Questions question questions...

[Sitting_duck]

Hello

I'm looking into purchasing a garter snake. I've googled them several times, but I've read a lot of conflicting information. So I thought maybe I could get some clear answers from some of you out there.


1.) Is a 40 gallon tank ok for 1 garter?
-will baby/juvenile garteres get overwhelmed by the size, or wil it be comfy for them?

2.) What should warm/cool side temperatures be?
-do they need Under tank heaters?
-can I just place a heat bulb on the screen above where the warm side is suppost to be?

3.) List easy to find feeders for garters please.

4.) Is handling an option?
-If so, how do you go about approaching the snake, and at what age?

5.) What should the humidity be in the tank for a proper shed?

[adamanteus]

Hi Austin, and welcome to the forum.
You should find all the answers to your questions right here.... http://www.thamnophis.com/caresheets...ake_Care_Sheet

But to answer these initial questions...

1. A 40 gallon will be fine for one Garter, a baby won't be concerned by it's size as long as sufficient hides are provided.

2. Temperature gradient from low seventies to high eighties is ideal, but these are very cold tolerant animals so don't worry too much.

3. Trout, salmon, earthworms, pinky mice.

4. There are (at least) two schools of thought on this. Personally I don't handle unnecessarily, others do. Most Garters will certainly tolerate handling with no ill effects.

5. I don't measure humidity, if the tank is provided with a drinking vessel large enough for the snake to get in, and the temperatures are right, then the humidity should take care of itself.

[Sitting_duck]

ok thanks, I'll look over the care sheet.

Does every single post need to be looked over by a moderator to be shown to others? Isn't that a lot of work for moderators...?

[adamanteus]

Does every single post need to be looked over by a moderator to be shown to others?

Just the first few, then you're free to post!

[Stefan-A]

Welcome aboard, Austin.

[Sid]

Welcome to the forum, Austin.

[Garter_Gertie]

Welcome, 'Duck! I'm one o'those "handle unnecessarily" kind'a folks James referred to.

However, I have learned my lesson (QUIT LAUGHING, YOU GUYS!) and now wait much longer before I handle and cuddle and snuggle. Like, instead of immediately pestering a new kid I'll wait - depending on mein of the kid - as long as days w/o handling. I'm more open to guaging the 'personalities' of the snakes and am better at subliminating my needs to theirs.

That said, I handle a lot. I don't handle until approx 24 +/- hours after eating. And I only handle until the kids go nutz - which is only minutes - and then I put them back. Snakes I've had awhile I may handle about two or so minutes two to three times a day. Newer snakes, once a day or once every other day. Depends upon the kids. I now let them guide me vs. me forcing them.

Other than that, I'm hand in glove with James.

Welcome! Nice you found us and you will LOVE your garter!

[Sitting_duck]

Good to know that soon I'll be able to post whenever I want...

There are a few spots in the 40 gallon that have open holes, any ideas for closing them up?

What i mean is the top is 2 screens. One screen covers half the tank, the 2nd screen covers the other half. They don't exactly fit together perfectly, so there are a few small, gaps.

[Garter_Gertie]

Oh, lord!

Someone help this guy plugs his holes! I'm having heart palpatations!

Good to know that soon I'll be able to post whenever I want...

There are a few spots in the 40 gallon that have open holes, any ideas for closing them up?

What i mean is the top is 2 screens. One screen covers half the tank, the 2nd screen covers the other half. They don't exactly fit together perfectly, so there are a few small, gaps.

[Sitting_duck]

Yeh someone help me!