Trees in enclosures??

[infernalis]

Over the years, I have assumed that Garters were terrestrial by nature, and have always provided the "low cover" like flat rocks, bark, logs and such in the terrariums.

I look at the viv pictures around here, I see lots of trees and vines in those. I have rather avoided putting tall stuff in my tanks, figuring it would just be a ladder to get up and push the top off..

So would the snakes benefit if I were to put in some trees & lock down the tops?

[Lori P]

Mine climb and climb and climb!!! They seem to get much enjoyment from it... so in my humble opinion, yes, let them climb and lock your top down. :-)

[garterchick]

they climb and they bask high up, so i do try to include some branches for them.

[Garter_Gertie]

they climb and they bask high up, so i do try to include some branches for them.

This is very good to know because I was going to put climbing-things/different levels anyway.

THANKS!

[Elliot]

They definately like to climb, and Femme always basks right under the light in her branches.

[infernalis]

Ah the beauty of country life, as I grab the limb lobbers and head for the woods.

Nice hard apple, that should work..........

Thanks:D

[Stefan-A]

It's best to take something with rough bark. Apple and cherry are the best I've tested so far. Birch and rowan are a bit difficult for a garter to climb on, the bark is too smooth.

[el lobo]

I would say yes! I have thick grape vine in mine, and my garters rest their heads on it, climb on it, and lay on it to get closer to the heat lamp!

[infernalis]

We have tons of apple and cherry.

Smells good too.:D

[jitami]

They definately like to climb, and Femme always basks right under the light in her branches.

Yep. I use driftwood, but my guy likes a little greenery around his basking spot so I had to include some silk plants higher up around the driftwood to make him truly comfortable up there.

[infernalis]

Wouldn't you know it, I clipped off a nice apple limb, left a few branches and some leaves, placed it in there and within 5 minutes I have an eastern garter perched high up on it....

Spooked him when I got the camera... I'll try later

[infernalis]

http://www.reformedsniper.net/1/limbo.jpg

[Lori P]

Now that's a happy snakey!!!

[count dewclaw]

One spring day we found a large mating ball of garters about 4 feet off the ground in our mock orange bush!

You snake looks quite happy there.

[Lori P]

You know, I have a terrible hatred of wild cherry because the wilted leaves are fatal to horses and goats. The wilting process creates arsenic in the leaves. But I do like the look of the bark. I assume that the wild cherry would be safe in the snake enclosure???

[Garter_Gertie]

You know, I have a terrible hatred of wild cherry because the wilted leaves are fatal to horses and goats. The wilting process creates arsenic in the leaves. But I do like the look of the bark. I assume that the wild cherry would be safe in the snake enclosure???


Ah-ha! Very good point (which I didn't know and find fascinating. Trying to think of anyone I hate enuff to feed them wilting wild cherry leaves and coming up blank.) to make. Good thing you said that. It is something to consider. You can never know about these things.

[count dewclaw]

The wilting process creates arsenic in the leaves. I assume that the wild cherry would be safe in the snake enclosure???

Actually the leaves contain cyanide and the wilting process somehow makes it more potent. I would think the wood should be fine as long as it is not soaking in water that the snake could drink. The bark/wood does not contain as much cyanide as the leaves, if I remember correctly.

[infernalis]

Wouldn't you know it, Xena found some way to climb up on that limb, squeeze out, crawl over 2 fish tanks, and climb up on the monitor as I am using the computer.

Thankfully it was her, she wouldn't leave if I wanted her to.. So until I can seal the top up tight, that stick is a supervised toy for now.

[Justinviper]

lol. I wonder if they're certain types of garters that are more likely to bask or stay up in the trees sometimes? anybody noticed?

[Lori P]

Actually the leaves contain cyanide and the wilting process somehow makes it more potent. I would think the wood should be fine as long as it is not soaking in water that the snake could drink. The bark/wood does not contain as much cyanide as the leaves, if I remember correctly.

Whoops, thanks LeAnn!!!! I kept looking at my post after I wrote that and I KNEW something didn't sound right, but I couldn't figure it out. Yes, cyanide. And as far as I've heard, the wood is ok... and even eating the green healthy leaves is safe for the animals, just not once they're wilted. Strange huh.

