Garter Snake

This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.

The striped snake is not a tiny pet-shop extra

Garter snakes, Thamnophis, are the striped snakes of North American ditches and gardens. Common captives are often eastern or checkered garters. Adults are about 2 to 3 feet. They can live 10 to 15 years, and care is beginner. They are active, they musk, and the diet is the part people get wrong.

A garter does well around 72 to 85°F with humidity near 50 to 60 percent. A 20-gallon tank is only a minimum and small for a busy adult. Give floor space, a water bowl big enough to soak in, and a tight lid. They are slender escape artists. Earthworms, nightcrawlers, and thawed mice suit many individuals. Fish, if you feed it, should not be a goldfish diet. Thiaminase in common feeder fish leads to a vitamin B1 shortage.

Captive-bred, and a real menu

Wild garters are loaded with parasites and are protected in places. Buy captive-bred. Some keepers house similar-sized garters together. That can work. It fails when one animal takes all the food. Feed separately if you are unsure. Handling is fine once the snake is eating. Expect musk at the start.

A kinked spine, a refusal to eat, or a bad shed that will not clear needs a reptile vet. ARAV lists clinics that will see a small snake.

Garter snake questions

Can garter snakes eat goldfish?

Goldfish and other fatty feeder fish are a bad staple. They contain thiaminase, which breaks down vitamin B1. Earthworms, appropriately prepared fish, and rodents are the safer mix.

Do garter snakes live in groups?

They tolerate company better than kingsnakes when the animals are similar in size and food is plentiful. A hungry larger snake can still bite a smaller one. Watch feeding.

Why does my garter snake musk?

Fear. The smell is a defense. Less grabbing, and support under the body, reduces it. Wild-caught adults musk more and tame less.