You may want to read the care sheet and update it a bit