When planning to care for a garter snake, it is very important to know what you are doing. This reptile requires proper food, shelter and care. If you are unable to provide it with the right environment, leave it in its natural habitat and just admire it from afar.
Steps
Step 1. Get an aquarium
The garter snake pup will do well in a 20 gallon aquarium, while a large adult might do much better in a 60 or 80 gallon one. Don't put it in too small a container as this is a very active creature.
Step 2. Provide a warm environment
You can use heating pads / strips to apply under or to the side of the container, or place a bulb on top. The pads / heating strips must cover one third to half of the aquarium. One side of the container should be warm and the opposite side cool. If you use a light bulb instead, never put one with more than 15 watts, otherwise the snake could burn itself. Never use hot rocks at all. There have been cases of garter snakes being burned and killed by these. Also, do not place it in direct sunlight, as it may die.
Step 3. Cover the bottom of the aquarium with substrate
Paper napkins and newspapers work well because they are inexpensive and easy to clean. If necessary, you can also use oily paper such as that of butchers, cypress mulch, tree bark and wood shavings (aspen is the best, pine is fine too, but never use cedar).
Step 4. Get a bowl of water
It should be plastic and large enough for the snake to dive. Don't take it too big though. One of the most common mistakes with garter snakes is to think they are aquatic, when they are only semi-aquatic; they are the prey they eat that live in water. If you keep it in an environment that is too humid, the snake could develop vesicular disease that is very difficult to treat.
Step 5. Buy a thermometer
The bulb thermometer is not very accurate, but it gives you a general idea of the temperature, which should be around 22 ° C in the cool zone and 30 ° C on the heated side.
Step 6. Add a hiding place
A snake always needs a place to take refuge. It does not have to be very big, since the animal is able to curl up. It is even better if the snake manages to touch the edges with the body when curled up.
Step 7. The garter snake is carnivorous and hunts for prey, so you have to choose something to feed it
It may come as a surprise to know that frozen mice are the absolute best choice. They provide all the nutrients the snake needs and have no parasites or bacteria that could harm them (note I said dead and frozen mice). If the snake doesn't eat them, you can feed it a mix of fish, worms, and perhaps vitamin preservatives. Snails can be a delicacy to give him every now and then, even if they are difficult to obtain. Snake pups can eat baby rat parts twice a week, adults can eat the appropriate sized mouse once a week. The mouse should be about the size of most of the snake. If the snake eats fish, you should give it every 5-6 days and if it eats worms twice a week. You must avoid fish with thiaminase, such as goldfish. Ask your retailer about the right type of fish.
Step 8. Change the water every week, if not more often
Wash the bowl every 1-2 weeks by cleaning and sterilizing it each time. Have fun with your new pet!
Advice
- When the snake sheds, do not touch it for at least an hour, this will give the new skin time to get used to the air and temperatures; the salts and sebum in your body can damage it.
- You should make it a wet hiding place, which you can do by simply placing a few wet paper towels. This can help him during moulting.
- When a snake is shedding its skin, move the water bowl to the warm side of the container to increase the humidity.
- Many garter snakes prefer moving or live food.
- If you have a baby snake it is a good idea to put a lid on the container.
- The humidity should be between 50 and 60%.
Warnings
- Snakes bite, be careful. They are living creatures, respect them.
- They cannot digest plants.
- No matter what even the best pet shop clerk tells you, know that they don't eat crickets.
- DO NOT put a "hot rock" in the aquarium; there are some rocks that contain heating elements, but the snake can wrap itself around it and burn itself very badly.
- If you have caught a snake, let it go if it wants to eat. Don't starve him.
- Do not put anything in the aquarium that can hunt the snake. Just food.
- Garter snakes do not eat insects or spiders as they are unable to digest exoskeletons.
