Shunned at the Show

[MasSalvaje]

I don't get what people see in garters that makes them so low compared to other snakes. Is it the general commoness of them? Is it because T.sirtalis is often a feeder snake and inexpensive? Is it because they're slightly on the smaller side compared to pythons and kings? Which one is it I must know?

I would have to say all of the above.

Unfortunately there are a lot of people that are in this hobby for what I will call the "sex appeal" factor. They are just trying to look good, or macho, or whatever the reason be, with little interest in the actual behavior and natural tendencies of the animal. Therefore they need something that is very low maintenance and impressive to show off. Garters are, for the most part, neither of the two. They are found in many yards or parks across the country, and they are not going to impress anyone by their size so the benefit of using them to show off is much less then the attention they require. It takes a genuine love and interest for the animal to keep a Garter, unlike other snakes that make it easier to look at as an accessory.

You always hear stories from people on this and other forums talk about how they loved Garters growing up and then they branched off into the "sexy" snakes, but for most they always seem to return in some degree to the Garters because of the necessary relationship involved in keeping and caring for them.

That is my opinion anyway, I am sure there are others that have their own distinct opinion on the matter.

-Thomas

[guidofatherof5]

IIt takes a genuine love and interest for the animal to keep a Garter, unlike other snakes that make it easier to look at as an accessory.

You always hear stories from people on this and other forums talk about how they loved Garters growing up and then they branched off into the "sexy" snakes, but for most they always seem to return in some degree to the Garters because of the necessary relationship involved in keeping and caring for them.

That is my opinion anyway, I am sure there are others that have their own distinct opinion on the matter.

-Thomas

I think you said it pretty well , Thomas.

It's the connection these snakes make. A personal connection. Something special that goes well beyond just keeping them. Therapeudic perhaps, in my case. I get a lot of good from them and in some way I think they do too and know it-This being my personal opinion.

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

Unfortunately there are a lot of people that are in this hobby for what I will call the "sex appeal" factor. They are just trying to look good, or macho, or whatever the reason be, with little interest in the actual behavior and natural tendencies of the animal.

I will agree with this statement entirely. Unfortunately, when I tell people I am into snakes, they look at me, and I am pretty sure this is what they assume. until they see my snakeroom and learn about the snakes I keep. It does truly take a certain kind of person to love and keep garter snakes, one that is truly in it for the observation and interaction with the snakes. Sadly, many of the girls I see that want to get into snakes, or even many that have snakes, have them for the accessory factor. Many guys just want to look tough. If you have a pet python, lord you must be tough. Don't come near me mister tough guy, you have a ball python! You are wayy out of my league.

Now, I am not saying that I don't ever take photos with my snakes, or anything like that, because obviously I do, but it is merely a by-product of my love and pure passion for them and everything about them. I would rather a picture of me be with a snake, than without one. I am not just another bimbo posing with a burmese python (actually i have been offered photo shoots with large pythons and turned them down) I pour my heart and soul into my snakes, and even people that don't know me personally can still see it in the fact that I am always decked out in snake jewelry which is basically the only jewelry I will wear, often wearing shirts from reptile shows or with snake slogans, and carry a purse with two photos of my own garter snakes on it. The car I am working on buying will have a custom plate titled "SNKEBABE" and I will have every snake slogan on the back of that thing you can think of. I proudly express my love for the world's most hated creatures and am not afraid to stand up to the criticizing questions and remarks I get!

[Quibble]

You're all my heros.

I couldn't agree more.