Opinion of Garter Snakes

[bronxzoofrank]

Hi All,

I've kept many species in zoo collections and at home for decades, and am glad to see they are getting attention here..very much under-appreciated in the US, I believe. I especially like the fact that you can see close to a full range of their natural behaviors in a well designed terrarium, which can be planted and complex, or simple...not so easy to do this with most snakes; and there is such a diversity of species available. I've written a 4 part article on their natural history and care; Part I is here

Links to other parts are at bottom of each article, or sometimes within (sorry, others manage postings for me...I've now write longer articles and do not break into parts...if links not apparent, let me know and I'll send).

Hope you find it useful, your thoughts and observations appreciated, Best, Frank

[EmbraceCalamity]

Originally Posted by bronxzoofrank

Hi All,

I've kept many species in zoo collections and at home for decades, and am glad to see they are getting attention here..very much under-appreciated in the US, I believe. I especially like the fact that you can see close to a full range of their natural behaviors in a well designed terrarium, which can be planted and complex, or simple...not so easy to do this with most snakes; and there is such a diversity of species available. I've written a 4 part article on their natural history and care; Part I is here

Links to other parts are at bottom of each article, or sometimes within (sorry, others manage postings for me...I've now write longer articles and do not break into parts...if links not apparent, let me know and I'll send).

Hope you find it useful, your thoughts and observations appreciated, Best, Frank

Have you written anything about the different species/morphs? I'm only familiar with the common garter snake that I see locally, and I know I'd be very interested to learn more about the different kinds.

Also, the article mentions housing them together (these are communal snakes, right?). Does it have to be male and female or female and female, or can two males be housed together?

~Maggot

[infernalis]

Originally Posted by EmbraceCalamity

Have you written anything about the different species/morphs? I'm only familiar with the common garter snake that I see locally, and I know I'd be very interested to learn more about the different kinds.

Also, the article mentions housing them together (these are communal snakes, right?). Does it have to be male and female or female and female, or can two males be housed together?

~Maggot

I don't know if I would go as far as saying they are truly "communal", however they do share resources without fighting. (food excluded)

Unless breeding is the goal, most keepers who house them in small groups do so with same sex snakes, to prevent reproduction from occuring.

Here is a comprehensive listing of most sub species of garter snakes.

Sub/species?!?!

The ones you find around you Laura are most likely Thamnophis Sirtalis Sirtalis, the common eastern garter snake, They are very abundant in our region here.

[EmbraceCalamity]

Originally Posted by infernalis

I don't know if I would go as far as saying they are truly "communal", however they do share resources without fighting. (food excluded)

Unless breeding is the goal, most keepers who house them in small groups do so with same sex snakes, to prevent reproduction from occuring.

Here is a comprehensive listing of most sub species of garter snakes.

Sub/species?!?!

The ones you find around you Laura are most likely Thamnophis Sirtalis Sirtalis, the common eastern garter snake, They are very abundant in our region here.

OH GOD. I'm going to have to read that when it's not 5:30 AM and I don't have a massive headache. Thank you for the info though. I look forward to reading it.

~Maggot

[bronxzoofrank]

Originally Posted by EmbraceCalamity

Have you written anything about the different species/morphs? I'm only familiar with the common garter snake that I see locally, and I know I'd be very interested to learn more about the different kinds.

Also, the article mentions housing them together (these are communal snakes, right?). Does it have to be male and female or female and female, or can two males be housed together?

~Maggot

Hi,

This article covers some commonly kept species; You can access a list of all 34 recognized species here; click on species name for a list of subspecies and range info.

In general, the sexes get along in any mix; males compete in the breeding season, but it is mainly via "pushing"; a dominant male may stress others if housed together at this time, and as with any snakes there's always a chance of bites while feeding. Also, most species consume other snakes on occasion, so be sure that groups are well-matched in size, Best, Frank

[EmbraceCalamity]

Originally Posted by bronxzoofrank

Hi,

This article covers some commonly kept species; You can access a list of all 34 recognized species here; click on species name for a list of subspecies and range info.

In general, the sexes get along in any mix; males compete in the breeding season, but it is mainly via "pushing"; a dominant male may stress others if housed together at this time, and as with any snakes there's always a chance of bites while feeding. Also, most species consume other snakes on occasion, so be sure that groups are well-matched in size, Best, Frank

Oh, thank you.

Now it's been mentioned a few times about a planted terrarium, and this is probably stupid, but do you use an organic soil as a substrate for that? I've never heard of it as a suggested substrate for snakes, which is why I'm curious how it's done.

~Maggot

[bronxzoofrank]

Originally Posted by EmbraceCalamity

Oh, thank you.

Now it's been mentioned a few times about a planted terrarium, and this is probably stupid, but do you use an organic soil as a substrate for that? I've never heard of it as a suggested substrate for snakes, which is why I'm curious how it's done.

~Maggot

My pleasure...

No real need to use organic soil, unless there is some risk of unusually heavy doses of insecticides (or worse!); I collect from the grounds of the Bx Zoo, or in local wooded areas, mu yard, etc. Depending on the species, you can mix in coco-husk, dead leaves, sphagnum moss, peat, etc. I have (as usual!!) an article for you...doesn;t go into substrat too much, but covers general considerations for naturalistic snake terrariums: Keeping Snakes in Naturalistic Terrariums That Reptile Blog

Best, Frank

[EmbraceCalamity]

Originally Posted by bronxzoofrank

My pleasure...

No real need to use organic soil, unless there is some risk of unusually heavy doses of insecticides (or worse!); I collect from the grounds of the Bx Zoo, or in local wooded areas, mu yard, etc. Depending on the species, you can mix in coco-husk, dead leaves, sphagnum moss, peat, etc. I have (as usual!!) an article for you...doesn;t go into substrat too much, but covers general considerations for naturalistic snake terrariums: Keeping Snakes in Naturalistic Terrariums That Reptile Blog

Best, Frank

But soil is an okay substrate? Because it seems aspen bedding is the most common choice, and I didn't know if there was a reason for that and that soil wasn't okay or something (not that I can imagine why it wouldn't be).

And I actually already read that article. I'm starting to catch up with you.

~Maggot

[bronxzoofrank]

Originally Posted by EmbraceCalamity

But soil is an okay substrate? Because it seems aspen bedding is the most common choice, and I didn't know if there was a reason for that and that soil wasn't okay or something (not that I can imagine why it wouldn't be).

And I actually already read that article. I'm starting to catch up with you.

~Maggot

Thanks for the boost...I'll have to write faster!

Aspen, eucalyptus mulch, pine bark are all easy to "spot clean", easy to keep dry, and the bark type products lend a natural look. Soil is used for planted terrariums, and is best for smaller species that do not require as much clean-up, etc (garters often defecate in water bowls, which also helps). Care must be taken that soil does not become foul, too moist - takes more work than aspen, which is why it's best for small species, burrowers, etc...lots of live plants will help keep soil in good condition.

Hazardous chemicals, insects, parasites (not likely), bits of glass etc are other concerns, but all are manageable; please let me know if you need further info.

Best, Frank