Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm considering a Florida Blue Garter as a pet for my 5th grade classroom. I've read some of the previous messages and am concerned about the comments (aggressiveness, musking, amount of food they eat, etc.). Yet the one I saw in the pet store (albeit a young one) definitely had personality and was easy to handle. Any comments/suggestions?

Aggressiveness and musking are generally observed in wild specimens, or captive ones that are not handled. Garters tame down very nicely and would make a good class pet. Other suggestions would be other beginner snakes, ie corn, king ect. Sand Boas would also be a good snake. Garters are the cheapest and can be maintained with out feeding mice, something that some children may object to.

Cam Hanna
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"I'm tired of being a wannabe bowler! I wanna be a bowler!!"
-- Homer Simpson

Thanks for the information. After I heard from CamHanna I went back to the pet store to get that cute Florida Blue with the personality -- but a store employee had gotten to him first. I was really disappointed. I guess they won't get any more in until fall at the earliest so unless I see a Florida Blue in another pet store or else one of the snakes rhallman mentioned, it will be next year's class that gets to enjoy a snake in the room. I appreciate the information I got from both of you. Thanks again.

I keep a variety of Garters including 2 Florida Blues. I am referring to Thamnophis sirtalis similis. There is a "bluish" morph of another subspecies that is called blue but they are not the "true" blue. My experience is that similis tend to be nervous snakes. I have talked to other keepers who have said the same thing. However, if the snake feeds well I would think it would be fine for the class room. I have found Plains Garters to be less nervous and a bit friendlier. Other choices might be Wandering and Red-Sided. Checkered Garters are common but I've no experience with them. Garters in general are not the best snakes for "handling." Regardless of which snake you get it would probably best to get it eating rodents. This is a superior captive diet and much easier. You can feed a little less often as well. Only a few Garters will refuse to convert. Anyway, try your Blue Garter if you like him. There are exceptions to every rule. Keep us posted. I will be happy to help in any way I can.

Randy