Did you know the average adult garter snake can reach up to 4 feet long? These small, lively reptiles have won the hearts of many, making them a top pick for those new to reptile pets. But, it’s key to know the special care and home needs they require before you welcome one into your home.
Garter snakes come in a variety of sizes and are part of the Thamnophis genus. They’re known for their bright colors, lively nature, and friendly demeanor. This makes them a favorite among pet owners. Yet, they do need special care and attention to stay healthy.
Key Takeaways
- Garter snakes are small, active reptiles that can make great pets for beginner reptile owners.
- They have specific habitat requirements, including temperature, humidity, lighting, and substrate needs.
- Proper diet and feeding frequency are essential for the health and well-being of garter snakes.
- Garter snakes are generally easygoing, but they still require careful handling and proper enrichment to thrive in captivity.
- Researching the specific care needs of garter snakes is crucial before bringing one home as a pet.
Garter Snake Species Overview
Garter snakes are semi-aquatic reptiles found in North America. They vary in length from 18 to 57 inches. These snakes have oval heads, large eyes, and slender bodies. Their keeled scales create a unique pattern on their backs.
Garter Snake Characteristics
Garter snakes are active during the day and can be good pets for beginners. But, they might strike if they feel threatened. They can also release a foul-smelling liquid from their anal glands as a defense.
Difficulty of Care
Garter snakes are beginner-friendly reptiles but need proper care. They need the right temperature, humidity, and diet to be healthy.
Average Life Span
With good care, garter snakes can live 10-12 years. Their lifespan depends on their diet, habitat, and how well they are cared for.
Average Adult Size
Garter snakes grow to be 2 to 4 feet long. The size of their enclosure should match their size to give them enough room to move.
Diet
Garter snakes eat small rodents, fish, earthworms, and slugs in the wild. In captivity, feed them thawed frozen rodents, fish, and chopped earthworms.
Minimum Habitat Size
For one adult garter snake, a 40-gallon habitat is a good size. Two can live in a 55-gallon tank. But, it’s best not to keep multiple adult snakes together to avoid fighting.
Garter Snake Supply Checklist
Keeping a garter snake happy and healthy means having the right supplies. You need the right enclosure size and habitat accessories. Make sure you have these basics:
- Suitably sized enclosure (40-55 gallons)
- Substrate that mimics the snake’s natural environment
- Hiding spots for the garter snake to feel secure
- Branches or rocks for climbing and basking
- Water dish large enough for the snake to soak in
- Heating and lighting equipment to maintain the proper temperature and lighting conditions
Setting up the right habitat and keeping it clean is key for your garter snake’s health. With these essential garter snake supplies, your scaly friend will thrive.
| Supply | Importance |
|---|---|
| Enclosure | Provides a safe, comfortable living space for the garter snake |
| Substrate | Mimics the snake’s natural environment and allows for burrowing |
| Hiding Spots | Gives the garter snake a sense of security and a place to retreat |
| Climbing Accessories | Allows the snake to exhibit natural behaviors and explore its habitat |
| Water Dish | Provides a source of hydration and allows the snake to soak |
| Heating and Lighting | Maintains the appropriate temperature and lighting conditions for the garter snake’s health |
“Captive-bred snakes are now more prevalent, making it easier to find them compared to wild-caught ones. They are less likely to carry parasites or diseases and are generally easier to handle.”
Garter Snake Habitat
Garter snakes are active and need a lot of space to move and explore. A single adult should have at least a 40-gallon tank. If you have two, go for a 55-gallon tank. Make sure the tank has a mesh lid to keep them from escaping.
As they grow, increase the tank size. If you keep more than one garter snake together, the tank must be big enough for everyone. It should have the right temperature differences and places to hide.
Choosing the Right Enclosure
The best tank for a garter snake is about 48 inches long, 24 inches wide, and 24 inches tall. This size lets them control their temperature and act naturally. Baby snakes can start in a smaller tank and move to a bigger one as they grow.
Habitat Mates
- Garter snakes can sometimes be kept together, but do it slowly and watch them closely.
- A good pair is two females or one male and one female.
- Never mix different snake kinds or reptiles, as they might fight or eat each other.
