Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I might be interesting in buying a garter snake but I first have a few questions.

1) I noticed that this snake eats fish instead of mice. But, does it eat mice?

2)Is aspen substate fine?

3)Is an undertank heater fine?

4)How big of a tank must an adult need?

5)How active are they, say compared to king snakes?

1) I noticed that this snake eats fish instead of mice. But, does it eat mice?

Yes they can be taught to eat thawed pinkies. Unlike milks or kings, Garters will not attack and constrict a mouse.

Rosie reds and earthworms are readily eaten and easy to get.

2)Is aspen substrate fine?

I have used Aspen, bark, coconut and soil all with good results. Aspen is attractive and they love to burrow in it.another product that is commonly used is "carefresh" a recycled newspaper substrate available in many colors

3)Is an under tank heater fine?

again, here is another great aspect with garters, just get a small under tank heater, put it under one corner. Garter snakes can handle a very wide range. Mine largely IGNORE heat. so don't spend a lot on heaters. At the same time AVOID windows or direct sun, Garters cook easily.

4)How big of a tank must an adult need?

A 20-30 gallon works for most but the largest females. Keep it covered and clipped or latched, these guys are escape artists!!

5)How active are they, say compared to king snakes?

Your in for a show! Garters are diurnal (day snakes) and very very active. a few hides, a few rocks and maybe a driftwood chunk, and you are set. They strut about all day looking for food and escape routs

And some of the colors, WOW what is not to like!!!!

Have fun,
Wayne A. Harvey

-----

1.0.0 Ball Python - Python regius "Cane" Rescue
0.0.1 Eastern MilkSnake WC "Carmello" adult super sweet temperment
1.2.3 Storeria dekayi Casper, Xena, Athena, & Kids (30 plus released!)
0.0.2 Thamnophis marcianus - Checkered Garters "spot" & "Zig"
2.2.0 Thamnophis radix Snow, Iowa snow & christmas snow het.
2.1.0 Thamnophis sirtalis - eastern Garters
0.0.1 Thamnophis sirtalis - "Flame" red and white stripes
1.1.0 Thamnophis sirtalis CB "Flame" & Melanistic
1.0.0 Thamnophis pickeringi - Puget Sound Garter "Sky" (adult, Sky blue)
0.0.1 Nerodia sipedon - Water Snake - "Aqua" adult WC
0.1.0 Storeria occipitomaculata - Red Belly snake (Her children were raised & released)
0.0.1 Amelanistic Corn Snake "CY" Juvinile CB
1.0.0. Pueblan Milk snake "Oreo" adult CB
1.0.0. ASIAN GREEN SNAKE 3' WC Cyclophiops major"Limon"
0.0.1. Savannah Monitor "CHOMPER" Growing fast!
0.1.0. Green Anole "Crystal" WC
1.0.0. K9 "ACE" Black Cockapoo
0.2.0. Feline"Felix"(R.I.P. 4/27/08) "Kaja" & "Silver"
2.1.0. calico RATS
2.4.?? Mice - Feeder farm - Crickets / fish
More herps than I could ever list out back on the land.

I agree with Wayne but also wanted to point out that most under tank heaters will cook a snake if it's not dimmed down a little. You may already know this but the under tank heaters can create a hot spot of over 100 degrees F and snakes can burn themselves on spots that hot. Most pet stores carry dimmers for under tank heaters but if you can't find one there then you can always ask someone at home depot or something...