Garter Snake Care: the Ultimate Guide to Keeping These Slithery Pets (2024)

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Garter snakes make rewarding pets, but proper garter snake pet care is essential.

For housing, provide a secure 20-gallon terrarium with hiding spots, climbing branches, and a temperature gradient from 75-95°F. Use coconut fiber or moss substrate.

Offer a large water dish and feed appropriately sized prey like fish or worms 1-2 times weekly.

These snakes are generally docile, but handle gently. Be watchful for signs of illness.

With diligence and the right setup, you’ll enjoy a healthy, lively garter snake companion for years to come.

Further details on creating an ideal garter snake habitat lie ahead.

Garter Snake Size

Garter snakes come in various species and morphs, each with unique growth rates and size differences. Generally, garter snakes are small to medium-sized snakes, with males typically reaching about two feet (60 cm) in length and females growing up to three feet (90 cm). These snakes are known for their slender bodies and keeled scales, which give them a distinctive appearance.

In the wild, garter snakes are often found near water sources and are active during the day, with excellent eyesight and a keen sense of smell. They aren’t dangerous to children but can carry salmonella, so proper handling precautions should be taken.

When it comes to caging, garter snakes require an appropriate environment that provides hiding places, water dishes, and climbing opportunities. A minimum cage size of 20 gallons for adults and 10 gallons for hatchlings is recommended.

Garter snakes have a varied diet, including frozen thawed rodents, night crawlers, amphibians, and fish. It’s essential to avoid exclusive feeding of feeder fish due to the thiaminase enzyme, which can be harmful to the snake.

In terms of lighting and temperature, garter snakes require a temperature gradient of 75-85°F (warm end) and 65-75°F (cool end). They also need a basking area maintained at 90-95 degrees. Humidity should be kept between 50-60%.

To maintain a healthy garter snake, it’s essential to provide a deep substrate, such as coconut fiber bedding, sphagnum moss, reptile bark, or shredded paper goods. The substrate should be kept dry to prevent sores or blisters.

Handling garter snakes should be done gently, as they can become stressed or defensive if mishandled. Regular veterinary checkups, fresh water daily, and a clean enclosure are essential for their overall health.

Garter Snake Lifespan

Garter snakes are intriguing creatures that can become wonderful pets with appropriate care. One pivotal aspect of their care is comprehending their longevity. In the wild, garter snakes have a comparatively brief lifespan, averaging between 2-4 years. However, in captivity, they can exist considerably longer, with some individuals reaching up to 10 years or even 20 years.

The fundamental factors contributing to their extended lifespan in captivity encompass adequate nutrition, routine veterinary attention, and a suitable habitat. Captive bred garter snakes are preferred over wild-caught ones due to lesser feeding and disease concerns. It’s imperative to offer a balanced diet, pure water, and a suitable environment to guarantee their health and well-being.

Garter Snake Availability

Garter snakes are readily available for purchase, both online and in pet shops. Here are some key points to keep in mind when looking for a garter snake:

• Garter Snake Morphs and Species: There are 35 recognized species and subspecies of garter snakes, each with its unique appearance and characteristics. Some popular morphs include the California Red Sided Garter Snake (T.s. infernalis) and the Eastern Garter Snake (T. sirtalis sirtalis).
• Garter Snake Breeders and Dealers: You can find local garter snake breeders by joining online forums and social media groups, such as Thamnophis Classifieds, Inquiries and Reviews on MorphMarket. Breeders like Gravid Garters specialize in providing high-quality, healthy garter snakes to customers.
• Garter Snake Availability Online: Most baby garters are born late spring, so that’s when most will be offered for sale. Websites like MorphMarket and online classifieds can help you find breeders and dealers.
• Ribbon Snakes: The term ribbon snake is often used interchangeably with garter snake, but it specifically refers to the Mexican Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis sauritus).
• Garter Snake Life Span: Garter snakes have an average life span of 4-5 years in the wild and up to 10 years in captivity.
• Garter Snake Substrate and Water: Make sure your garter snake has a suitable substrate, such as aspen shavings or newspaper pellets, and a large water dish for soaking and drinking.
• Garter Snake Diet: Garter snakes feed on a variety of prey, including earthworms, nightcrawlers, minnows, and fish.