[count dewclaw]

No problem :D. I couldn't quite remember all the details. It has been many moons since I was a practicing veterinary technician, it is frightening to think about everything I have forgotten....

[jitami]

Moved Sly from his 20g long to the new 29g yesterday afternoon. Found him basking at the top this morning and thought of this thread. Grrr... I thought that glass was clean, tho! :o Looks spotless until you bounce a flash off of it :rolleyes:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/jitami/Sly/SlyNewDigs.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/jitami/Sly/SlyNewDigs2.jpg

Oh, and yes, he had a good sized meal yesterday, but I do think he's getting a bit fat. Have cut from two fuzzies to one, but may have to go back to pinkies?

[Elliot]

Well pinkies are more fatty than fuzzies, and have less calcium. One fuzzy a week until he slims down some should be fine.

[jitami]

Thanks Elliot! Didn't realize pinkies were more fatty, but it does make sense. He's so long that he's always looked a bit too thin. I just bumped him up to fuzzies this year, but obviously two was too many!

[Brian Hubbs]

Here's a question from a new member: Do garters really "like" to climb, or do they climb in search of basking opportunities, warmth, and prey opportunities? I really don't think snakes "like" to do anything. They do what they do because of instinct. Am I wrong? :confused:

[Garter_Gertie]

You're right. But garters are curious. They'll go where ever they can - up, down, sideways - at least in a confined tank/cage.

[Brian Hubbs]

True. Thank you.

[jitami]

You're right Brian and I'm guilty of using words such as "like" and "favorite", when truly I have no idea why the snake is climbing. Mine does do a good deal of it, though... for whatever reason :)

[Lori P]

... And in my mind, why not give them plenty of stimulation. We've chosen to cage them, now we're responsible for giving them as much of a chance at pleasure as they give us. :-)

[infernalis]

... And in my mind, why not give them plenty of stimulation. We've chosen to cage them, now we're responsible for giving them as much of a chance at pleasure as they give us. :-)

Well said and so true:D

[Garter_Gertie]

Yup, Lori. Plus it makes for a more interesting piece of 'art.' I'm more inclinded to spend time watching The Boys, and my fish when I had them, because the enclosures were as wild-like and/or decorative as I could get them.

[Garter_Gertie]

Ah! "Esthetically" pleasing. Thass whut I wuz getting at! :D

[jitami]

Guys, quick question... what kind of height do you give babies to climb on? Do you worry about them falling? I want to provide lots of exercise/exploring opportunities but don't want to risk a dangerous fall. Thanks :)

[infernalis]

Tami I use the little hide logs for babies, like the one in the Magma photo, they can climb, and little risk of falling.

the plastic ones made for turtles work best, wood soils and is harder to clean.

Plastic washes up like a dish:D

[jitami]

Thanks Wayne! You know, I'm loving the drink holders/trays from fast food restaurants as hides. I posted a pic somewhere. Turn it upside down and I use one hole to stick a fake plant into and Sly uses the other holes to pop in and out of. It's not Esthetically pleasing... may work on that... but being beige they kind of blend in and don't look too bad either. Just need to find a way to water proof them so I can keep my chubby butt away from Carl's Jr :)

Anyway, so falling is a legitimate concern for the babes, right?

[infernalis]

Anyway, so falling is a legitimate concern for the babes, right?

Yes and no.

Falling into aspen or carefresh should not be that big of a deal. newspapers laying flat on the bottom provide no cushion for the landing.

With babies being so delicate, I'd prefer not to take chances, but that's just me:D

If you would like, PM me and I'll tell you about the online pet store that sells those hide logs for $3 each. and 8qt bags of aspen for like $4

Ah heck with it, Restaurant - Home Page (http://www.justpetsonline.com) tell lisa that Wayne sent ya:D

Oh my, no idea why the link says that, I just tested it, and it is correct.

[jitami]

Thanks for the link and the advice Wayne!

Yeah, I'd rather be safe than sorry with the babies, too. It's just that I've never had one :) and wasn't sure how delicate they really are. Guess I'll find out soon :D