Temperature
Garter snakes need a warm and cool area in their tank. The warm spot should be 85-90°F, and the cool spot 70-80°F. Use thermometers and heaters to keep the temperature right. At night, it can get cooler, between 64-72°F.
Light and Heat Support
Use heat lamps and heating elements under the tank for the right temperature. Make sure these are on a thermostat. Don’t use hot rocks because they can burn the snake.
UV Light
UV light is good for garter snakes, helping their immune system and behavior. Place the light 12-18 inches above where they bask. Change it every 6 months, even if it still works.
Humidity
These snakes need humidity of 30-60% for their health and shedding. Give them a big water dish and maybe a humid hide with sphagnum moss. Use a hygrometer to check humidity and mist the tank as needed, especially when they shed.
Substrate
Use a substrate that lets them burrow and have a dry spot. Good choices are paper bedding, coconut fiber, leaf litter, or sphagnum moss. Keep it at least 1-2 inches deep. Don’t use wood shavings, bark, or reptile carpet because they can be eaten.
Decor and Accessories
Add hiding spots, branches, and live plants to the tank for enrichment. Have at least two hide boxes, one in the warm and one in the cool area. Branches or vines let them climb and explore. Adding plants like pothos, philodendron, and ferns is also a good idea.
Garter Snake Cleaning and Maintenance
Keeping your garter snake’s home clean is key to their health. Experts suggest [https://www.gartersnake.co.uk/maintenance.htm] cleaning and disinfecting their habitat weekly. This helps stop diseases and keeps your pet happy.
Start by taking the garter snake out and putting it in a safe place. Then, change the substrate with paper towels, wood shavings, or cypress mulch. Clean the whole enclosure, including walls and decorations, with a reptile-safe disinfectant or 3% bleach solution.
After cleaning, rinse everything well and let it dry before putting the snake back. This ensures a safe and clean home for your pet.
It’s important to keep your hands clean when handling garter snakes. They can carry Salmonella bacteria. Always wash your hands before and after touching the snake or its items to prevent diseases.
- Clean the habitat at least once a week
- Replace the substrate regularly
- Disinfect the enclosure with a reptile-safe solution
- Rinse and dry the enclosure thoroughly before returning the snake
- Wash your hands before and after handling the snake or the habitat
By following these garter snake habitat cleaning and maintenance tips, you can keep your pet garter snake healthy and happy.
“Proper habitat maintenance is essential for the prevention of garter snake disease and the overall health and happiness of your pet.”
Can You Keep Garter Snakes as Pets?
If you’re thinking about getting a garter snake as a pet, you’ll be happy to know they can be great companions. These snakes are friendly, easy to care for, and don’t get too big. They’re perfect for both new and seasoned snake owners.
But, remember that garter snakes need special care. They need the right habitat, food, and care to stay healthy. With the right setup and regular care, garter snakes can be wonderful pets. Let’s look into what it takes to keep garter snakes as pets.
Garter Snake Species Overview
There are over 30 types of garter snakes in the U.S., ranging from 18 to 57 inches long. These snakes can live for 10 years or more with good care. They make great pets for many families.
Garter Snake Habitat and Care
- Enclosure size: Garter snakes need a space of at least 48″L x 24″W x 24″H for a bioactive setup.
- Temperature: They like a warm spot of 85-90°F and a cooler area of 75-80°F.
- Humidity: The best humidity is 35-60% during the day, and higher at night.
- Lighting: Use a T5 HO Arcadia Forest 6% UVB Kit and LED plant lights for their health and activity.
- Feeding: Feed them based on their age. Newborns eat every other day, juveniles every 3-5 days, and adults every 4-7 days. They like earthworms, guppies, platies, mice, button quail, quail eggs, and Reptilinks.
With the right care, garter snakes can be engaging and rewarding pets. But, some species are mildly venomous and can hurt you. Also, wild garter snakes might be harder to tame than those raised in captivity.
“Garter snakes are a great choice for beginner and experienced reptile owners alike, but their care requirements must be met to ensure their long-term health and wellbeing in captivity.”
Garter Snake Enclosure Setup
When it comes to housing your garter snake, size matters. Garter snakes need a big space to live well. A single adult garter snake should have at least a 40-gallon breeder tank. If you have a pair, go for a 55-gallon or bigger tank. The tank should be longer than the snake’s adult length for enough room to move and play.
