Question about housing multiple garters.

[charliegirl]

I was wondering if I can safely keep 3 garters in the same tank. I have 3 garters, but keep them all in separate tanks. The reason why is because when I got my first two last year, I kept them together, but the male started eating the female. Luckily I was right there and was able to stop this. That is the only time he ever tried anything like that. My guess was because he was hungry? But I've been gun shy to keep any of my snakes together for this reason. Should I keep them separate or is it okay to keep them in the same tank if well fed??? Or????

[drache]

hm
I've been housing garters of approximately similar size together for a few years now and have never had an issue except at feeding time
and - I'm curious now - is there a size difference?

[charliegirl]

There is a significant size difference now, however, there wasn't when he tried to eat her. He was *slightly* larger than her, but really not by much at all.

[drache]

Charliegirl, I think it's possible, that the he is a she and vice versa
it seems that they are about the same age and generally with garters, females grow much larger than the males
do you know what garter species you have?
could you post some pictures perhaps?
some species have a reputation for being cannibalistic on occasion, but on the whole, it's pretty rare

[charliegirl]

The "male" is a Florida Blue and the "female" is a Nebraska Albino. (I didn't sex them, the breeder did.) Below are only pictures of the Florida Blue. I'll take better pictures tonight, as these aren't the best in the world and I'll also take a picture of the "girl".

Hiss_mar on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Hiss2_mar on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[Sputnik]

Wahhh! I'm distracted by your gorgeous cats!


I have to feed all of mine separately as I have had a few near misses. I also make sure to let them slither through water first before allowing them back in together.

[charliegirl]

Thanks! Yeah, my cats are my other love. I can't help it, I love animals period. If only there were more time, energy and money, I'd have more animals!

[drache]

nice
that looks like a T.s.similis
don't know anything about their tendencies toward cannibalism

[Sid]

Sounds like the two you mentioned are totally different species of Thamnophis, if for no other reason, I would not keep these together for fear of them cross breeding. Great looking Florida Blue.

[drache]

Sounds like the two you mentioned are totally different species of Thamnophis, if for no other reason, I would not keep these together for fear of them cross breeding. Great looking Florida Blue.

good point, Sid