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Garter
Snakes (Thamnophis sp.)
There are over 70 different
species and sub-species of
garter snakes found
throughout North America.
They are a smaller snake and
adults can range between
15-48 inches depending on
the species. Garter snake
habitat varies by species
and they can be found in
forests, deserts, swamps,
and grasslands. The most
common garter snakes are;
Red-Sided, Eastern, Plains,
Wandering, and
Blue-Striped. Garter snakes
have live birth and clutches
vary between 15-50 babies.
During the winter, these
snakes are found in dens
with thousands of
individuals where they stay
until spring. Reproduction
in the wild is fascinating
and these snakes breed after
hibernation. In some areas
a group of males will try to
mate with one female and
form “breeding balls”.
Garters are secretive snakes
and will do best if provided
with some type of hiding
place. With proper care you
can expect your garter snake
to live 10-15 years or
more. Prehistoric Pets
promotes responsible snake
ownership and we recommend
locking cages that prevent
accidental escape. Escaped
snakes can have a negative
impact on the general public
which can lead to a ban of
snake ownership.
Temperature
Garter snakes need to be
maintained between 84-88
degrees during the day.
Nighttime temperatures
should range between 68-75
degrees. If you keep your
snake too cool it can
regurgitate, so make sure
the temperatures are
maintained.
Housing
Garter snakes can be housed
comfortably in a 29-40
gallon terrarium as adults.
Ideally the larger the snake
the more room you want to
provide. Never place a cage
near a window where sunlight
can directly shine on your
cage. Cages placed in
direct sunlight can easily
overheat and ultimately lead
to the death of your snake.
Bedding
Almost any type of bedding
can be used for garter
snakes. We recommend using
carpet, bark, or Eco
Earth. A deep layer is
recommended to allow your
snake to hide if it chooses
to do so.
Food
Garter snakes feed on
appropriate sized mice,
earthworms, frogs, toads,
and fish. We recommend that
you feed baby and juvenile
garter snakes 1-2 times per
week. Adult garter snakes
can be fed once every 5-10
days to maintain proper body
weight. Like most snakes,
garter snakes typically will
not eat when they are
preparing to shed. After
your snake has shed you can
return to your normal
feeding regiment. If your
snake doesn’t eat make sure
you remove the rodent from
the cage. Rodents, when
they are hungry, can bite
snakes and can injure or
kill them.
Cleaning and Handling
The terrarium should be
cleaned as necessary. Any
fecal matter should be
cleaned out several times a
week. The bedding should be
completely changed once a
month and fresh clean water
should be provided at all
times. The inside of the
terrarium can be cleaned out
with an appropriate reptile
cage cleaner, we recommend
Natural Chemistry’s Healthy
Habitat. Garter snakes can
be handled on a daily basis
and always wash your hands
before and after handling
them.