Hatchling garter snakes can start in a 36-inch by 18-inch by 18-inch (40-gallon) tank. This size is good until they grow bigger.
Lighting
Garter snake tanks need UVA/UVB lighting to mimic sunlight and keep the snake healthy. Place the UV light 12-18 inches above the basking area. It should be on for 10-12 hours a day. Change UV bulbs every 6 months, even if they still work.
Heating
Garter snakes like a warm and cool area in their tank. Use under-tank heaters and overhead lamps to create a temperature range of 85-90°F for the warm area and 70-80°F for the cool area. Make sure all heaters are on a thermostat to keep the temperature steady. Don’t use hot rocks as they can burn the snake.
Humidity
Keep the humidity in the tank between 30-60%. Offer a big water dish for soaking. You might also add a humid hide with sphagnum moss to help with breathing and shedding. Use a hygrometer to check humidity and mist the tank as needed.
Substrate
Choose a substrate that lets the snake burrow and rest in a dry spot. Options include pelleted paper bedding, coconut fiber, dry leaf litter, or sphagnum moss. Keep the substrate at least 1-2 inches deep. Stay away from substrates that can be eaten, like wood shavings or bark.
Decorating the Enclosure
Add hiding spots, branches, and live plants to the tank for a natural feel. Make sure there are at least two hide boxes, one in the warm and one in the cool area. Branches or vines let the snake climb and explore. Adding plants like pothos, philodendron, and ferns is also a good idea.
Feeding Your Garter Snake
Garter snakes eat meat and need a varied diet to stay healthy and grow. As pet owners, knowing how to feed them right is crucial.
These snakes can eat pre-killed prey like thawed rodents, fish, and chopped earthworms. Baby snakes need to eat every 3-5 days. Juveniles and adults eat every 4-7 days, based on the food’s nutritional value.
- Many pet garter snakes like eating earthworms, especially when they’re young, even finicky eaters.
- Feeding a baby garter snake may take up to 10 days before it eats, as it needs time to get used to its environment.
- Garter snakes typically prefer a diet of mice, providing full nutrition and essential elements.
- A garter snake’s feeding schedule varies depending on the individual snake, with some needing to be fed more often than others.
Use feeding tongs to offer prey to garter snakes to avoid bites. Never feed them by hand, as they might think your fingers are food. It’s important to talk to a reptile vet if you have feeding questions or concerns.
Keeping your garter snake on a balanced diet is key to their happiness and health. By understanding their feeding needs and offering a varied, nutritious diet, your pet will do well in captivity.
Garter Snake Care and Handling
Garter snakes live in North America and love both water and land. They can be found in forests, grasslands, and wetlands. These snakes sleep together in groups during the cold winter months. When spring comes, they wake up to find a mate.
They are usually shy but might bite if they feel scared or stressed.
Natural History
There are about 35 recognized species of garter snakes. They can grow from 18 to 57 inches long. With the right care, they can live more than 10 years. But, some types of garter snakes are not allowed as pets in the U.S.
Enrichment
To keep garter snakes happy, their homes should have places to hide, things to climb on, and live plants. They also need a big water dish for swimming. Make sure they get enough time to sunbathe and explore.
Feeding
Garter snakes eat meat and need a mix of pre-killed prey like frozen rodents, fish, and worms. Baby snakes need food every 3-5 days. Young ones and adults should eat every 3-5 days and 4-7 days respectively, based on the food’s size. Always use tongs to feed them to avoid getting bitten.
“This Care Guide was based on a seven-page care sheet developed in 2001 for customers and individuals interested in caring for pet garter snakes. The guide has been revised and expanded over the years emphasizing detailed and accurate information for beginner snake keepers.”
Conclusion
Keeping garter snakes as pets is rewarding for reptile lovers who are ready for their unique garter snake care needs. These snakes do well in enclosures that mimic their natural home. They need the right garter snake habitat, temperature, humidity, lighting, and things to do.
To be a good garter snake owner, learn about their diet and handling needs. With the right knowledge and effort, these snakes can be great pets for many years. This guide has given you the key info to decide if garter snakes are right for you.
Follow the advice in this article to make a safe, cozy, and interesting home for your garter snake. This way, it can live happily and make you happy. Remember, taking good care of your garter snake is what makes the bond with them special.
