Are Garter Snakes good beginner snakes?

[Neurotoxin]

My family is worried about a constrictor getting out and killing the cat, so a ball python or corn snake would probably be out of the questions.

However, a garter snake seems like the perfect snake. They aren't constrictors, and can live on a non-rodent diet.

But I have never owned a snake before. Are Garter Snakes easy to care for? Are they good beginner snakes?

[Boots]

Welcome to our community.

Garter snakes are great first snakes. Easy to care for, do not require a large setup. As long as you keep it away from the cat everything should be good.

Please make sure to check out our care sheet section. Garter snake caresheet

Jason

[Rushthezeppelin]

They are probably one of the best beginner reptiles out there.

Garter Snake Forum - Garter Caresheet should give you a good idea of what you would be in for with garters.

[d_virginiana]

So, it's generally recommended that they be on a rodent diet with other foods occasionally added in; don't worry, nothing larger than pinkie mice though. That's all covered in the caresheet.

I think they CAN be good beginner snakes, but if you've never had a snake before I would recommend buying an adult. The babies are so small that they are very easy to accidentally harm, and you really have to keep yourself from instinctively grabbing at them when they try to dart away. Females are also much calmer than males, so if you're looking for a snake that will just chill while you're holding it I think an adult female would be the best choice.