New Member- Just Got a Garter

[racheletc]

Hi Everyone!

I just got a garter snake and want to verify id and that my enclosure is ok. I have about 40 T's, but no snakes, so I have a couple quick questions.

I believe I have a western garter snake. It's about 18" long. I have no idea if it is cb or wc as I am at least the third (and last!) owner.

Pics of snake and enclosure are below, if someone could let me know if my id is right and my tank looks okay (it's a 10 gallon tank with screened top).

Quick questions are: I live in SoCal (just south of LA in the beach cities) do I need to provide a heat source in tank as it does not really get outside of the temp ranges indicated in the care sheets? Also, how often should I feed it?

Any help is appreciated.

Rachel


http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/c...l/P1010001.jpg

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/c...l/P1010003.jpg

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/c...l/P1010002.jpg

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/c...l/P1010004.jpg

[adamanteus]

Hi Rachel, and welcome to the forum.
Your new snake looks like an Eastern (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) but these don't occur in the wild where you are..... Did you buy this snake or catch it?
Love your set-up by the way.

[Stefan-A]

Welcome aboard, Rachel.

It looks a lot like my T. sirtalis parietalis, but T. sirtalis sirtalis would be my second guess.

A heat source would be recommended to get a temperature gradient, and you can feed it once or twice a week.

[drache]

welcome to the forum
my guess is also Eastern
your enclosure looks real nice
it may be a bit difficult to keep clean though

[infernalis]

Hello Rachel, welcome to you and your snake.

Looks like a very nice set up

[Sid]

HI Rachel and welcome to a great forum. Nice Garter and setup.

[el lobo]

Looks like a T. sirtalis SOMEthing to me....enclosure looks just fine!

[gregmonsta]

Welcome garter friend

[Garter_Gertie]

Welcome, Rachel.

I know! I know! I know! My first definite, correct ID! It's an Eastern! Ittiz the spit an image of Winnie! Yup! Definitely an Eastern. My first ID!

[anji1971]

Hello, and welcome! I like that snake, very nice colours.