Temperatures

[duh duh duh]

the under tank heaters (two of them) did not heat the enclosure. They made the bottom where they were less cold, but no where near warm.

I tried different materials underneath, at different heights, and different substrates within the enclosure to increase the heat. All I did was increase my heating bill. I am not sure I will ever own another one. A complete waste of money.

[Thamnophis]

Hottest spot in the terrariums is between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius, and the coolest spot is between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius during the day.
At night it sinks to roomtemperature.

[Pinky]

Since I caught her I've been keeping "pinky" in a 10gal with screen top and no extra heat.should this be sufficient? we both come from the same climate!!LOL maybe when spring returns I'll add basking light!!!

[adamanteus]

I would certainly consider an additional heat source (preferably on a thermostat), and maybe get a thermometer in the tank then you can be confident that the temperature is right for Pinky.

[Pinky]

I'll definatelly try that! A little off topic, but is it possible to handle a garter too much?i want her to get used to people (so far so good)but i don't want to stress her...sometimes she'll let completally loose and just lay across my forearm,but if she gets really ancy or seems on edge i put her back...

[adamanteus]

I think you do right by letting the snake choose the duration and frequency of handling. If she's okay with it, I don't really see how you can overdo it. If on the other hand, if she clearly isn't in the mood, you're right to put her back.