Thamnophis sirtalis concinnus

JustMe91 · 01-24-18, 01:00 PM

can i keep this kind of snakes 2 males or 2 females together as a beginner? and if yes is it dangerous if i just put a bowl with fish or a bowl fith other pieces of food in the cage? are they happier alone?

DJC Reptiles · 01-25-18, 05:22 AM

Garter snakes are pretty communal in the wild, so in theory, if they were all the same size, yes you absolutely could. Although the more snakes you have the larger the enclosure. For every extra garter snake you have, you will need an extra 10 gallons of space, on top of the 20 gallon enclosure. Garters are diurnal, and very active snakes.

Bandit · 01-25-18, 08:02 AM

They'd do fine together so long as they're given the appropriate amount of space. However, you're going to have to be careful during feeding as sometimes they may try to steal food from others. You would also have the possibility of some not getting enough food. Finally, I'd avoid a completely fish-based diet. Try to feed them rodents.

JustMe91 · 01-25-18, 01:00 PM

i love rodents i cant feed them rodents.. and yeah i learned some more and i will feed them more than only fish. if i put food in pieces or a lot of fish in a big bowl, will they still steal food?

DJC Reptiles · 01-25-18, 05:34 PM

They probably would. Not only that, you wouldn't be able to tell which snake ate and did not eat over time.

Bandit · 01-26-18, 03:33 PM

Yes they will probably try to steal from each other, even if there are plenty of fish or whatever else you are feeding. Like DJC said, it can be tough to figure out which ones have eaten.

Also, what else do you plan on feeding it besides fish? Don't let your love for rodents prevent a snake from having a proper diet. The frozen/thawed method is the best option, and that way you don't have to kill them or watch them be eaten live (among other reasons).