Hi
Being a breeder of reptiles for more than 35 years, I have seen thousands of Thamnophis sold from pet shops. I am actally curious. What is established within the hobby.... species, subspecies and color morphs. Looking at the pet trade here in Europe for about 35 years, I only see wild caught animals. The only species sold as captive bred here in Europe is Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia normally, but there should be plenty more. Marcianus has entered lately with juveniles from wild caught parents, but we need real offspring of these lovely snakes.
Please tell me about what is on the market. What is available if you loook hard enough.
I only keep tetrataenia and parietalis, but if can get hold of the right species, I cannot imagine where I stop...... and that is told from a keeper of ratsnakes for 35 years
Best wishes
Søe
Reptilia-Denmark
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What is actually the status of garters within the hobby?
Replies (3)
I would say that most in the US are WC as well. You do see some color morphs of certain species and occasional splatterings of other CB normals, but for the most part it seems when you look at a dealer's list or walk into a store, you are going to find a WC Thamnophis. Andy
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Andy Maddox
Houston Herp Key
The Reptizone
There are several individuals working on several species and multi-morphs have been produced.While there arent enough serious breeders to garner the multitude of animals and morphs found in the field each year,there are more all the time. Scott has what can only imagine from his website in his collection. I would think it only appropriate that you visit there first,he is a very nice guy,Jeff
As stated, most pet shop garter snakes are probably wild-caught. The only cb garters I've seen in pet shops have been amel checkered garters.
Also, I don't think I have seen more than a handful of Thamnophis at sales or expos, either. I believe them to be far less bred in captivity than most common species.
That being said, there are several serious garter hobbyists in the U.S., and their contributions help to keep the snakes in the hobby.
Many consider the lowly, fairly common gartersnakes to be less than worthy of keeping, but they do make great pets, and as I understand, are easy to breed and care for.
I have 1.3 w/c T. cyrtopsis which is a rarely kept species, but locally common.
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