garder snake??

[kill3r843]

i just got a garder snake and i need some care info on em

thanks
daniel

os if u gonna be a smart *** like y u get itwhen u dinnt know dont reply

[Cruciform]

Feed them earthworms, rosies (fish), and pinkies (baby mice).

Don't feed them goldfish.

They need a basking spot, and a light bulb will usually do the trick to create enough heat. Don't use an undertank heater on them if you're using substrate they can burrow in. They may burrow to get away from heat, and the results will not be good.

They roam the cage a lot so give them terrain to explore. They seem to like tunneling through sphagnum moss, and some moist moss in the tank doesn't hurt at shedding time either.

[tdherper]

Also, I believe it is a garter snake, not garder..

[zero&stich]

Is this Garter legal Daniel in the state you live in?
Here in vermont it is a federal offense to own anything native in this state. Something else you might want to concider, I have a friend that is part of the Board of Reptile and Amphibian Wildlife. He tells me that ALL species of garters, the exportation of ANY species is coming to a close. So all those localities, albino ect..cannot be shipped. The penatlity in the state of Vermont for owning an illegel species is around 75 dollars or more. Every state has a different regulation so that is somethin to concider and Garters are becoming protected alot. The San Francisco Garter is protected and endangered because people are collecting them out of the wild. To own this species requires a permit.

Garters diet concists of earthworms, small frogs, pinkies-adult mice, "rosie fish"(Tuffies), small lizards(anoles, salamanders, "grubs" ect. Pretty much a wide range.

Life span-8-20+ yrs in captivity
Adult length- under 5ft
Range-Through out North America(many Lo-cals and subspecies)

Husbandtry-
Babies should be housed in smaller enclosures to reduce stress such as a sweater box or 10g. A mature Garter in my opinion should be housed in enclosure at least 48 inches. Not everyone relizes it but these animals get quite long, not so much in girth but get a decent length. Overall 5 feet is a decent size snake for the beginner and should be concidered if one can house it properally.
You can use a heat pad IF you have a thermostat to regulated the temps. Some household ones have rheostats built into them. If you choose to use the pad I suggest raising the enclosure 3in about the pad eaither by wood blocks or ect, something strong enuff to support your snake's home. I suggest this because this is a borrowing species and if in contact with the glass(if you so choose to use an aquarium) and the warmth of the pad could result in serious burns and could be fatel, pending. Glass gets VERY hot! Rubbermaid enclosures might not run that risk so much. Alternative heat sorce is a dome lamp w/incondecent or cermanic heat emitters on the top of a mesh wire.

Side note: I also sugest a full spectrum fixture(UVB bulb). Since these animals hail on different prey other than rodents, they may need the added calcium boost.

And I also suggest on purchasing a book about basic Garter care and husbantry.

These were my first snakes myself when I was 9. Take that and add 10 more years, lol. I've been keeping them for almost 4 yrs (since my 5 yr lapse, lol).

Hope this helps,
Good luck and have fun! There underated animals and are a great first snake and you'll be adicted to them soon, lol. ;)
Jess

[Shad0w]

Post some pics!!! :) I wanna see the little beauty

[zero&stich]

Post some pics!!! I wanna see the little beauty
Garters rock! :p

[nburgmei]

I too just got a garter and was wondering if you guys had any advice on switching him over to pinkies?

He definitely loves his nightcrawlers, but he doesn't seem to care much for pinkies. I've tried unscented and scented. I even tied a crawler around the pinkie and it didn't work.

[Edwin]

Here is a very good site on garter care:

http://www.mcwetboy.com/gartercare/

[rwg]

Just go easy on the fish. An exclusive fish diet can be problematic.

[Vanan]

Originally posted by nburgmei
I too just got a garter and was wondering if you guys had any advice on switching him over to pinkies?

He definitely loves his nightcrawlers, but he doesn't seem to care much for pinkies. I've tried unscented and scented. I even tied a crawler around the pinkie and it didn't work.

A scented pink part may work. A whole pink may be too large for your garter, depending on his size.

[nburgmei]

Well actually, he's a fairly large garter and I did get him to eat a pinky. It just took a few scentings to get him to bite.

Hopefully it will keep it up. Thanks for the advice.

[anacondaman]

i keep a few species of garters....to switch over just wash the fuzzy or pinky with non scented soap....then soak the fuzzy with some raw fish fillet
then watch your snake eat
lol

adam

[zero&stich]

Scenting to a green tree frog works also. But I honestly haven't seen a fussy garter. THeir feeding response is actually quite strong when acclimated.

[Jonathan Crowe]

The site that Edwin mentioned has been replaced by this one, which is still being developed but is ready enough for public consumption:

http://www.gartersnake.info/

Care information is available here:

http://www.gartersnake.info/care/

[CamHanna]

What is the current state of tetrataenia in Canada? Has Blais run into any tumour problems?

EDIT:

I ask becasue of an article in the link that Mr. Crowe provided.

[Linds]

Keeping in mind keeping animals that otherwise naturally feed on a lower fat diet, such as amphibians and reptiles, may suffer a shortened lifespan by problems such as liver failure, etc. if fed an all-rodent diet in captivity due to the much higher fat content.

[Vanan]

Linds, I am very much a believer and watching the fat content in amphibian and reptile eaters. But I do have to add that thus far there has been no documented case which shows sufficient evidence to incriminate an all rodent diet. Although there have been a couple of snakes which died of fatty liver disease and were beinig fed an all rodent diet. Go figure.

All I'm saying is use your own judgement and proceed with caution when feeding Natricines especially, an all rodent diet. Then again, there are some more tolerant such as most common garters. Just showing both sides of the coin. :)