just making sure

[greene]

Ok so I'm going to try to get a garter and ive read that I can keep it in a cage that when the length and width are added up it is longer than the snake is long is that true?

[guidofatherof5]

I think you are right but don't be limited to that.
The more space the more exploring they can do and maybe feel more comfortable.

Keep an eye on Craigslist for some cheap aquariums with sliding screen lids.

[infernalis]

I am a big fan of oversize cages for garter snakes, they like to move around.

[greene]

Ok. Ill look but I don't really like buying stuff online. Do the lids have to be sliding?

[guidofatherof5]

They fit the best and stay more secure.
You might have to look online for it but you will probably be buying it from someone in your own town.

[greene]

That.makes me feel better. Is it possible for it to escape of it isn't sliding?

[guidofatherof5]

Sit on top lids usually don't sit flush to the top and require some kind of weight to be place on it. This is all a hassle when it comes time to feed or change substrate.
Many plastic sit-on-top lids warp from lights being used.
The slider lids have always been a better top in my opinion.
Just my opinion.

[Steveo]

That.makes me feel better. Is it possible for it to escape of it isn't sliding?

It depends on the design. I once had had a tub with a lid that covered but didn't latch, so in a pinch I weighed it down with textbooks.

I like the sliding/locking screen lids because I once saw a yearling kingsnake spend hours wedging herself in the tiny gap between the lid and the frame. Without the latch mechanism on top, she may have been able to slide the screen enough to get out. If it was a lid that was just held on by gravity, she could easily lift it up and slide out.

[Steveo]

But having said the above, I try to get creative and come up with cheap solutions. The sliding and latching lids really are the best bet. They're also waaaay more expensive than plastic tubs. Since I have too many snakes to have them all on display, I've considered buying a plastic tub with lid, melting holes in the lid and tub, and using wire to hold the two together. Somewhat tedious, but then I don't have to worry about finding tubs that fit in my racks or running out of rack space. Has anyone else tried something similar?

[greene]

Would I be able to put rags under the lid so it has no place to get out

[guidofatherof5]

Would I be able to put rags under the lid so it has no place to get out

Not reliable keeping snakes in.

[Didymus20X6]

I use two clear plastic tubs connected together with a pipe. They both came with locking lids that fit fairly tightly over the enclosure, and have clamps that lock them into place.

When I was more paranoid about escape attempts, I used cow clips on the sides as further security. But these days, I don't worry about it. I've never had a snake escape from being able to slide between the enclosure and the lid. But I also have foam insulation tape between the lip of the lid and the lip of the enclosure, that further tightens any gaps a sneaky snake might try to squeeze through.

Honestly, even with as much space as there is in the enclosure, I get the feeling that Little Dude gets cramped in there. I've started taking her on "walks" lately - that is, taking her outside and letting her crawl around in the yard for about 15 minutes a day. Some days, she'll explore, explore, explore. Other days, like today, she'll just find a good spot to burrow in the grass and just plop down and stay there.

A suggestion: if it's a matter of just making sure your lid is secure, you can always try using gluing in some scrap lumber pieces or, for small enough gaps, some insulation tape (as long as the snake can't reach the adhesive).

[Invisible Snake]

I use two clear plastic tubs connected together with a pipe. They both came with locking lids that fit fairly tightly over the enclosure, and have clamps that lock them into place.

Can you post a pic of this enclosure?

[Didymus20X6]

Sure. There might already be some from when I first constructed it, but I've made several upgrades since then. More plastic plants, a brick island in the water side, a water filter in case I need to leave them alone for a lengthy period of time again (long story, don't feel like telling it right now).

You can see my designs on this page: http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/enclosures/5834-toms-snake-enclosure-4.html. The completed version is on the next page.

[Invisible Snake]

Wow it looks amazing and very creative! :)

[Didymus20X6]

Thanks! :)

Also, Little Dude is a lot bigger now than in some of those pictures. Also, it turns out, she's not a dude.

[Didymus20X6]

Here are some updated pics, including one of Tiny hanging out in the water enclosure. The bowl there is a feeding bowl. I find that it works best if I give Tiny his food in the water enclosure; if I put it in the land side, Little Dude eats it all.

5140


Here is the land side. Little Dude is taking a snooze in the big cottage.

5141

[Steveo]

That's really cool. Can you disconnect them for easy cleaning?

[Didymus20X6]

Yep, sure can! All I have to do is make sure both snakes are in the same enclosure, use one of the lids from the flange pipes to block off that enclosure so they don't get out, and just pull them apart.

For the water enclosure, I change the water every week (or when I spot poop), using a siphon hose to drain what's in it, and some five gallon buckets to replenish the supply. About once a month, I wipe it down with some salty brine.