hey guys im new here getting a garter snake soon

[FitnessFreak]

Hey guys I am new tot his forum and live in calgary alberta canada!
im 15 and going to be getting a baby pet garter snake in 2-3months

i have a few questions though that i would like to know before i get it lol

1.

aquarium size

2.

what to put in the aquarium

3.

is regular tap water ok to put in a pool i will build for it to drink? or should i get river water from the river near my house?

4.

how often to feed it earth worms?

5.

how often to feed it crickets? (when it gets bigger)

6.

how to feed it? i heard they need to be force fed as a baby....

7.

what to name it?


thanks guys i really appreciate the help, i am pretty nervous as i really am looking forward to having my first pet snake-and i would like to make sure i do a great job taking care of it!

[Boots]

Welcome aboard,

1. A 20 long to start is fine, but I would go as large as you can afford to start.

2. Bowl for water, substrate, and of course Garters. :)

3. Regular tap water should be fine, but I like to let it sit for a couple days before I use it. I would not suggest using river water since you are not really sure what is in it.

4. Every second week should be fine.

5. As they grow in size, you can move to pinkies. NO crickets.

6. I have never had to force feed a garter, so I would not expect you would have to. Just make sure they are eating before you leave the store, and you should be fine.

7. That is a personal question, but when you figure it out, please let us know.

Make sure to check out the care sheet on garters. Here is the link. http://www.thamnophis.com/caresheets/index.php?title=Garter_Snake_Care_Sheet

Garter make great pets, and are not just for the beginner. :)

Jason

[Dolly]

i wouldnt stress the tank size as long as it doesnt look crammed. good idea to get the biggest one possible (within reason) for the time being

[Boots]

I always like starting with as large of a tank as I can as I can. That way I don't have to upgrade as oftern, and you can never have just one. They just seem to multiply. :)

Jason