Garter Snake Caging

Garter snakes are a sought-after option for pet owners due to their mild nature and undemanding care. In terms of housing these reptiles, there are several key aspects to bear in mind.

Firstly, the enclosure’s size is of utmost importance. A minimum of 20 gallons is advisable for mature snakes, while hatchlings should have a 10-gallon tank. The enclosure should be longer than the snake’s length to provide adequate room for movement and exploration.

Cohabitation with other garter snakes is feasible, but it requires careful thought. Snakes should be of the same gender and roughly the same size to avert potential conflicts. If you decide to house multiple snakes together, make sure they’ve enough space to avoid accidental injury or cannibalism.

Escape prevention is imperative. The enclosure should have a secure lid with no gaps, as garter snakes are known for their ability to escape. Ventilation is also important, as garter snakes need to breathe fresh air.

Shelter types should include hiding places, water dishes, and climbing opportunities. A deep substrate, such as coconut fiber bedding or sphagnum moss, can provide a natural feel and help maintain humidity.

Temperature and humidity levels should reflect the snake’s natural environment. A temperature gradient of 75°F cooler end, 85°F warmer end, and 95°F basking area is recommended. Lighting should include a heat lamp for warmth and infrared or nocturnal lights at night.

Water should be available in a large bowl for drinking and soaking. A natural history of the garter snake’s habitat can help inform the choice of substrate and furnishings.

Garter Snake Food

Regarding feeding your garter snake, there are several important aspects to keep in mind for a healthy and contented companion. First, the feeding schedule varies based on the snake’s age and diet. Young garter snakes require more frequent feedings, typically every 5-7 days, while mature ones can be fed once or twice weekly. It’s vital to offer prey of an appropriate size, ensuring it’s no wider than the snake’s head.

Some garter snakes may have particular dietary preferences, such as those that specialize in fish and amphibians, worms and slugs, or those with a more general diet. For instance, ribbon snakes avoid worms, so it’s important to be aware of your snake’s species and its dietary requirements.

When feeding, avoid fish that contain thiaminase, an enzyme that breaks down thiamine (vitamin B1), as it can lead to health problems. Instead, choose worms, other types of fish, and mice, which can provide a more varied diet and help prevent thiaminase-related issues.

Furthermore, the temperature and humidity of the environment can impact your garter snake’s feeding habits. A temperature gradient of 75°F cooler end, 85°F warmer end, and 95°F basking area, along with appropriate humidity levels, can facilitate a healthy feeding routine.

Garter Snake Water

Garter snakes require a clean water source for drinking and soaking. The water should be changed daily to maintain chlorine-free conditions. A large water bowl is recommended, allowing the snake to soak at will and swim. For hatchlings, small plastic storage containers can be used as swimming pools. When setting up a custom enclosure with a custom pond situation, a filter system and heating element may be necessary.

To maintain water quality, it’s crucial to disinfect the water container weekly with a 3% bleach solution. Always rinse the tank and furnishings thoroughly before adding fresh substrate.

Garter Snake Lighting and Temperature

To craft an optimal habitat for your garter snake, you must take into account both lighting and temperature needs. Garter snakes are diurnal, meaning they’re most lively during the day and tend to slumber at night. They necessitate a day and night cycle in captivity akin to their natural surroundings.

For lighting, a vibrant 6500K LED or T5 HO fluorescent grow light is advisable, ample enough to span most of the enclosure’s length. UVB bulbs aren’t mandatory but can augment activity and intensify the snake’s colors. Refrain from utilizing red lights or night lamps as they can disrupt your garter snake’s circadian rhythm.

