Hello all,
Lots of questions answered already by this excellent forum! Thank you!

We are waiting for a checkered garter snake to come in from the breeder (via the pet store). This is to be my 11 year old son's pet, although I think dad (me) will be helping out a lot.

What is the best substrate to use for the bottom of the vivarium? The pet store recommended a product that is 100% cypress mulch (Zoo Med's Forest Floor Bedding, $17.00 for a 9 litre bag). What is best for the checkered garter snake? What is not acceptable for a bedding?

The pet store also led me to believe that crickets were a main source of food for these snakes but according to this forum this appears to be false. I have to wonder if the staff know much at all about the caring of snakes.

A brief list of do's and don'ts for the first time pet snake owner would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks