captive bred garter snake source

[microsnake]

Hi. I really like garter snakes, and I am wondering where I might find a good source for captive-bred garter snakes. I live in Canada, and I have only been able to find US sources.

I am also wondering what other small, active diurnal snakes are in the hobby that are relatively easy to take care of. The green snakes (rough and smooth) are gorgeous, but I understand they are almost always wild caught and that they often are difficult to feed as well as being nervous. I am a beginner with snakes and would rather not bite off more than I can chew, although I am very willing to do the research and provide the conditions neccessary for whatever snake I get. The main reason I am so interested in garter snakes is that I kept a wild baby for a week (they are extremely common in my area) in order to make sure that I really like keeping a snake. I then fell in love with it, and had a very hard time making myself let it go. I found it much more interesting to watch than cornsnakes.

For those of you who have garter snakes, do you use UV lighting for your snakes as is often neccessary for lizards? I've been getting conflicting information on whether that is neccessary.

[Herpkid101x]

you could go with maybe a corn snake or a ball python they dont get to big

[Aaron_S]

Finding captive garters in Canada can be a little troubling. Depending on the species makes it more difficult. In Ontario you're not allowed to keep any native fauna. Unless for educational purposes. I do know that Port Credit Pet Centre has had captive garters. Even an albino.

As the UV question, I don't think it is vital to a snake's health. It couldn't hurt but because snakes get all their nutrients from their prey then it is not needed.

[microsnake]

With reference to Corn snakes, while they are very pretty, I understand they are nocturnal or crepuscular, and the ones I have seen have been rather inactive during the day, especially compared to the garter snakes I've seen. I find an actively moving snake much more interesting than a sleeping one, and I'm not a night person.

I had noticed that the Canadian reptile breeders I've found on the internet don't have garter snakes, and seem to be mainly breeding pythons and boas, along with a few corn snakes. I am wondering why garters aren't more popular, as they are really pretty in many cases, as well as being small, active and diurnal. I know that ribbon snakes will sometimes refuse to eat anything but live fish, but I had the impression that most species of Thamnophis were considerably more adaptable.

How tame do garters get when they are captive raised?

[The Snake Guru]

Like anything else it has to do with the amount of handling, but Garters do tame down fairly well, sometimes they will still musk if you surprize them though.

And I never met a garter yet that refused a meal of fish....for some reason they really like it. LOL But generally they are more opportunistic as you said.

~B~