Care Sheet for Garter Snakes and Ribbon SnakesAverage Rating Given To This Care Sheet Is 0 (1=lowest, 5=highest) Last Updated: 04/19/2005 |
Main Category: | Snakes |
Sub Category: | Garter Snakes and Ribbon Snakes |
Care Sheet Submitted By: | Joshsnakeman |
Years Experience: | 5 to 10 Years |
Species: | Thamnophis sirtalis (eastern garter snake) |
Other Species or Phases this Care Sheet May Cover: | thamnophis sirtalis
other genus thamnophis
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Sexing and Characteristics: | As a baby, they can be sexed by a method called "popping". This is making the hemipenises pop out by rubbing near the base of the tail. Do not try this unless you are an experienced herper. Ge more information on this from books, and the Internet.
As an adult, the males have a wider, longer tail.
Another method is called "probing". This is inserting a thin metal rod into the cloaca. In a male, the rod will extend usually over 9 scale lengths, while in a female, it is usually 3-6. It is best to bring your snake to a vet or someone experienced in probing. |
Mostly Active During: | Day |
Substrate and Water Needs: | Substrate-
1) paper towel is the best- it can not be ingested, it is sterile, and it is easy to replace.
2) newspaper- same as paper towel except ink might harm snake( it hasn’t been proven but why take the risk).
3) aspen shavings- not harmful if ingested, inexpensive, looks decent, snake can burrow in it.
4) bark chips- any thing but cedar.
water-
a bowl with fresh water(preferably declorinated) changed everyday, big enough for the snake to completely soak itself in.
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Lighting and UVB: | Heat lamp over one end of the cage - raising temp to 85degrees Fahrenheit.
UV can be beneficial- not proven though.
A heat pad underneath the warm end. Make sure it is thermostatically controlled, though, or else burning could occur.
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Temperatures and Humidity: | Day- 80-85 in the warm end
70-75 in the cold end
night- 60-65
No humidity is needed. Too much of humidity can cause respiratory problems. Even though garter snakes are usually found in wet climates, they do not like high humidity or a wet substrate. This will cause other problems (scale rot). They get all the moisture they need from soaking in the water dish. |
Heating and Equipment: | UTH, 100 watt bulb for a twenty gallon long- increase or decrease the wattage for the size of the cage.
Red bulb is fine at night, but not beneficial.
Keep screen between the lights and the rest of the terrarium. Garter snakes can be escape artists and will burn themselves on the light.
Keep the UTH thermostatically controlled. |
Caging Provided: | 10 gallon for juvenile, 20 long for 1-2 year old, 30-50 gallon for adult. Have two hide boxes. One should be on the warm end and one should be on the cold end. Have a water bowl in the cool end. Provide other shelters, and greenery, wood and rocks for basking areas and climbing areas. |
Diet: | Carnivorous |
Description of Diet: | Juvenile- feed every 3 days.
Feed earthworms, pieces of mice and fish fillets, frogs, salamanders. (note- do not catch food for your garter snake- buy from bait shop, pet store)
adult- feed twice a week and give the snake a variety of salamanders, earthworms, pinkie mice, and frogs. They will eat the same as juveniles just larger quantities.
Feeding only fish can lead to a deficiency of thiamine, which would eventually kill the snake and make it listless and inactive. Most fish contain the thiamine (which breaks down the thiamine. |
Supplements, Nutrition and Usage: | Use a vitamin supplement high in thiamine, on every other feeding.
Calcium is not needed if fed mice, whole fish, frogs, or other food high in nutrients and vitamins. |
Maintenance: | Spot clean the cage once a week, check the snake for good health at every handling (more info about this on the web and in books), and clean the cage entirely every 2 months. |
Some Words on this Species: | Very easy snake to take care of if. Do not catch one in the wild to keep, as it may have parasites and some species of thamnophis are threatened (thamnophis butleri). Interesting color morphs are also available.(http://www.gartersnake.co.uk/) The garter snake is an interesting species, being a good snake for beginners. |
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