Garter Snake
Active and inquisitive, often kept in groups with careful feeding management. Good for keepers who enjoy observation and frequent interaction.
scientificName
Thamnophis spp.
careLevel
Beginner to Intermediate
adultSize
45 to 120 cm
enclosure
90 to 120 cm with secure lid
temperature
22 to 28C
humidity
40 to 60%
diet
Species-appropriate varied diet (often fish/earthworms plus balanced options)
lifespan
8 to 12 years
handling
Usually tolerant with calm handling
lighting
No UVB required for most; day/night light cycle helps
weeklyMaintenance
Spot-clean as needed; full clean monthly or as needed
Best for
- People who want a quiet, low-odor pet with simple routines
- Owners comfortable with frozen/thawed rodent feeding
- Homes that can keep enclosure temperatures stable
- Keepers who enjoy observation and calm handling
Not ideal for
- Anyone uncomfortable with rodent feeding
- Homes with frequent temperature swings
- People who want a pet that seeks attention
- Impulse buyers without space for an adult-size enclosure
Temperament
- Typically calm with regular, gentle handling
- Prefers secure hides and predictable routines
- Can become defensive if stressed or overheated
Daily routine
feeding: Feed on a schedule appropriate for age and body condition; avoid overfeeding.
heatLighting: Check warm and cool zones; use a thermostat for safety.
check: Confirm sheds are complete and water is clean; watch for wheezing or mouth issues.
handling: Handle between meals; avoid handling right after feeding.
Living fit
smallHome: Good fit for small to medium species; large boas and pythons need significant space.
kids: Better for older kids with calm supervision and hygiene habits.
firstTimeOwner: Corn snakes and sand boas are good starts; ball pythons can be intermediate.
Health notes
- Incomplete sheds usually point to humidity or hydration issues.
- Respiratory issues are often linked to low temps or damp, dirty substrates.
- Weight creep is common; adjust feeding schedule and prey size.
Cost and time
time: Low to moderate once set up; feeding is infrequent but monitoring is daily.
cost: Moderate; larger species can be high-cost due to enclosure size.
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