Substrate?

[greene]

I have read that sand isnt a good choice for garters but could i use wood chips or wood just dirt be fine?

[Stefan-A]

Depends on the wood and the dirt. Nothing with resin or strong smelling and nothing that's been treated with anything. Dirt will attract bugs of various kinds and if you're unlucky, you'll have a house full of gnats.

[Mommy2many]

Welcome! There are many substrates you can use. Shredded aspen, wood chips for reptiles, papertowels, etc. No cedar or pine. Where are you from?

[greene]

Im from Wisconsin. Where can I get the wood chips for reptiles or shredded aspen?

[katach]

Walmart or some local feed stores have aspen bedding. I just recently found my local feed store has a better product than walmart and it is less expensive, although walmart is pretty cheap.

[guidofatherof5]

The care sheet also has a section on substrate.
Garter Snake Forum - Garter Caresheet

[greene]

What do you mean by feed store?

[katach]

A store that sells hay and food for large animals and bulk bags of dog food. Ours is called Dell's Feed Store. It's like a farm animal supply store. Try this link. Wisconsin Horse and Livestock Feed Stores indexed by City + County - A to D

[greene]

Oh ok I don't think we have one nearby

[katach]

That link has a list of towns that have one, but I think that is just one store chain. If you google feed stores you should be able to find one. Do you not have a Walmart?