Ok Ive done my Research

[jimijaw]

I think I am ready to get a few Garter snakes. Ive been into snakes for quite some time just never had any Garters. Id like to get a few opinions of what I should start out with. I will need ones that eat earth worms or pinky mice since I have a rodent breeding station here at home. I live in the country so getting lizards, anoles, guppies would be a real strain on my pocket book due to the fuel prices nowadays. Worms are no problem since there is a bait shop just down the road. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Jimi

[adamanteus]

I guess the first consideration would be "what species are available"? Most Garters will accept worms (not too many) pinkies and fish. You don't need to feed live, whole fish Jimi, you can use frozen/thawed fish pieces such as trout. You won't need to use lizards. In short, pretty much any Garter species.

[Cazador]

Hi Jimi,

That's kind of a tough one. I'm pretty sure that all garters will eat worms, and many will convert to pinkies after a bit of scenting. I've heard that T. cyrtopsis can be pretty difficult to get to eat pinkies, but there are always exceptions. I'd start by looking at our "articles" section (just click on the tab at the top right of any page). Sid, Hans, and others have put a lot of effort into adding pictures of different species/subspecies. You can also check out Fons's website (Kousebandslangen.nl). It's in Dutch, but all you have to do is click on a species name followed by the "Foto's" box. He's done an excellent job of posting many pictures for each species/subspecies and even several different morphs. After you've found one you really like, you can double-check on its diet, availability, size, demeanor, etc. to see if it's really what you want. Hope this helps,

Rick

[jimijaw]

Adamanteus and Cazador Thank you very much!!!! I will check out the link and Im glad that pieces of frozen thawed fish will work as I am an avid fisherman and early spring around here means trout Again thanks. Jimi

[FitnessFreak]

holy smokes you have got alot of snakes! how do you take care of them all?

[adamanteus]

You're welcome Jimi. Good luck with your choice. Whatever you finally get there are people on here who are willing and able to answer your questions.

[jimijaw]

Originally Posted by FitnessFreak

holy smokes you have got alot of snakes! how do you take care of them all?

Actually its pretty easy Im disabled so Im home most all the time and I raise my own mice and rats. I love snakes and they keep me busy enough that Im a happy guy except that I cant get enough snakes. I have 2 empty bedrooms that I plan on filling up with snakes . I just love it!!!! Jimi

[adamanteus]

I wish I had that amount of space...I was looking at the possibility of converting the back seat of my car!

[jimijaw]

Originally Posted by adamanteus

I wish I had that amount of space...I was looking at the possibility of converting the back seat of my car!

Now that could work LOL!

[Cazador]

Jimi,

If you put a 10" trout in a plastic Ziploc bag for 45 minutes or so, you might get enough fish slime to scent your entire mouse colony . I doubt you'll have any trouble converting them with trout onhand. Just wash the pinkies first. Then scent them, and mix them in with fish chunks, so the snake is surprised by its first mouthful of a pinkie.

Rick