The state of the thamnophis hobby

[d_virginiana]

I haven't been keeping up with the number of breeders/pricing/what they're offering lately because I'm not in a situation to breed them or get new snakes at the moment, but I don't think there's ever going to be a comparison between garters and BPs in the US.

I think there are a couple husbandry reasons for this; namely the more complicated diet, large space requirement for their size, and tendency to be jumpy or nippy compared to the more docile BPs. The main reason I think will keep garters from reaching that level of popularity and diversity is the fact that they're incredibly common all over the US. Most people who are interested in flashy 'show-off' type animals (as it seems many of the people who get BPs are; not dedicated hobbyists and breeders, but the people who see a pretty snake and decide they want one) aren't going to shell out big money for an animal they see crawling around their back yard every day, even if it does have nicer colors. Garters' size isn't even impressive, and a lot of people prefer working with larger animals.

[Taso]

I don't think there's ever going to be a comparison between garters and BPs in the US.

I agree with everything Lora said, especially that part.
Also, now that Scott's breeders have been spread out, I think the hobby as a whole is up for a variety of upgrades.
When I first got into the hobby, there wasn't really a "facebook group" for garters. So, communication is definitely improving.

[Dan72]

As Beth mentioned Scott's group is spread out and mostly to individuals that I believe are planning to continue to breed. So no real loss there, hopefully. Garters as anyone that keeps them knows are work, more so than most species. Fast metabolism equals more feeding which means more poo & spot cleaning. What out ways all that in my opinion is that for a snake you're going to enter act with that often, their inquisitiveness and active personality trumps all possible negatives. Their are people spreading the word which is great! Facebook definitely helps. Like anything demand will always determine price. Thousand dollar garters? No. But I see nothing wrong with prices climbing and I think in some cases can go higher and be okay. I think the hobby is hotter and getting some recognition, all good. I think the breeders we have won't be enough to fill demand and that's ok too. Keep em wanting more.