after hearing about the chances of survival for these keelbacks, i suppose the best thing to do is give this one the best quality of life i can possibly provide, it certanly wont be any better off if i return it to petco. i only thought about breeding them, i had high hopes for the future, but im lowering my expectations. im glad i joined this forum, there seems to be plenty of people with truly excelent advice and/or experience.

ill stay with the forum and learn as much as i can about garters before i jump into the responsibility of owning more than one snake. when my little Xenochrophis passes on ill be sure to sterilize tanks and get new supplies for the next addition to my hobby. XD

thank you for all the advice!