New Garter Snake Owner

moshirimon · 11-18-13, 09:59 PM

Hey guys, just got into this amazing species. As a young child I would catch and keep garters all the time, but I would eventually release them, not knowing anything about heating, feeding etc..

Purchased a baby garter snake about 2 weeks ago. Bought him as a male albino garter snake from the previous owner. He is about 9 inches long, extremely skiddish, musks everywhere and overall not the type for handling which i really don't mind. Got him in a basic 10 gallon with coco fibre bedding, a hide (ceramic cave) on one side, a fern plant (which also provides plenty hiding, with him being so small) on the other side, and a large water dish. He is active but at any bit of movement in his view, he'll dash into the plant, dip into the cave, shove his nose in the dirt and just disappear. Very visually driven compared to any other snake i've ever owned. He hasn't eaten a thing for me. Not that i'm worried but I understand due to their metabolism, and diet choice, they should not and sometimes cannot be left without food for as long as other snakes.

I understand 2 weeks isn't much but i'd like to know how long before I worry? I've got smaller nightcrawlers in there, 2 minnows and 3 guppies in the bowl, which i am feeding and have stayed alive this whole time, and I know this isn't the best to do but just for my own curiosity I wanted to see if a cricket would trigger his feeding response. Nothing did it.

Like I said no too worried at all but was wondering if there are any other suggested food items, or some tricks to get him eating.

Also, with me buying him as an albino garter snake (very unreliable source) and not checkered, would that mean that theres no way he's checkered? Not that i'd care but I would like to know as his pattern does look checkered, but a little different with the full stripe down his back, and i've heard some baby easterns and other garters can look checkered as well.

All help, info, and comments is appreciated.

Here is a pic and the only pic i could get before he'd bolt off.

infernalis · 11-18-13, 10:26 PM

Albino Thamnophis Radix.... Excellent!!! Looks like a Felzer bloodlines snake.

infernalis · 11-18-13, 10:27 PM

No it's not a checkered, different species altogether.

Care is the same, very basic.

Garter Snake Forum - Garter Caresheet

moshirimon · 11-18-13, 11:50 PM

Hey Wayne! Was hoping you'd reply. I'm not sure if plains garter is right. They have more of a narrow stripe on the side no? This guys belly colour just goes all the way up, not really a stripe like that. I know its hard to tell from the pic. I could be totally wrong i'm just going off google images, but more pics tomorrow!

moshirimon · 11-18-13, 11:53 PM

Nevermind did some reading and found a ton of more pics.. I think your on point !

drumcrush · 11-19-13, 05:43 AM

Hey, welcome! Nice garter

sharthun · 11-19-13, 06:31 AM

Hey and welcome! Cool garter!

infernalis · 11-19-13, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moshirimon

Nevermind did some reading and found a ton of more pics.. I think your on point !

Actually, I stand corrected..... it's most likely an Albino (SCHUETT STRAIN) Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis.

The namesake comes from Kyle Schuett whom I belive was the guy who found the wild specimen that started the line.