hi questions about garter snakes

[melodyb1985]

ok hi my name is melody..i have a ball python..not a garter..but my son watched an episode of snake bytes tv and is now intersed in a garter snake..so i told him he had to do research on them of what they eat and how you take care of them..only problem is i wantted to do the research first..well what i do find...is confusing..so help please...on snake bytes they said you dont have to feed them mice..wich i have no problem doing...but the couple a website i found said you can feed them puree of mice parts worms and fish..but not gold fish and not trout worms..how do you feed them a puree?..but they also said they didnt need any heat lights or pads...so please help out on that one...i live in nc..also iv been searching the internet and cant realy find people who sale them like lll reptiles...any suggestions on that...my son knows they are wild around here and asked if we could go catch one instead of buy one...is that a good idea?...if he wants this and is willing to take care of it..he has to buy it himself with the money he makes from chores...also any pictures of a set up or anything at all would help alot..im still making him do the research but i want to make sure what he finds is right...

[Stefan-A]

Welcome aboard.

You can feed them appropriate sized complete mice if you want, although it depends on the species of garter whether they'll take mice. Personally, I'm skeptical about an all-mouse diet, so in the diet I provide mine, mice make up about 50%. Other people have other solutions. I have never heard of a mouse purée, but if what was meant was a mix of chopped pinky mice, fish and worms, that means it's actually chunks.

Their claim that garter snakes don't need any heat lights or pads is something that greatly annoys me and I described the claim at one point as "irresponsible and stupid". Garters are diurnal snakes that frequently bask in the wild and while they do thrive without any heating to raise the ambient temperature of the enclosure, they are still reptiles and need to be able to thermoregulate. A basking spot or other hot spot is necessary and the snake will use it.

Regarding buying vs. catching, I personally think buying a captive bred animal from a reputable breeder (not a pet store) is the better solution. We have several breeders on this forum, you might find what you need in the Classified section.

Here is our own care sheet. Garter Snake Forum - Garter Caresheet (http://www.thamnophis.com/index.php?page=caresheet)

[-MARWOLAETH-]

As you'r after Thamnophis care advice this site is probably the best place to be.Give that care sheet a good read through.If the care sheet doesn't answer all your questions just ask away or search through some of the posts as they answer most commonly ask questions:)

[setfree]

The advice given so far is great.:) If you do find one in the wild though and decide to keep it we can help identify what species it is and tell you what gender it is. If you have any more Questions Don't hesitate to ask.;)

Oh! And welcome to the forum!

[Didymus20X6]

The thing with garters is that they don't necessarily need rodent in their diet, but they can eat them. It is recommended that you not feed them any rodents with hair, as garter snakes don't digest the hair well, and it can cause intestinal problems later. But pinkies are fine.

Garters don't need live prey. Live prey can entice them to eat, as the movement does capture their attention, but unlike some species of snake, garters can be easily trained to eat dead prey - fish filets, frozen-thawed rodents and amphibians, and the like.

Some species of popular feeder fish - goldfish and rosies in particular - contain high amounts of a substance called thiaminase that can cause Vitamin B deficiency in garter snakes. Here, it is recommended that you use feeder guppies. Either that, or feed fish sparingly.

The Snake-Bytes people might keep their snake room a pretty decent temperature to start with. Garters can survive in relatively low temps, but it may not be exactly healthy for them to do so. We recommend having a warm side and a cool side of your enclosure, and maybe a good-sized water dish on the cool end, with a temp range of about 75F - 88F. I recommend a low-to-medium watt bulb near one end for that. During the winter, you can keep it a good bit cooler than that if they quit eating.

[ProXimuS]

Hello and welcome!:D

As you can see you've come to a good place for info on garters;)

[Dan72]

You and your son will find everything you need right here. Great forum, helpful members and breeders as well. Welcome and great choice by the way. Garters are awesome.

[i_heart_sneakie_snakes]

Garters are awesome.
And addictive. Next thing ya know you have 6 of them and love each and every one of them :) It's a good thing!!!

[Didymus20X6]

Maybe DracoRex would be willing to ship you one of his newborns.

Click here: http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/general-talk/11075-help-surprise-bin.html