are wild snakes ok??

[ThamnophisManiac]

i was just wondering if catching a wild snake might be better than buying one. i read, though, that 80% of wild caught snakes die within the first couple weeks, and that they are more aggresive than store-bought ones. i also heard that baby wild ones would be ok to catch and raise, but where would i find them??

[adamanteus]

The best choice is to buy captive bred stock from experienced keepers/breeders, but wild caught Garters usually do fine, as long as you give them the proper environment.

[poissonguppy]

I have two 'wild' baby garter plains. They eat readily on pinkies and earthworms. Here's a nice page on the pro's and con's:

The Garter Girl! - Choosing a Snake

[adamanteus]

Hey Bibi, I have Plains Garters (had them many times before too) but mine have always been captive bred. I'd love to hear more on your experience with wild caught T. radix.

[Sid]

From personal experience, I strongly disagree with the problems you mention in your post. However, I do recommend you isolate any wild caught speciman for several weeks from any others you may have, keep a close check on it for mites or signs of any parasite problems.

Allow your wild caught snake several days to adapt to a confined enviroment before feeding and you'll likely have no trouble.

Sid

[ThamnophisManiac]

ok thnx lots

[ssssnakeluvr]

Garters do real well in general if wild caught...not all, but most of the w/c I have had survive...on in particluar was an adult when I caught her, lived for 8 years!!!!

[ThamnophisManiac]

anyone know the best place to catch snakes?? i live in a fairly populate area. i have woods behind my house with a stream through em, but other than that no real marshy places or anything.

[Odie]

They do like to suntan

[KITKAT]

Originally Posted by ThamnophisManiac

anyone know the best place to catch snakes?? i live in a fairly populate area. i have woods behind my house with a stream through em, but other than that no real marshy places or anything.

Garters like streams. Try flipping rocks or logs and look under them. Visit the area near the stream late at night, with a good flashlight.

In an area of your yard that is closest to the stream, or where there is alot of cover, lay down a piece of plywood with a 1 x 1 board nailed along one edge of it. Wait two or three weeks... then go out and flip the board at about 6 AM. If no garter, make sure you position the board just as it was, wait a couple of days, and try again.

If all else fails, check with forum members that have new babies!