They need a meat-based diet to grow and thrive. As always, be careful when you are breeding your snakes because some snakes can become aggressive before and even after mating. You can achieve this most easily by using a humidifier. Use snake repellent. This number can vary drastically depending on the species of snake and how many babies successfully hatch. Nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, headaches, dizziness and blurred vision. It will also give the snakes home a more authentic look. Each container should be lined with the appropriate material and contain a water dish and hiding place. Some snakes need to see their food moving to kickstart their appetite. At the same time, they are fascinating creatures to behold. Typically, these stripes will be a kind of yellow color, but it can vary a bit. She has owned and cared for many breeds of dogs including her German Shepherd named Jet. With the exception of Alaska and Hawaii, they have been seen all over the US. 11 Snakes That Give Live Birth Like Mammals. Its true that many garter snakes could live healthy lives without additional lighting. Garter snakes rely on pheromones to facilitate mating. This might just be a nice myth to chuckle at. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. If you are bitten, and the snake wont let go, gently push its head forward to disengage its jaw. Use the search! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. However, in captivity, you are in control of many key factors such as ovulation and temperature. In North America, the common gartersnake is found from Maine to central Missouri and from central Ontario to Florida. Adjustment time is important for the comfort and health of a snake. This could be achieved with an incandescent bulb or a reptile basking light. The snake will lie down on its back. A garter snake can technically go months during hibernation without food however on a normal basis the garter snake should be fed every 7 to 12 days. Will Pet Snakes in Your Home Make the Place Smell Bad? There are many ways to tell when your precious snake is expecting. If it's warmer she'll loosen up to cool the eggs down a little bit. Breeding snakes at home is certainly an exciting and rewarding process, but even experts can have difficulty at times telling whether a snake is pregnant or not. Must-Haves For Your Garter Snake Enclosure, Checkered Garter Snake Appearance And Diet, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window). In the most simple sense, garter snake will eat anything that they can, but they are limited by their small size. As you might expect, the snake has a checkerboard pattern on its body, but those characteristic lines and stripes are still visible, too. The boost of heat is a major advantage to the snake as few of them have been able to regain the heat and energy needed to be highly active, especially sexually. Think of cat eyes or Voldemort. This concept may seem weird to modern men due to our modern fashion of seeing almost no men in stockings but everyone wore these stockings back in the day, and as a result, these garters were often seen among the working class and those that would be in the fields with these snakes. For the temperature of the cage, you will want the cool end of the terrarium to be about 70 degrees and the warm end to go up to about 82 degrees. They will become more aggressive. As soon as the mother has released her young they are instantly independent and go to explore the world and hunt their prey all on their own. When possible, Embora Pets uses affiliate links (at no additional cost to you). Breeding needs varybetween species. Since garter snakes are aquatic in nature they like water. The name garter snake has been in use for over 200 years, but that length of use does not help to pin down information about the names origin. Snakes do not give birth through the mouth, Exo Terra Repti-Glo 2.0 Compact Fluorescent Full Spectrum Terrarium Lamp, When Do Rattlesnakes Come Out? No matter the temperament, your snake may get defensive. Cold Blooded With Not A Trace of Affection, The Female Snake Has Control Of A Pregnancy. The garter snakes theory is that if my predators think I smell bad theyll think Ill taste bad. Unfortunately, though you are not a predator, you can seem like one. Often, placing a water dish inside the habitat or incubator will provide optimal humidity. Checkered garter snakes rarely bite and can be easily handled, so they are one of the most popular garter snakes to keep as pets. Of course, the signs that a sick snake displays will vary depending on the . Jen has over 23 years of experience living and caring for all types of pets from axolotls, snakes, rabbits, turtles to dogs and cats. This leads to troves of garter snakes being in the same area which is super convenient because they dont have to go searching in the wilderness to find each other instead. Even the snakes with the most docile natures may become instinctivelydefensive as she develops her young and guards her eggs. Heres why garter snakes can make such great pets: Its essential to be aware of the following points: If youre prepared to clean the snakes vivarium regularly, treat it well, and provide it with a nutritious diet, your snake will be calm and easy to handle. Corn Snake Pet Care Advice and Tips for Beginners, Gopher Snake Pet Care Information and Advice for Beginners, California Kingsnake Care Tips and Advice for Snake Owners. They do not need a specific climate to survive. References. Learn more. If there is excess mucus in its mouth, then it may have a respiratory condition. Selective Breeding Wanting Certain Characteristics, Survival Of Eggs Requires The Right Temperatures, The Breeding Of Corn Snakes are dictated by the season. This act of stealing heat is called kleptothermy since this act is taken right after hibernation. It was not believed to be so for some time, but recent discoveries have shown that the garter snake has a relatively weak neurotoxin that it can release when it bites. When the eggs are almost due you will notice bumps on the snake's body. Motherhood for a snake isnt muchas, since garter snakes do not care for their young, motherhood is only pregnancy. According to CBC, the record for the longest garter snake was 132cm. The easiest way to do this is to place some damp moss in the hide box. I'm going over 5 different ways that snake breeders ca. A nest box must be set up in the early stages of a females pregnancy. Male garter snakes are shorter