Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I got my garter from Petco a little over a year ago. I don't know what kind of garter it is, but it is a common Texas garter. I have it in a 20 gallon tall (not long) aquarium. Is this large enough for it for life or should I get something bigger? It's about 1 ft and 10 inches or so. That's just a wild guess, though. It mainly hides in it's hiding spot anyway, but I do see it out, occasionally. There's plenty of room for a large water bowl, 2 hiding spots, branches to climb on and plastic ivy and such to hide in. Also, I've tried to feed it scented fuzzies, but I cannot get it to eat them. Are there some snakes who never take them? Someone told me it was a ribbon snake, but considering it's never touched a worm, I don't think so. Here's some pictures.

The tank is a very good size for the your snake. Can you post a pic of the snake???. Thanks Scott Glover

I did. It's in the first picture.

It looks like a garter snake. Thanks Scott Glover

Ummmm, from the pic it really does look like a ribbon snake. Not sure of the species, but most pet stores carry western ribbons. As far as it not eating worms, ribbons aren't really worm eaters. They're more aquatic cousins to garters and tend more towards fish and amphibians. I have heard of some being trained over to scented mice....but not sure they're as open to this as garters (garters tend to be very opertunistic feeders in the wild). He should do fine in the setup you have, but a bigger one wouldn't hurt and he/she would utilize the space. I like to give my snakes lots of room to stretch out and move about, especially active snakes like garters and ribbons. Hope this helps.

---Roy

Someone told me it was a ribbon snake, but considering it's never touched a worm, I don't think so.

I think so.

Ribbons typically have white labials (lip scales), and garters typically don't. Yours has white labials.
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Chris McMartin
www.mcmartinville.com
I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet

I believe your snake is a Gulf Coast Ribbon Snake, Thamnophis proximus orarius. They are a subspecies of the Western Ribbon and are common all along gulf coast areas from SW Mississippi through Texas. Garters look similar but they typically have black borders on the upper labials (lip scales). It might also be another subspecies of Thamnophis proximus. You can do a web search of the latin name and get further information.

Your cage is plenty large enough but I have concerns about the lid. It looks very escapable to me but I only have the one view of it. If there is any possible way that your pet can escape, he will find it. If it has any plastic parts be sure they do not warp under the lamp or anything. You might be better off with a single piece, tight fitting screen lid weighted a bit at the corners. Ribbon Snakes are also notorious for darting out of their cages so be prepared for that. Like your snake my Eastern Ribbon loves to hide.

Ribbon Snakes, unlike the other members of Thamnophis (Garters) do not take worms. They feed chiefly on amphibians but will also take fish and an occasional lizard. They are also known to scavenge. I highly recommend against amphibians because of internal parasites and there is still some risk of this with a fish diet. My Eastern Ribbon eats large frozen/thawed pinkys scented with goldfish. I scent the pink generously and place it at the opening of his hide. It takes awhile but the snake will eat it. Give the snake privacy and you might have to feed in the evening and leave it in over night. It might take a bit of time and patience but it is worth it if you can convert him to feeding on f/t pinks.

I hope this has been helpful and informative.

Randy
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Firehouse Herps

Thank you very much! That helped, immensely The lid is a bit big for the aquarium on 2 of the edges, but (I don't think it's on there in the picture) I scoot the lid to one side and put a heavy piece of rock on it and have never had a problem. LOL! You're right about them trying to weasel their way out. I've caught her trying on quite a few occasions with no success. Thanks for all of the information!