Indonesian Garters and Petco

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

Yep, it seems like a lot of work to make a mountain out of this particular molehill...

I've been to dedicated reptile stores that have mislabeled animals.

from a professional point of view, this is not a molehill, especially to a company who could have a lawsuit on their hands if this mildly venomous snake bites one of their customers and they react negatively to it. It hapened with the lyre snake, it's happened with other keelbacks, it can easily happen here. And if it's then found that it could have been prevented if things had been researched properly, things can really get out of control. The point that needs to get across to them, is that it's not okay for them to be selling them as one thing, when they are a totally different animal. These are NOT generic anyone-can-care-for-one cornsnakes and kingsnakes that are normally sold at pet stores. They sure as hell should not be available to the unknowing general public, especially not labeled as the innocent garter snakes that everyone remembers picking up out of their yard as a kid. Now that they have been informed, we will have to see if they do anything. Now, there is NO excuse for them to continue to be negligent about the types of snakes they sell. If I see a reptile mislabled at the local rep shop, I tell them, and usually they check it out and change the label. Animals need to be properly labeled. In my opinion, much like the way the law operates, there is no excuse for ignorance. Instead of taking their suppliers (obviously terrible) word for granted, stores need to step up to the plate and do their share of homework as well. It's much like how often I get customers who keep their turtle in a plastic container full of water and think that's acceptable. When I tell them different, and they try to pull the "well no one told me that" card, I simply say when you acquire an animal, whether it be a dog, turtle, or a fish, YOU become responsible for an its care and it is YOUR responsibility to make sure you are giving it the best possible care. That means you have to do a little homework... but if you get a dog, you would find out how to care for one prior, right? It should not be any different just because the animal is a goldfish or an anole instead of a puppy or kitty. I don't care if you won it at a carnival, it still isn't disposable, and you need to either read a book and start giving it the proper care it needs or find it a new home. I do not care if that will make your 3 year old cry. (sorry if I sound mean, but I put the health of the animals first because not enough people do) and neither are the keelbacked snakes being shoved off as garters, which clearly, to petco's supplier, are all the same.

[MasSalvaje]

from a professional point of view, this is not a molehill, especially to a company who could have a lawsuit on their hands if this mildly venomous snake bites one of their customers and they react negatively to it. It hapened with the lyre snake, it's happened with other keelbacks, it can easily happen here. And if it's then found that it could have been prevented if things had been researched properly, things can really get out of control. The point that needs to get across to them, is that it's not okay for them to be selling them as one thing, when they are a totally different animal. These are NOT generic anyone-can-care-for-one cornsnakes and kingsnakes that are normally sold at pet stores. They sure as hell should not be available to the unknowing general public, especially not labeled as the innocent garter snakes that everyone remembers picking up out of their yard as a kid.

I am completely with you on your mis-representation rant, but I have to disagree with you about the Venom aspect of your arguement. In the reports that I have read Xenochrophis venom is no more dangerous than Thamnophis venom which is known to cause swelling and irritation around the the affected area.

-Thomas

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

I am completely with you on your mis-representation rant, but I have to disagree with you about the Venom aspect of your arguement. In the reports that I have read Xenochrophis venom is no more dangerous than Thamnophis venom which is known to cause swelling and irritation around the the affected area.

-Thomas

the venom itself is mild to negligible in both, 99% of people will have no reaction but I was referring to the one person who has a serious, allergic reaction to it and dies. Lyre snakes have a "harmless" venom just like thamnophis and xenochrophis, but a small boy was keeping one as a pet in cali, and it bit him and he ended up going into shock and dying. Simlilar things have happened with members of Rhabdophis. Rhabdophis were once all considered "no more dangerous" than garters". Things happen, and sadly usually they are the only way we can REALLY learn about these creatures. It can, and does happen, and if it happens with one of these snakes, and they are misrepresented on top of it, that can mean BIG problems. Prevention, education, and respect for the species is key. Little detail is known about xenochrophis...That is the aspect that really concerns me, and there's no arguing that it's not something to really consider.

[guidofatherof5]

Thomas,

If I neglected to welcome you. I'm doing it now. Glad you're here. This forum is filled with knowledgeable and caring people.

[Odie]

Hi, from Oregon, Thomas

[olive oil]

Hey Thomas, good luck with your keelback.
Keep us posted with his progress!

[Snake lover 3-25]

wow man are you lucky!!!! good luck with him you have no idea how many people wish thay were in your shoes!

[mtolypetsupply]

I know there's been quite a row on here lately about the mislabled "Indonesian Garter". Please don't all grab pitchforks and torches and hunt me down for this.

Someone was saying that they'd actually LIKE to get one of these, so here's a link from kingsnake.com:

Indonesian Garter Snakes: Pair for $100

Don't know if they're still available.

[infernalis]

Thanks Stephi. I may have suitable arrangements but I'll look into this.

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

I was Pm'ed about these guys from a few different people, and I do appreciate that a lot. However... they want way too much money for them... they are definitely wild caught and most likely fresh imports... I can get that same quality of animal (poor but its all that is available) for a fraction of that price in person at a show. I could spend $45 and get a nice trio at a show (too bad I did not a few shows back when I had the opportunity) and pick out the biggest healthiest looking snakes, which to me is really all I can do simply because there will be vet bills to treat for parasites following the initial cost.