Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was wanting to know how many garters I would be able to put into a 48" x 18" x 18" cage? I know that the different morphs cost more...of course, but should I get fewer of a morph, or more of normals? and how many?
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A.J.
1.0.0- Amel Motley Corn- Valentine (R.I.P 5/20/05)
0.1.0- Snow Corn- Artica
1.0.0- Normal Corn- Ember
1.0.0- Ball Python- G.T.

I am not a big fan of comunaly housing garters(I am sure others will dissagree).I personaly have seen two garters on opposite ends of the same food items and some are known to be caniableistic.So if you do house together feed them in other containers.I would not go with more than a trio(1.2)

Housing garters together shouldn't be a problem. I have found several garters together under one rock or board on a number of occasions. You should feed them separately to avaoid any problems. They can end up eating cagemates if they both grab opposite ends of the food item.

feeding them seperately is not a problem i take every one that i have already out and feed in a seperate container anyways
and
which should i do, get a couple morphs, or a bunch of normals????
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A.J.
1.0.0- Amel Motley Corn- Valentine (R.I.P 5/20/05)
0.1.0- Snow Corn- Artica
1.0.0- Normal Corn- Ember
1.0.0- Ball Python- G.T.

My personal preference on this subject is to only house babies together. Feeding babies a mixture of chopped fish and pinky parts make for very easy switch over to just pinks, once this is accomplished I seperate them to individual cages.

It is alot easier monitoring food intake this way.

However I have a friend here in IL. that is a Garter guru!
He houses all of his Garters in groups, BUT he hand feeds about 50 to 60 adults. Tons of work but he really enjoys it!
Mike

As per the morph vs natural choice, are you asking an opinion? Of course go for what you find most appealing, but my favorites are the natural phases of whatever species chosen. Perhaps keep a trio of one species in your large cage, which will offer lots of room and fun breeding opportunities

Ian

I was curious your guru friend how many does he keep in one cage?
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A.J.
1.0.0- Amel Motley Corn- Valentine (R.I.P 5/20/05)
0.1.0- Snow Corn- Artica
1.0.0- Normal Corn- Ember
1.0.0- Ball Python- G.T.

My friend keeps any where from 3 to 12, and more together at times!
Some of his enclosures are 6' by 3' by 18", most are 2' by 2' by 12".
He also on a daily basis hand "washes" (soak and paper towel dry) a couple of dozen adults!
This guy loves his snakes and really puts in the time.
Mike

sounds like he does, I am similar, i love my snakes, but not quite that much...I just hope i can get what i want here soon once i move into my own place and am able to acquire more
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A.J.
1.0.0- Amel Motley Corn- Valentine (R.I.P 5/20/05)
0.1.0- Snow Corn- Artica
1.0.0- Normal Corn- Ember
1.0.0- Ball Python- G.T.

I too love all of my charges!
BUT there are easier ways to accomplish your goals, that leave you with enough time for lots of other Reptiles and breeding your own food supply.
You were asking about Western Green ratsnakes else where.
I'll have hatchlings in the summer. Take a quick look at my webpage to see some other cool Reptiles.
Good luck getting a new place.
Mike
Mike's Monitors!

I did say something about green rats cause i was hoping to get something that is a local to where i am, and it was one of the few i liked of what i could find, and all i saw on your page was feeders and monitors, no offense but i'm pretty much a snake guy, can'e seem to figure out how to properly mange lizards and their needs
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A.J.
1.0.0- Amel Motley Corn- Valentine (R.I.P 5/20/05)
0.1.0- Snow Corn- Artica
1.0.0- Normal Corn- Ember
1.0.0- Ball Python- G.T.

Monitors are awesome reptiles and alot of work!
Kinda like Garters, they both have high metabolisms = lots of food and poop! LOL
Mike