Opinion of Garter Snakes

guidofatherof5 · 12-23-12, 09:07 AM

A discussion is at hand on Thamnophis.com
I would appreciate your opinions.
What are your opinions of garter snakes?

Ryodraco · 12-23-12, 09:24 AM

One of mine (checkered garter snake) has so far been the most out-going and trusting snake I have ever seen. Despite being less than ten inches long he shows little fear of anything, he tends to come out and sun himself on a branch once a day, often watches me from a hide, never musks, and even eats from my hand. I have named him George for his seeming curiosity.

His cage-mate Shy Guy couldn't be more different despite being the same size. Shy Guy eats pretty well (so far prefers nightcrawlers to pinkies) but spends most of his time in hiding and occassionally musks (note I am only handling when I move them to clean the terrarium or feed them in their feeding containers).

Course I've only had them for a couple of weeks so their personalities may be subject to change.

infernalis · 12-23-12, 10:55 AM

I think they are one of the more intelligent / active snake species making them ideal display animals.

KORBIN5895 · 12-23-12, 12:18 PM

Personally there are only two species I want to keep. Boas and garters. I haven't had one in forever but I think they're the cats pajamas!

limey · 12-23-12, 01:24 PM

Dainty in appearance, relatively simple to care for (from what I understand) and have some beautiful patterning among various subspecies.

Who can't appreciate a San Francisco garter snake, for example? Nobody in their right mind would call one ugly.

I'm still more of a boa/python person - however I have considered possibly getting a florida bluestripe garter or rough green in the future.

Ridge Runner_20 · 12-23-12, 01:28 PM

Fun snakes with LOTS of personality. We've had two now, both Mountain garters (elegans elegans), and they're a kick to keep. They make me laugh because they always look so angry, like they'd tear your head off if they had the chance, but they're definitely all musk and no bite.

RR_20 (Mike)

**Aaron_S** · 12-23-12, 10:59 PM

It's a snake. So it's completely awesome in my books!

SSSSnakes · 12-23-12, 11:07 PM

GARTER SNAKES RULE, nothing else really needs to be said.

Lankyrob · 12-24-12, 05:24 AM

Garter snakes=not for me, but i can appreciate the colourings and personalities that they seem to have

**Pareeeee** · 12-24-12, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

It's a snake. So it's completely awesome in my books!

^^^ This ^^^

Revenant · 12-24-12, 10:16 AM

I think they're undervalued as pet and display snakes. I think they are lovely to look at and fun to observe, but they have a tough time competing with snakes that are flashier, bigger, or more tolerant of handling.

A spunky little garter in a naturalistic viv can be a lot of fun, though.

I do agree with Ridge Runner that they always look so darn angry at you, lol.

bronxzoofrank · 12-24-12, 09:32 PM

Hi All,

I've kept many species in zoo collections and at home for decades, and am glad to see they are getting attention here..very much under-appreciated in the US, I believe. I especially like the fact that you can see close to a full range of their natural behaviors in a well designed terrarium, which can be planted and complex, or simple...not so easy to do this with most snakes; and there is such a diversity of species available. I've written a 4 part article on their natural history and care; Part I is here

Links to other parts are at bottom of each article, or sometimes within (sorry, others manage postings for me...I've now write longer articles and do not break into parts...if links not apparent, let me know and I'll send).

Hope you find it useful, your thoughts and observations appreciated, Best, Frank

EmbraceCalamity · 12-25-12, 02:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bronxzoofrank

Hi All,

I've kept many species in zoo collections and at home for decades, and am glad to see they are getting attention here..very much under-appreciated in the US, I believe. I especially like the fact that you can see close to a full range of their natural behaviors in a well designed terrarium, which can be planted and complex, or simple...not so easy to do this with most snakes; and there is such a diversity of species available. I've written a 4 part article on their natural history and care; Part I is here

Links to other parts are at bottom of each article, or sometimes within (sorry, others manage postings for me...I've now write longer articles and do not break into parts...if links not apparent, let me know and I'll send).

Hope you find it useful, your thoughts and observations appreciated, Best, Frank

Have you written anything about the different species/morphs? I'm only familiar with the common garter snake that I see locally, and I know I'd be very interested to learn more about the different kinds.

Also, the article mentions housing them together (these are communal snakes, right?). Does it have to be male and female or female and female, or can two males be housed together?

~Maggot

infernalis · 12-25-12, 04:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EmbraceCalamity

Have you written anything about the different species/morphs? I'm only familiar with the common garter snake that I see locally, and I know I'd be very interested to learn more about the different kinds.

Also, the article mentions housing them together (these are communal snakes, right?). Does it have to be male and female or female and female, or can two males be housed together?

~Maggot

I don't know if I would go as far as saying they are truly "communal", however they do share resources without fighting. (food excluded)

Unless breeding is the goal, most keepers who house them in small groups do so with same sex snakes, to prevent reproduction from occuring.

Here is a comprehensive listing of most sub species of garter snakes.

Sub/species?!?!

The ones you find around you Laura are most likely Thamnophis Sirtalis Sirtalis, the common eastern garter snake, They are very abundant in our region here.

EmbraceCalamity · 12-25-12, 04:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by infernalis

I don't know if I would go as far as saying they are truly "communal", however they do share resources without fighting. (food excluded)

Unless breeding is the goal, most keepers who house them in small groups do so with same sex snakes, to prevent reproduction from occuring.

Here is a comprehensive listing of most sub species of garter snakes.

Sub/species?!?!

The ones you find around you Laura are most likely Thamnophis Sirtalis Sirtalis, the common eastern garter snake, They are very abundant in our region here.

OH GOD. I'm going to have to read that when it's not 5:30 AM and I don't have a massive headache. Thank you for the info though. I look forward to reading it.

~Maggot