CB vs WC Opinions Please

[snakehill]

I was wondering what differences there may be between CB and WC garters when it comes to temperament, feeding and general husbandry etc. I know every snake is different but I'm curious and would like to know what differences have been observed by everyone. Thanks

[Plissken]

One difference I can think of is that worms and other parasites are more likely to occur in WC snakes and need to be treated, which can be pricey. CB snakes would rarely have worms or other parasites depending on food quality and general care by its owner.

[guidofatherof5]

I can only speak of my radixes when it comes to wild caught but I see no difference after they have settled in.
Some of my best behaved snakes were caught right outside my front door.
I see very little difference betwwen CB and WC.(T.radix)

[RedSidedSPR]

Neither is better. I have two CB, and one WC

CB are healthier, but WC can be treated with deworming meds and be just as healthy (usually)

If you get CB you know all about it, he's eating, etc, but most WC can adapt really well.

Personally i think it's better to buy the snake, than to catch it, but it's up to you. Both are just fine. I'm all for WC snakes

[jitami]

I have two of each and don't see a huge difference in temperament, although the CB kids are a little less flighty. However, garters are so inexpensive that there's really no reason not to just get a captive bred pet. By the time you spend money on treating parasites on the wild caught snake you could have easily paid for the price of a snake and shipping from a reputable breeder who will be there to answer questions, help get your little guy situated, etc. You'll know the snake is feeding, exactly what it prefers to eat, etc. A lot of the guess work and experimenting to get things right is removed. It took a good month to 6 weeks to get everything figured out for my first, WC, garter whereas the CB babies arrived and settled right in with no fuss at all.

[snakehill]

I absolutely agree or I would have hundreds of garters!!!!! The problem is that no one in my area sell garters, they are not even available at the few reptile shows we have!

[d_virginiana]

Have you looked at the classifieds section of this forum or on other websites? There's a lot of people who are willing to ship. It can get pretty expensive, but you might still come out better than you would trying to treat wc snakes for parasites n' such.

[RedSidedSPR]

It does get pretty expensive (shipping), but that's always an option, and works just fine,

[kibakiba]

I have 4 (mostly) adults that are WC and they are tame as can be, my CB babies are pretty tame. My CB concinnus are flighty and bad tempered, but are always loved.

[snakehill]

I'ts funny, I see garter snakes in my yard all the time. Now that I'm looking for one forget about it!