Care Sheet for Garter Snakes and Ribbon SnakesAverage Rating Given To This Care Sheet Is 3.20 (1=lowest, 5=highest) Last Updated: 04/09/2005 |
Main Category: | Snakes |
Sub Category: | Garter Snakes and Ribbon Snakes |
Care Sheet Submitted By: | ChArMeR.:*:. |
Years Experience: | 5 to 10 Years |
Species: | Ribbon Snake |
Other Species or Phases this Care Sheet May Cover: | Garter Snakes. |
Sexing and Characteristics: | Ribbon Snakes colors vary, so do garter snakes.
You’ll need a vet to sex your snake. |
Mostly Active During: | Day |
Substrate and Water Needs: | I use bark for a substrate, but I heard that paper and carpet also works well. I use a medium water dish so the snake can bath and so its deep enough for its food. Clean the water everyday to prevent it getting scummy. Also provide foliage so that the snake has some where to climb. Make sure to provide a hiding box to, it makes the snake feel safe. |
Lighting and UVB: | Lighting isn’t really required for these snakes but it is best to have a heating lamp with a 100wt bulb. It makes the snake feel good. |
Temperatures and Humidity: | The temperature in the snakes tank should be between 70 and 85 degrees. Don’t let it get to hot or the snake will be uncomfortable. |
Heating and Equipment: | You should provide a nice basking place for your snake in an opposite area to the light. A heat rock or heating pad fills the bill nicely, although the pad to me seems dangerous to be left unattended. Make sure you turn the basking area off at night to prevent hazards. |
Caging Provided: | The cage I use is a 10 gallon tank with a secured lid. This makes it harder for the snake to try and escape. Make sure you block any holes or slits that the snake can easily pass through. Clean the tank every time the carpet or bedding is soiled. Use a bleach solution with only 5% bleach in it and the rest being water. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry. make sure it is completely cleaned of bleach for the snakes safety. |
Diet: | Carnivorous |
Description of Diet: | I feed my ribbon snake 3 medium feeder fish every 4 days, but I dip one fish in a vitamin once every 2 weeks. I do this because the fish lower vitamins in the snakes body that it requires to grow. Don’t only feed fish though, occasionally give earthworms or crickets so that the snake has a balanced diet. Giving it only 1 type of food wont assure a healthy diet. |
Supplements, Nutrition and Usage: | Use reptile vitamins with calcium only once every 2 weeks. Too much vitamins can make the snake sick. Coat your fish, worm, or cricket in the vitamin powder and give to your snake. This should keep your snake healthy. |
Maintenance: | All garter type snakes are very easy to take care of. Most people prefer them to ball pythons and your larger snakes because they don’t like the fact of live feeding. Just provide a natural environment and give them the love and attention they deserve. You’ll find you have a friend for life! |
Some Words on this Species: | Not prone to biting, but learn to handle with care. Never squeeze the snake because you can hurt it or it might come back and bite you. There are many kinds of color varieties, but don’t judge them on their looks, judge them by their personality. An active snake is a good snake! |
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