Do garters get the blue eyes?

[Sitting_duck]

James, I know it should be a full shed, I just wasn't sure on how to word that correctly.

There are these "garters" in the pet store around me, I say it with the quotations because I'm not sure what kind or if they are.

They are blackish/dark colored, with green stripes going down their sides.
They're are the size of the garters that I see.

Also, does anyone know if gopher snakes are good pets? I've been starting to see some of those around here, I caught one and held it for a while, but I just put it down.

[infernalis]

I would have to cover most of the enclosure with water dishes to get the humidity up. My hygrometer tells me the humidity in the room is 25% at the moment.

But that's just my situation, doesn't necessarily apply to anybody else.

Similar here Stefan, My water bowls evaporate dry if I don't keep them topped off frequently.

[Sitting_duck]

This is sort of off topic for this thread, but I may as well ask.

What are good temperatures for garters?

Underneath my light theres is a half log hide. On top of the hide, it's 91F. Below the hide, its 85F.

On the cool side its 70-75F.

[adamanteus]

That sounds just a little on the warm side, Austin.... I think you could afford to drop a degree or two.... but then I keep my Garters a little cooler than a lot of members.

It's hard to say what the 'Garters' in the pet shop you describe might be without seeing a picture, or a more detailed description.

And yes, Gopher Snakes make excellent captives.

[infernalis]

I feel the same way as James on that issue.

There are NO heaters or "basking" lamps on ANY of my garter enclosures.

While the females are preggers, I use a heat rock turned down low so it only heats to like 85-90(F) (baby bottle warm)

The pregnant snakes seem to like sitting on it while the sprogs develop inside.

Going to get me one of those IR temp guns from pro-exotics, then I can be really certain...

I like the rock to feel lukewarm, not hot, nor uncomfortable to rest my hand on for any length of time.

Back to your statement, that is too warm.

[crzy_kevo]

i tend to keep my warm side at around 85ish i have 2 thermometers on that side to be certain i have a liquid crystal one on the glass and a meat thermometerattached to the branch my cool side stays at about 75-77 which is aceptable to me since i like my room temp to be 73ish

the snakes seem to enjoy the warm side often so i dont think there is anything wrong its like a warm summer day for them

[infernalis]

I may have been misleading here....

The whole reptile room is 79.2 right now.

so adding any other heat source would push it over the top for the garters.

45% humidity

Gotta love these digital weather stations.

[guidofatherof5]

Many of mine make uses of the water dish and start their shed on the side of the dish. Many times I find the shed completely around the dish. Be sure that there shed is complete as I have seen circulating problems with ones who don't shed the entire tail. Some have lost this small area of tail from what I'm guessing is poor circulation due to the constrictive(smaller size skin) natural of the old shed. There is no real expansion and constriction of this area. No respiration and food changing the diameter of the tail section assisting in the shed. This is just my observations and opinion.

[ssssnakeluvr]

Also, does anyone know if gopher snakes are good pets? I've been starting to see some of those around here, I caught one and held it for a while, but I just put it down.

yes they do..have had a few over the years....eat lots of mice!!!!!

[Sitting_duck]

Wow, I love this forum, so many people willing to respond =).

Thanks guys & girls.

So, What If I lower the warm side to 85, and the cool side stays at 70-75? Does that sound good?