Where to keep my garter snakes

[Intra]

Hello,

I have two garter snakes that I caught from the wild, a year ago.
I recently moved back home, and have put their glass enclosure on the main level of the house. However, my parents do not appreciate it being there, so I need to relocate. The two options I considered are:

1. The basement. I'm worried it might be slightly too cool at times, and they would be in the dark most of the day (but they are some small windows down there). The smaller one is a picky eater, and found it much easier to feed him when they are on the main level rather than the basement (maybe he thinks its too cold to eat?).

2. Outside (only for the summer). There is this little wooden playhouse that offers shade, so they won't be in direct sunlight. But I have just heard its not a good idea to keep enclosures outdoors.

I live in southern Ontario, so it can get quite hot some days but nothing crazy. What do you guys recommend?

Thank you,
Intra

[guidofatherof5]

I would recommend(to keep your parents happy) that you buy a small light and under tank heater. This way your worries about darkness and cool temp can be addressed.

What are you feeding? Here's a link to the forum care sheet which might help.
Garter Snake Forum - Garter Caresheet (http://www.thamnophis.com/index.php?page=caresheet)

[chris-uk]

Add under tank heating (on a thermostat) and use LED lighting. The basement will be fine, and a better option than outside where you can't control the environment.

[Intra]

I have an under tank heater with a timer, so I guess I could buy a light (probably just a daytime light, no need for UV or anything?). If the timer could handle the capacity, could I plug both the heater and light into it?

Thanks for the replies!

[guidofatherof5]

I let the heat run 24/7 This way the snakes can thermoregulate as they want to. That's just how I do it. I'm sure it boils down to each keepers preference.

[chris-uk]

I turn off heat at night, it's just the way I do it ;)
... Ask two keepers the same question and you'll get two answers. :)

Regards to light, there's no evidence that UV is needed. But you'll find garter keepers who do use a UV light source. My preference is for LED lights, I have some strip lights and a couple lit with bedside spotlights fitted with LED bulbs, and my biggest viv had both spots and a strip.
Yes, I'm a big advocate of low energy heating and lighting.

[Muslim1]

I keep under tank heat 24/7 and my room is light enough basking lights aren't needed unless I want a nice display. I keep it as natural as possible she comes out and goes back in her make shift burrow or hallowed out log at will. I try not to have too many arboreal features. I treat my garter like I did my cobras.

[Mommy2many]

I turn off the lights at night and turn them on in the morning. If it is going to be hot and sunny, I don't turn them on at all because my snakes get indirect sunlight.