Regarding temperature, garter snakes require a warm basking region between 85-90°F (29-32°C) and a cool side between 75-80°F (23-27°C). At night, the temperature can decline to 64-75°F (18-24°C). The basking rock or platform should be positioned according to the distance between the UVB lamp and the snake’s height when on the basking surface.

To guarantee your garter snake’s environment is secure, avoid employing heat rocks as they can inflict burns. Instead, utilize a halogen flood heat bulb or a ceramic heat emitter paired with a UVB bulb.

Garter Snake Substrate

To ensure optimal care for your garter snake, selecting the appropriate substrate for its enclosure is crucial. Here are some key aspects to keep in mind:

• Enclosure materials: Choose materials that are convenient to clean, such as paper towels or reptile carpeting. Avoid using sand, clay cat litter, cedar, pine, or outdoor dirt, as these can pose health risks.
• Moisture levels: Garter snakes require a moderate humidity level, typically ranging from 50-60%. The substrate should be capable of maintaining this moisture level without becoming excessively wet or dry.
• Hygiene maintenance: Regularly remove soiled bedding and thoroughly disinfect the tank and its contents using a bleach solution weekly.
• Species preferences: Different garter snake species may have varying substrate preferences. Research the specific requirements of your snake’s species to provide the best care.
• Bioactive substrates: Consider utilizing bioactive substrates, such as coconut fiber bedding or sphagnum moss, which can contribute to maintaining a healthy environment for your snake.

Garter Snake Handling and Temperament

Garter snakes are generally docile and easy to handle, but they can be defensive if threatened. They’re nocturnal and crepuscular, meaning they’re most active at dawn and dusk. Garter snakes can form social bonds and may hibernate in groups, which can help conserve heat and moisture.

When handling garter snakes, it’s vital to remember that they can carry salmonella, so always wash your hands before and after handling them. It’s also important to avoid stressing the snake, as this can lead to health issues. Captive-bred garter snakes are usually more tame and easier to handle than wild-caught ones.

Social Behavior

Garter snakes can form social bonds and live in groups, especially during hibernation. Older females often have the most ‘friends’ and are central figures in their communities, while younger males tend to be less social.

Hibernation Habits

Garter snakes hibernate together in communal dens, which can include logs, tree stumps, rock piles, crevices under roads, railroad tracks, and buildings. In cold climates, hibernation is necessary to survive the harsh winter conditions.

Defensive Mechanisms

When threatened, garter snakes may hiss, vibrate their tails, or strike at the perceived threat. They may also release a foul-smelling musk from their anal glands.

Captive Breeding

Captive breeding is preferred over wild-caught animals because it reduces the risk of disease and feeding issues.

Genetic Morphs

There are various genetic morphs of garter snakes, including different color patterns and physical characteristics.

Table: Garter Snake Handling and Temperament	Aspect	Description
Temperament	Generally docile and easy to handle, but can be defensive if threatened
Social Behavior	Form social bonds and can live in groups, especially during hibernation
Hibernation Habits	Hibernate together in communal dens to survive harsh winter conditions
Defensive Mechanisms	Hiss, vibrate tails, strike, and release foul-smelling musk when threatened
Captive Breeding	Preferred over wild-caught animals to reduce disease and feeding issues
Genetic Morphs	Various color patterns and physical characteristics due to genetic diversity

Garter Snake Health and Common Issues

Garter snakes are typically healthy companions.

However, they can encounter typical health problems such as parasites, respiratory infections, and skin infections.

Routine veterinary examinations are pivotal for early detection and treatment of these conditions.

Hibernation is an inherent part of their life cycle.

However, it’s imperative to observe their health during this time.

To safeguard your garter snake’s well-being, provide fresh water daily.

Clean their dwelling frequently.

Handle them cautiously to alleviate stress.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)