Hi all! Some Noob Questions if I may?

[Mark Collyns]

Thanks for all the replies! Appreciate the help on this one. Well we gave in again and agreed he could get another snake on condition that its another male - we dont want to wake up one morning and find little eggs

I was initally dead set against him ever having a snake. But it's turned out to be completely the opposite to what I'd thought. I've read a few people saying that ribbons/garters recognise their owners. is this true? my sons snake seems to recognise him and my wife. the snake is unbeliebaly docile and tame, has never bitten anyone except a few strangers who've tried to hold him. east well and seems "happy". will have to consider getting a large viv for the two. After seeing some of the fantastic set ups you guys have, it's given my son loads of ideas.

By the way, one question regarding feeding: we give the snake pieces of frozen fresh water fish with a sprinkeling of calcium once a month. is there anything else we can introduce into the diet for variety? I've heard about tadpoles and small live fish even worms, but I'm worried about parasites.

thanks!

[Stefan-A]

I was initally dead set against him ever having a snake. But it's turned out to be completely the opposite to what I'd thought. I've read a few people saying that ribbons/garters recognise their owners. is this true?

It probably is true. Their sense of smell should certainly be good enough to distinguish between people. Although it could also just be that other people are doing something wrong when they try to pick up the snake.

[guidofatherof5]

Thanks for all the replies! Appreciate the help on this one. Well we gave in again and agreed he could get another snake on condition that its another male - we dont want to wake up one morning and find little eggs
By the way, one question regarding feeding: we give the snake pieces of frozen fresh water fish with a sprinkeling of calcium once a month. is there anything else we can introduce into the diet for variety? I've heard about tadpoles and small live fish even worms, but I'm worried about parasites.
thanks!

Garters and Ribbons have live born. So, waking up you find a lot of little scrubs all looking at you. Baby garter snakes are the cutest little things.
The care sheet is a good place to check into food alturnatives. Here's a link:Garter Snake Care Sheet - Caresheets

It's so refreshing to hear some talk about how surprising garter snakes are. I think they are one of the best kept secrets in the animal kingdom. They are a good mix with people and are easy to care for. They are healthy and live long.
Yes, they become attached to individuals. My snakes recognize strangers in the snake room and are wary until they feel comfortable with them. I think they are also very intelligent , in their own way.

[infernalis]

Thanks for all the replies! Appreciate the help on this one. Well we gave in again and agreed he could get another snake on condition that its another male - we dont want to wake up one morning and find little eggs

No eggs, live babies.

By the way, one question regarding feeding: we give the snake pieces of frozen fresh water fish with a sprinkeling of calcium once a month. is there anything else we can introduce into the diet for variety? I've heard about tadpoles and small live fish even worms, but I'm worried about parasites.

thanks!

Once a month is not nearly enough. The snake will starve to death slowly.
(unless I misunderstand you, and the supplemental calcium is once a month)

2-3 times each week is the norm

Frozen / thawed pinky mice have great nutritional value, Night Crawlers are also a nice treat, just not very nutritious.