If you could add any feature to the forum, what would you add?

[Sonya610]

What I don't get is everyone is requesting care sheets. I don't even know why it's one of the choices when we already have it.

It isn't about species specific caresheets....it is about finding BASIC INFO regarding husbandry and such on the site! When I want to double check what temps or humidity level or types of food are okay I hit the Google. I do not see ANY stickies or main headers on this site that says "here is the best source of important info".

Most all sites of this nature have at least ONE sticky in the main section plus a big header at the very very top of the forum that addresses all of the basic care requirements. The care of the animals is first and foremost therefore the care instructions are extremely prominent on forums such as this.

[infernalis]

Most all sites of this nature have at least ONE sticky in the main section plus a big header at the very very top of the forum that addresses all of the basic care requirements. The care of the animals is first and foremost therefore the care instructions are extremely prominent on forums such as this.

Like this?? or am I missing your point?

[Sonya610]

Yes, like that, but something a LOT more prominent. Most of the new visitors to sites like this are people that just got their first garter, or are contemplating it so the basic feeding/care instructions should be very obviously displayed.

Most sites choose to put the caresheets/best practices documents at the very top of the main forum section so it simply can't be missed.

I realize the sub-species care sheets vary, but it might be a nice forum project to compile a single "general" caresheet and then get the input from the most experienced members. For instance I was feeding a lot of Salmon/Trout until some members told me that could be dangerous, especially for babies.

That is the sort of detailed info new people need and they need to easily find it all in one place! I would suggest for instance the basic feeding instructions that include "best practices" additions which say something like "many experienced keepers believe large amounts of certain kinds of fish such as Salmon, Trout, etc... can lead to problems possibly because of....

Some people hang out on these forums for months (or years) when they get a new garter, often times mostly to socialize and post/enjoy photos etc... Others hit the forums once or twice looking for info, they may never register or post, and they may never return. It is important to provide as much valuable info as possible quickly and easily as the lives of these little guys may depend on it!

If the webmaster doesn't have the desire, or the time to compile a doc I am sure some of the regular members would love to do it. Just wouldn't want it turning into a big debate (i.e. I have fed my garter a diet of 100% salmon his entire life and he is fine etc...), just view it from the standpoint of the most "conservative" best practices and state it as such.