Some General questions

[ravendance]

Hello, I introduced myself on the intro forum but I had some general questions I hope someone might be able to answer? I'm new to the world of garter snakes, not new to snakes in general (I have 2 corn snakes) I happened to see a few photos of the insane color patterns (I am a huge fan of the blues) on the garter snakes, and I am trying to learn more about them - some stuff is the same (compared to corns) but a lot of stuff is not. I do know I want to find one that is CB. I would like one that isn't extremely flighty or nippy...my opal corn snake is a baby and he's a bit on the squirmy side, so a bit squirmy I'm used to - I would like one that is a bit more....docile?

[ravendance]

I don't know why but the forum is not letting me type out the names of the garters I was looking at.

[ravendance]

Lets try this again. Here are the 3 types I was looking at: FL blue stripe. P Sound (blue) Anax. plains blue

[ravendance]

Ok, worked that time - is there a character limit to posts? Sorry for having to split this up.

[ravendance]

In addition to the type of snake, I also have learned that they generally need more humidity then corns? I was looking into keeping the snake on eco earth - has anyone else done this? I know they will need a larger water bowl to soak/swim in. Can you keep just one? I keep my corns in separate tanks, but I don't know how a single garter would do by itself. I learned that they also like basking areas and food would depend on the species. I wanted to know can you do a combination of pinkie parts and feeder guppies? (if the snake eats it of course)

[-b-]

Hi! I also got drawn in by their lovely colours, and playing with them as a child..

There is a care sheet in the forum section! Also, another great care guide is gartersnake.info. I am new to garters as well, but it's fairly easy stuff. From what I have learnt, some are generally more skittish than others, but it is mostly snake-to-snake basis. I have a california red-sided, which is generally seen as more skittish, and his behaviour (so far) is like that of a cornsnake.

According to breeders and people on this forum, garters are fine on their own, but can be housed together -- depending on the sub-species; some garters have been known to be cannibalistic. Also, it would be safest to feed them separately, especially if there is a size difference.

I have read that substrate does not need to be soil or other humidity-retaining products, as that can lead to health problems. I think if you offer two hides, one with moss/soil under it, they will choose what they need.

There are lots of other (greatly) experienced people on this forum that'll also be happy to help!

[guidofatherof5]

Garter Snake Forum - Garter Caresheet (http://www.thamnophis.com/index.php?page=caresheet)

Garter Snake Care Guide - Gartersnake.info (http://gartersnake.info/care/)

[Mommy2many]

Welcome to the forum!

[snakegirl909]

welcome to the forum! definitely check out the caresheet. The colors on some garters is amazing.

Keep your eyes out for babies for sale in the classifieds section. Hope you will be able to find a nice garter!

[slipknot711]

since you are woried about humidity try looking on google or in old posts here about keeping a humid hide.

[Mommy2many]

Your garter will eat fish, pinkies and worms. They like hides, water bowls and the top of the enclosure best. They love to see your face and wonder what you are about. They crave activity and do best in a central location, not hidden from the normal "traffic". They come in all colors and are the most beautiful snakes to keep; IMHO. They love to explore and hang with you and are easy to take care of. Please ask any of the keepers here, they will always give you their opinions and their best snake keeping advice. Best site ever!