looking for a snake

[aquamentus_11]

Hey Everyone,

My name is Nate and I'm in the market for a garter. I'm originally from eastern MI and grew up with the olive- and tan-colored easterns, so I'd like to find something a little more "exotic". I'm a huge fan of the eastern red-sideds and the melanistics. I have a great set-up all ready to go: big water bowl, live plants, branches, hides, basking rocks (not heat rocks) underneath my UVB bulb, etc. I also have a 23" repti-racks cube that I was going to use for an ATB on the way, but now it'll be set aside for when my garter grows into it. Basically, I have everything except the snake.... I'm getting the idea that spring is the time for babies, but I'd also be very happy with a juvie/2011 baby. Anyone know where I can find one? Thanks!

[guidofatherof5]

Welcome to the forum.
I think we have a couple members near you that might be able to help.
Here's a link to the forum care sheet.

Garter Snake Forum - Garter Caresheet

[GarterGuy17]

Welcome to the forum nate.

The thing is most breeders wont ship snakes in the winter due to the cold weather which means you might have to wait for it to get a bit warmer.As for the live plants just some caution you would need soil for that and the soil can carry all types of parasites which is very bad for the snake , not sure if you know that already but just a word of advice. Maybe if you find a breeder in your area you can work out a deal to get a red sided. I recently did that exactly and got my jade I had to go pick her up here she is
P1070008.jpg

Good luck in finding your snake and again welcome !

[mikem]

Welcome to the forum! Hope you find what you're looking for!

[aquamentus_11]

Good call, the plants have been repotted already, but that's something that I've forgotten in the past. As for the weather, if I can find someone who is willing to ship today or tomorrow, the temp will be high enough then and through thursday to be safe. Or, if they're close, I should have time this weekend to drive. Thanks for the fast responses, guys: seems like a great forum.

[EasternGirl]

You can use potted live plants...not a problem. You just have to know the right plants to use so that you don't end up putting a plant in the enclosure that is toxic to the snake. In fact, I have read books that recommend using live plants in vivariums. They are harder to care for and make the vivarium harder to clean...but here is a link started by one of our members: : Potted Live Plants

[aquamentus_11]

I have ficus spp. in there now and am working on getting some pothos to fill out. I have a bromeliad, too, but now it just seems too tropical haha. That care sheet for the snakes is great, btw. The list of thiaminase pos. fish is really nice to have right there.

[aquamentus_11]

@guido: could you give me the names of the members near me so that I can talk to them?

[guidofatherof5]

I was hoping they would contact you over the next few days. I'll see what I can do.

[EasternGirl]

We would love to see a picture of your vivarium if you could post one!