Newbie here!

[infernalis]

I can locate only 1 garter which is not grown already, an albino checkered born this year, but I have no experience of albinos - do they have any care or health issues that differ from others?

Thank you for reading!

Mix

They are the same exact care as any other garter snake, they have the same diet and husbandry requirements as a non albino.

You may feed it cut up trout, minced pinkie mice or diced up earthworms.

Feeder guppies are an all time favourite and most checkered garters go crazy over those little flopping fish.

There will surely be a whole lot more great advice from this wonderful lot here, Many really nice people who are more than happy to help you along with your new snake.

[Stefan-A]

They are the same exact care as any other garter snake, they have the same diet and husbandry requirements as a non albino.

Except that UV bulbs are a no-no, as with most albino animals.

[infernalis]

Except that UV bulbs are a no-no, as with most albino animals.

Who uses UV for Thamnophis?? Unless you are referring to an unscrupulous pet shop trying to get deeper into this nice lady's pocket

[Mix]

No one has suggested UV. So far.

To be honest, I listen to pet store staff (because some of them know what they're talking about), but I put a lot more stock in the advice of people like your good selves, who have years of experience and also actually read up on news relating to their pets.
A perfect example is hearing that some pet stores advising the use of goldfish as a feeder food. Even as a newbie, I learned about that after even an hour or two's research.

[mustang]

No one has suggested UV. So far.

To be honest, I listen to pet store staff (because some of them know what they're talking about), but I put a lot more stock in the advice of people like your good selves, who have years of experience and also actually read up on news relating to their pets.
A perfect example is hearing that some pet stores advising the use of goldfish as a feeder food. Even as a newbie, I learned about that after even an hour or two's research.

because of thees people i learned never to trus the green tounged workers at most stores

[Odie]

Hi, from Oregon, Mix

[Mix]

Thanks Odie!

Good news today! I have found 3 10-inch red-sided babies to choose from! They are a drive away, but will be worth it, and the guy I spoke to over the phone was obviously one of those staff who actually cares about the snakes. One of the first things he mentioned was the fish issue with thiaminase. Very lovely and helpful man. I might ask him about the UV, and see what they've been getting at the store.

So, a little trip is on the cards this weekend! Can't describe how excited I am.

And what's even better; if a melanistic ever pops up, hubbie says I can get one, too! Yay!

[Hollis_Steed]

congrats Mix! Keep us posted and remember to post pics! Looking forward to seeing your newbies!

[Stefan-A]

Who uses UV for Thamnophis??

Lots of people, actually.

[Mommy2many]

Welcome to the forum from Connecticut!