Are common garter snakes good pets?
Garter Snakes make ideal pets, especially for beginners. They are generally docile, easy-to-care-for animals with easy housing and feeding requirements. If possible, it’s always better to purchase captive-bred specimens because they are easier to tame and handle.
Are garter snakes easy to handle?
Many garter snakes, particularly if they are captive bred, are gentle and do not mind being handled, and handling them is simply a matter of picking them up and letting them explore your hands. It’s easy to get the hang of after a while — at least if your garter snake is tame. But some garter snakes are not tame.
Can garter snakes be tamed?
With persistent gentle handling, garter snakes can be tamed. In fact, many can be handled immediately with no show of bad temper. However, a few will strike energetically whenever disturbed, resisting taming for some time.
Can garter snakes be housed alone?
Snakes that devour others should never be housed together….Which Snakes Can Be Housed Together?
| Snake Species | Garter Snake |
|---|---|
| Male & Female | Yes |
| Two Males | Yes |
| Two Females | Yes |
| Cannibal | No |
Why snakes should not be pets?
In recent years, scientists have discovered that just like warm-blooded animals, snakes suffer from anxiety, stress, distress, excitement, fear, frustration, pain and suffering. The stress of captivity can lead to diseases and death — not just for their human keepers — but more commonly for the snakes themselves.
Do garter snakes need heat?
Garter snakes need a basking area between 90-95 degrees for proper digestion. Heat can be provided by either a basking lamp, heat tape (or Zilla Heat Mat) under the tank or both. A reptile water dish large enough for the snake to submerge in will provide plenty of humidity.
How long do garter snakes live?
The average life span in the wild may only be 4-5 years however they can live twice as long in captivity. Captives reaching over 10 years old have been documented when reptile health and wellness is prioritized along with proper snake supplies, reptile cleaning supplies, and snake habitat products.
How do you care for a garter snake?
Providing Food and Water Choose a water dish that is big enough for the snake to curl up in. Garter snakes need a water dish to both drink water from and to soak in. Feed young garter snakes every 2-3 days. Give young garter snakes 2-3 earthworms, 2-3 feeder guppies, 1 large feeder platy, or 1/2-1/4 of a pinky mouse.
What to feed a garter snake?
What to Feed to Garter Snakes. Wild garter snakes eat a varied diet containing worms, amphibians, fish, eggs, snails, and rodents. While captive garter snakes can be fed predominantly frozen thawed rodents, occasionally they can be offered other prey items such as earthworms, fresh whole feeder fish, frogs, or toads.
What does a gardener snake look like?
Many people have dubbed the Garter snake the “Garden Snake” because it is so often found in surburban gardens. It’s basic color is earthy and dark with tan, red, yellow or green stripes down its body. Garter snakes are probably the most commonly spotted type of snake in the United States.
Are snakes good pets?
Boa Constrictor. Boas are actually amazing pet snakes,and this one is among the best.