Hi all

I am new here and have a small wild caught garter that I adore. I never thought i would ever say that about a snake, but he is a cute and endearing little guy.

Do garters or any snake form bonds with a human? I seem to be the only one in the house that he responds to or is comfortable being held by. Which is why my son left him in my care when he moved out. I can talk to him and he will react in a positive manner to my voice, sometimes even coming to the front of his tank to be close. Does not respond this way with anyone else.

I would like to get him on pinkies, but right now he prefers rosy red minnows. Tried worms, would have nothing to do with them, tried crickets and he ended up having one as a tank mate until it finally died. He is an active hunter, voracious eater, and will actually lay in his bowl and pout at me until I feed him...regardless if he ate two days ago or not (and this is not him eating just one small fish mind you). He seems happy, healthy, active, and is growing like crazy so am I safe to assume his diet is okay?

Do snakes HAVE to hibernate? I have had him for over a year and I have never let him do so. I don't want to shorten his lifespan or make him miserable.

Anything else I should know to keep him happy?

Thanks!
Lori
Sorry this is not a great shot of him...he is not too fond of my camera.