5 gal. tank?

[infernalis]

They are an active animal.
That's one of the things I love about them.
That and about a thousand other things.

List them all Steve

[RedSidedSPR]

I think you're a little out-voted Milinex. Garters are VERY active and should have room to explore.

FYI, guys, I'm probably not going keep anything in the 5gal other than maybe a Pacman frog. The next things I'm getting is another garter snake, and a water snake hopefully, both are going in 15-29 gal tanks. Thanks for your help on what can live in one though, I may use it, I may not.

And yeah, Steve list 'em all!!


Hey Wayne, you mind telling me what bedding you're using in that picture? I'd like to find something like that but they all have sand in them... and from what I've heard that's bad for garters.

[infernalis]

Hey Wayne, you mind telling me what bedding you're using in that picture? I'd like to find something like that but they all have sand in them... and from what I've heard that's bad for garters.

[Sonya610]

Now they don't feel LOVE, I'll give you that, but they obviously have emotions. Alot of stuff is INSTINCTS, but they DO have EMOTIONS.

Two thoughts. First of all I am not sure they experience emotions like fear the way other animals (including humans do). It may be more of a preprogrammed automatic response but regardless it causes STRESS which is no doubt unpleasant for them. Likewise I do think they can experience pleasurable activities as well, chowing down on a good meal, lounging in the basking spot and enjoying the warmth, investigating the activities of the "giant" to see if they will offer food or provide some interesting interaction.

Is it "emotion" the way we sense it? I do not know but does that even matter? Pain/pleasure/stress/contentment is every bit as important, it defines the quality of life.

Regarding "instinct" vs. "emotion". Realize many (or possibly most) human emotions are based on instinct as well. The love for ones newborn baby (hormones surging), the feeling of protectiveness towards ones children, the bonding with sex partners (helpful in raising offspring successfully), the need to live in family groups and display forms of loyalty to associates. Those may seem like high and mighty "special" human attributes but many are based on INSTINCT and HORMONES and are designed to further our own survival and the survival of our offspring.

Studies have proven hormones (such as oxytocin) are responsible for much of the bonding that goes on among humans and other species. Introducing those hormones to animals that normally have low levels change their behavior instantly.

When comparing young puppies to snakes, keep in mind that snakes are expected to survive and have the basic mental faculties to do it right from the get go. Puppies, human babies, etc....are raised in family groups where the adults do most of the thinking for quite some time; they do not need to develop their intellect quite so rapidly, they can enjoy the luxury of being somewhat stupid as the family unit will protect them and provide for them.

[Sonya610]

I bought some and thought about using it for the Garters. I am using it now for the ball python BUT it seems like it would be harder to spot clean compared to aspen.

BP's are a lot less poopy. Do you think it is as easy as aspen to clean? Takes a while to soak the stuff and dry it out so it if has to be replaced frequently that seems like a lot of hassle.

[Hornets23]

I have the perfect solution....get a SPIDER for the 5 gallon!

[ConcinusMan]

Darnit. I was busy for a few days and got left behind. I see the arguing took on a life of it's own. Seems I planted a seed. My job is done here.

[guidofatherof5]

List them all Steve

And yeah, Steve list 'em all!

I will begin work on it.

[infernalis]

I bought some and thought about using it for the Garters. I am using it now for the ball python BUT it seems like it would be harder to spot clean compared to aspen.

BP's are a lot less poopy. Do you think it is as easy as aspen to clean? Takes a while to soak the stuff and dry it out so it if has to be replaced frequently that seems like a lot of hassle.

I have experimented and found that using less water than the instructions call for, and manually busting the brick up yields a nice substrate without waiting for it to dry out.

It may be a slight hassle, but this stuff ships easy, and online deals are everywhere, so it's a good choice for me.

after the snakes have soiled it, re-use it as plant mulch.

[RedSidedSPR]

Darnit. I was busy for a few days and got left behind. I see the arguing took on a life of it's own. Seems I planted a seed. My job is done here.

Missed you, man. Arguing sucks without you. 'Specially if you're on my side

Thanks. I've been looking for the best bedding other than Aspen. Is this one safe to ingest/digest? That's what I'm really wanting, since my snake won't eat in a separate container...