Checkered Garter Snake

[yellowfang]

Hi,

This is my first post on this forum and hope to become an active member.

I am considering getting an adult 4 year old Checkered Garter Snake (approx 3ft long).

Please advise what setup I need and any other useful info would be great.

Cheers.

[Stefan-A]

General care sheet here:
Garter Snake Care Sheet - Caresheets

Other articles here:
Main Page - Caresheets

[guidofatherof5]

Great having you on the forum

Check out those Care sheets, then check out this link to our enclosure section:
Enclosures - Garter Snake Forum

After that post any questions you may have.

Will this be your first snake?
Why a Garter snake?
In any event you've made a wise choice.

[gregmonsta]

Greetings

[yellowfang]

What is the average lifespan of Garter snakes?

Cheers.

[gregmonsta]

Generally 10-15 years in captivity. They can live longer on occaision.

[Odie]

Hi, from Oregon,yellowfang

[EasternGirl]

Hi and welcome! A garter snake is a great choice! You'll like this forum as well.

[yellowfang]

Hi All,

Thanks for welcoming me to the forum.

I have followed the supplied links and note that there is no mention of lighting or humidity. Is this a requirement for Garters?

Cheers.

[gregmonsta]

To be honest I've never paid much attention to humidity. As long as you supply a large waterbowl the natural evaporation seems to take care of it.
Too much humidity causes problems and the substrate needs to remain dry.
Lighting is important. They are diurnal and light of sorts is required to mimic photoperiod. Again, I don't worry about it too much as my flat is well lit by velux windows so I don't implement the use of UV and simply stick to energy saving lightbulbs in my set ups.
If you keep them in a particularily dark room without a lot of natural light you should consider providing it.

EDIT - do not use UV with albinos, it can be detrimental to their eyesight.