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General
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Common garter snake adults range in length from 18-51 inches (46-131 cm).
A typical female weighs in at about 8 ounces (227 gr), with males being
much smaller and usually weighing in at less than half as much.
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Housing
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A single snake can be housed in a 10-gallon or 20-gallon tank depending
upon the size of the snake. It is VERY important that the enclosure lid
is secured and escape-proof as these snakes excel at escaping from their
enclosures by flatening their bodies and squeezing through the tiniest
of openings. Enclosure decorating and substrates are of a personal
preference as virtually anything will do from the exotic to newspaper
substrate and the very basic essentials such as a hide box and water bowl.
To facilitate shedding and to assist with feeding fish, the water bowl
should be large enough for the snake to immerse its entire body.
A thermal gradient should provide a high side temperature in the mid to
upper 80s F. to around 70 on the low end.
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Diet
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In the wild, Garter snakes eat earthworms, slugs, amphibians and small
fish. Most captive diets include earthworms, small feeder fish and
appropriately sized rodents. An exclusive diet of fish should be avoided
as this will cause a vitamin B1 deficiency and ultimately death.
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Cleaning
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Garter snakes fed on fish will defecate frequently and profusely. They
cannot be neglected to the same extent as mouse feeders. Enclosures should
be cleaned when soiled. Washable floor coverings should be soaked weekly in
a water/bleach solution, then throughly rinsed and dried. For convinience,
buy two pieces of floor coverings and rotate them.
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Health
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Garter snakes are generally hardy animals and should always be active
and alert, feed regularly, exhibit healthy skin and have a clear nose,
mouth and eyes (except when about to shed). Any signs contrary to this
should be reported to a herp vet.
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Warnings
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Always make sure that the enclosure lid is secure and without gaps
as a Garter snake WILL escape given the opportunity. Make sure that
the substrate remains dry as respiratory disease can be caused by
a habitat that is too damp and/or cold.
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Fertility
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Males, upon emerging from hibernation, become sexually active.
Three to four months after mating, a female produces a litter
of as many as 85 live babies.
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Thanks to Eric W. from Stone Mountain, GA for submitting this caresheet.
Click Here To Submit A Caresheet
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