Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've never had a reptile as a pet before, but I was thinking about getting a garter snake. Are they very friendly? I want something that is pretty friendly, doesn't require a big tank, and doesnt have to eat mice. I dont think I could bring myself to feeding a snake a mouse. I went to a pet store just to find out info about them and the girl told me they can live off gold fish. I just want to make sure that this is a good pet for me so any info would be great. Thanks

I've seen some nasty ones and I've seen some friendly ones. When you go to the pet shop, ask an employee to handle them in front of you and pick out the one that doesn't strike. That simple. Of course you don't want to pick it out if it's not moving at all.

I have caught some garters in the wild, but I have never kept one but I am about to buy a flame garter snake. I would reccommend getting a ball python they are very friendly and they almost never strike, unlike garters I have caught in the wild. I have been keeping balls and many others for a long time and I am also going to start breeding them soon. It is true though that garters eat goldfish but you can also feed them mice as babies you can feed them goldfish and/or pinkie parts. Balls will eat mice in captivity. Ball pythons require a 30 or 40 gallon tank depending on the individuals size, While garters will need at least a 20 gallon or larger depending on the amount of space you have and how much you take it out if you take it out for. if you take it out for at least an hour or so everyday a 20 will be good if you dont plan on devoting that much time go a little larger with whatever species you decide to get so it gets the neccassary exercise although I have never heard of a problem with garters being overwieght. Their are other great species out their but most need more specialized husbandry techniques then these snakes. If you would like more info or if you have any other questions feel free to e-mail me at azinthehouse11@aol.com

(I want something that is pretty friendly, doesn't require a big tank, and doesnt have to eat mice. I dont think I could bring myself to feeding a snake a mouse.)

Ball Pythons don't fit this bill. I believe that was her reasoning for obtaining a garter snake.

I figured I would mention it to let her widen her search for a snake that she likes. maybe she will have a change of heart and find a way to feed mice. lets not argue though she wants to get started in the wonderful world of herps so lets let her have a good start. Now for mariannes question if you want to get a garter go ahead but there are many other snakes like rough or smooth greens that eat insects and are also just like a garter in the husbandry area.

Garter snakes can make great pets. Although they usually aren't the tamest snakes. They don't like to just sit in your lap, they will constantly try to move away. Also, goldfish are not a proper diet for gater snakes or almost any thing else. Goldfish are not very high in nutrients. You could buy frozen mice and rats to feed to it or any other snke for that matter, if it;s feeding live mice that upsets you.

That's sort of a blanket statement. There are plenty of snakes that can't or won't eat rodents. Most aren't very popular in the pet trade for just that reason, but still.
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