Gail's garter - the snake kind silly.

[Invisible Snake]

Sorry about that. Hope this helps.



The lateral stripe runs the length of the snake and is located in a particular row of scales.
In the case of this snake it would be said the lateral is contained in row 3 and 4 and has a dorsal scale count of 22, 11 on each side of the snake.

Nerd alert! lol jk, thanks for posting that Steve

[guidofatherof5]

Nerd alert! lol jk, thanks for posting that Steve

Thanks.

[d_virginiana]

Lovely snake
Garters are probably the friendliest of all the wild snakes I've ever handled.

On a random side note, are you from the NC Winston Salem? I live in central NC as well. I've never seen a reptile rescue anywhere though, it's cool that you have one near you.

[kueluck]

Yup, in W-S. Here's the rescue link. about us - Turtle,snake,and lizard Reptile Rescue Center

Lovely snake
Garters are probably the friendliest of all the wild snakes I've ever handled.

On a random side note, are you from the NC Winston Salem? I live in central NC as well. I've never seen a reptile rescue anywhere though, it's cool that you have one near you.

[EasternGirl]

Gail, the tank you have is the one that I have...I love them...I actually have two of them and plan to get more. I love the slide lock lids because they are so escape proof. The language that Steve is speaking is the language of snake identification. He is talking about the different kind of scales on the snake...mainly the scales on upper lip of the snakes mouth and the scales located under the stripe going down the middle of the snake's back...we count those scales to identify species and subspecies in garters. There is a book, The Garter Snakes: Evolution and Ecology, by Rossman, Ford, and Seigel, that is available on Amazon that we use as sort of our bible for garters. It's really the best book around for garter info. It explains all of the identification stuff. As far as feeding goes, you will get the hang of it. It is one of those things that you have to kind of feel out with experience...for now, I would say why don't you try feeding her every 5 days. Alternate between fish and worms and pinkies each feeding...that's what I do. Give her enough food until you see a nice bulge in her tummy. Like I said, I feed Cee Cee about two pinkies worth of food every 5 days. Zena looks to be about Cee Cee's size. If you feed her fish, just try to size it out to be about the same amount as two pinkies worth. If you give her worms...I would say that probably 3-4 nice size worms would be good....but just watch that tummy bulge, if she looks nice and full after 3 worms, you can stop feeding her. You will get the hang of it, I promise. I know it's tough at first...I was confused too.

As far as supplements go...some people use them and some people don't...it's a judgement call. Some people think the food provides enough nutrients, some don't. I dust the food with a little calcium and D3 powder every fourth feeding with my snakes. If you want the name of the supplement or more specific instructions on how to use it...just ask.

[kueluck]

Thanks…I’m gonna look for the book this weekend at the reptile show in Raleigh. I just hope they don't push the evolution part, which I personally think is a load of crap, but then that's a whole other forum.

As for feeding, what is the reason for feeding a lot at one time instead of giving smaller portions more often?

[EasternGirl]

They probably won't have the book there. Go on Amazon.com. It's not that easy to find from what I have heard. It is also pricey...look for a used copy on Amazon. I got a nice used copy...it was still $60. But it is worth every penny. Feeding smaller portions more often is better for digestion. Feeding less often is just easier for some people with busy schedules and many snakes to manage. And some people just choose to feed less often. I have a few snakes now so I find it's easier for me to try to get them on a similar schedule and feed them less often...rather than trying to feed several snakes several times a week. I like to try to feed all of them on the same day...every 5 or 6 days. Except for my babies of course, who need to be fed every day.

[kueluck]

I kinda thougth it would be easier on the system to feed smaller portions more often. This is why I thought Mon Mice (pinkies) Wed worms, Fri fish. I wish my frogs and toads had that much variety. I don't have kids and spend several hours per day just tending to my critters. I don't consider it a chore or work, for me this is fun, kinda like weeding the yard, I enjoy doing this.

[EasternGirl]

I totally understand...it's nice to spend time with our animals. Still, maybe every day might be too much. Why don't you try then...feeding her two pinkies worth of food per week and splitting it into two feedings. Feed her every 3 days...one pinkies worth of food. She may not even want to eat every day. Try that and see how that works for her. And don't get me wrong...I love taking care of all of my animals! It's just that I have quite a few in addition to my snakes, plus my son and all of his activities...and then school and my house, etc., etc. It can get to be a lot to do at times!

[kueluck]

I don't plan to feed every day, just Mon, Wed, and Fri.