Care Sheet for Garter Snakes and Ribbon SnakesAverage Rating Given To This Care Sheet Is 3.77 (1=lowest, 5=highest) Last Updated: 02/16/2005 |
Main Category: | Snakes |
Sub Category: | Garter Snakes and Ribbon Snakes |
Care Sheet Submitted By: | Forest herper |
Years Experience: | 3 to 5 Years |
Species: | Garter snake |
Other Species or Phases this Care Sheet May Cover: | Ribbon Snakes and Garter Snakes |
Sexing and Characteristics: | Males have longer tails while the female has a shorter and more "stubbier" tail. These snakes can also be "popped" or probed by an experienced keeper. |
Mostly Active During: | Both |
Substrate and Water Needs: | Newspaper or paper towels are best to use for Garters and Ribbons.But if you are going for a more "natural" look,then aspen is the best.DON’T USE CEDAR OR PINE SHAVINGS.Pine and Cedar shavings can cause problems for your snake.Also you can use reptile carpet which give a natural look too.
These snakes also like to swim and may take to water when frightened in the wild. |
Lighting and UVB: | UVB lighting is not a "must" but is beneficial. |
Temperatures and Humidity: | Garters and ribbons need a cool side and a warm side to their environment.The cool side of the tank should be about 75F and the warm side should be around 85F. |
Heating and Equipment: | A reptile heat light is recommended.The light bulb should be on the side of the tank,not right in the center.There needs to be a basking spot under the lamp.This could be a medium size rock,a branch,or on top of his/her hide box.The water bowl shouldn’t be under the lamp because the water indicates a cool retreat from the warmth.The hide box shouldn’t be on the heat side for it also indicates a retreat.
Also,an under tank heating pad will easily make a warm side and cool side,and is recommended for almost any snake. |
Caging Provided: | A standard 10 gallon aquarium(10wx20Lx12h) can fit 2 adult ribbon snakes,and one garter.Although some garters may be kept in pairs it 10 Gallon aquarium. |
Diet: | Carnivorous |
Description of Diet: | Some fish are recommended and healthy for your pet snake.Rosy red feeders and good,and also guppies.Gold fish are not recommended.Some garters and ribbons will eat crickets and small pinkie mice. |
Supplements, Nutrition and Usage: | Garters and ribbons should have a weekly dose of calcium and vitamins.You can dust a feeder fish or cricket once a week.The dusted food should not be fed on every feeding. |
Maintenance: | Water bowl should be kept clean,rinsed,and refreshed every day.Replace old bedding weekly. |
Some Words on this Species: | N/A |
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