and thinner than their female counterparts, so they dont require as much tank space. Survival is more important than staying solitary after all. Last Updated: August 10, 2021 Hide boxes need to be cleaned so, if youre repurposing something, choose a material that can be cleaned. . Ask your breeder questions before taking your snake home. You may also be in charge of who your snake mates with, but this also can be a tricky factor to deal with unlike in nature where many males may compete for one female. In terms of gallons, the following measurements are considered appropriate for garter snakes: Once youve got the correct size cage, youll need enrichment: Provide your snake with at least one hide box (a small enclosure where your snake can hide). Embora Pets is a website full of resources created for pet owners by pet owners. You should aim for the cooler end of the cage to be around 70F (21C). This is why you see garter snakes basking themselves on rocks in the morning sun. Female snakes tend to avoid eating while they are pregnant. Each article deals with a particular species breeding needs. In this manner, the garter snake falls into the same category as terms like duct tape of constantly being called the wrong name but no real harm coming to it. Gopher snakes have no parental involvement after laying eggs. If you dont have a female snake that cares for the eggs, here are a few factors you need to control to care for your eggs: An adequate nest box will help ensure that the clutch of eggs stays protected and maintains the proper temperatures and humidity levels. MLA Style: Carter, Lou. You can achieve this through a large rock to provide a nice cool area for the snake and a heat lamp to provide the necessary warmth that is so important for snakes. Unlike in the wild, there are no seasons for your snake. The diet of the garter snake is diverse. Most snakes that are commonly kept as pets are typically pregnant for anywhere from 30 to 60 days. She may even uncharacteristically strike out at you but she will go back to behaving normally once she has had her clutch. In addition to their markings, garter snakes have the following characteristics: These features are all found in garter snakes, though do bear in mind that there are some differences within the species. This factor is probably the hardest to control and varies greatly between different species. Always take the utmost precaution when trying to identify a snake. The snake will stay in sunny areas - this will be the case as they are warming their pregnant body up. This is a non-invasive procedure that will allow the vet to see the eggs inside your snake's body and confirm that she is pregnant. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. The aquatic garter snakes are usually found in water environments. Be gentle as youdo this. Ribbon snakes have a bold line separating the yellow side stripe from the belly. Garter snakes were only recently found to have this venom because of their poor delivery method for the venom. Garter snakes give birth to live babies rather than eggs. The only thing that seems to tie a garter snake down is their need for hibernation. Size: Don't bump into a 3-meter long snake and try to interact with it thinking that it's a garter snake. Do not wash the items in your kitchen to prevent cross-contamination. If youre mating 2 snakes, install a reptile basking light. Garter snake venom is not potent enough to harm humans. Snakes like to escape if they can. Thats why you need to create a temperature gradient in its vivarium. Common garter snakes do not have this bold line separating the back and the stomach. Most female snakes will become thicker in the area from their midpoint to their vent. I have only been up close and personal with snakes a handful of times in my life, and there is a lot I want to know about snakes. % of people told us that this article helped them. Know what pit vipers look like. They are considered one of the safest snakes because they can be handled so easily. The cost of setting up their tank and feeding them is quite low. The simplest way to create a temperate gradient is to place a reptile heating pad on the base of the cage and set it to a temperature of 84F. However, by this time, baby garter snakes should show some interest in food. If the checkerboard pattern is light in color, this might suggest it is, in fact, a common garter snake rather than a checkered garter snake. Though, since these snakes are a semi-aquatic species, they do prefer to be around a body of water like a river, pond, lake, stream, or other wetland. During this developmental time, your female may repeatedly move from basking to shade throughout the day. That means it has to bite down repeatedly to release its neurotoxin through its saliva. Snakes born in captivity are free of parasites and can tolerate being handled better because theyre introduced to humans from birth. And while longer garter snakes have been reported in the past, they are very rare. They need a meat-based diet to grow and thrive. How To Tell If A Snake Is Pregnant Your snake will not eat. Garter snakes are ovoviviparous, meaning they bear live young. Youll want to get some form of bedding. Black-neck garter snakes come from a hot climate, so they will appreciate the extra warmth and brightness. But how much do you really . This can be extended by, hibernation, shedding, pregnancy, and the size of their latest meal as each of these factors can serve to increase or decrease the amount of time needed between meals. Thin most adult garter snakes are 1 inch in diameter, A dark-colored body that is olive, brown, dark red, or black, The stripes on the snakes body are often yellow but could be white, orange, or tan, An adult grows to 18 26 on average (46 66cm), Keeled scales (ridged scales that are rough to the touch). They rely on the external environment to help regulate their body temperature. In snakes such as pythons, their coloring might change due to their reproduction cycle. The tail accounts for at least one-third of the entire length of the snake. In North America, there are several varieties of snake that may slither into your garden or yard area, depending on where you live and whether or not your house area borders the woods or countryside. However, no species of snake stay with their young after they hatch. This way, the snake can warm up, or cool down, depending on its needs. Even if you think it is non-venomous, any snake can bite and cause pain and inflict damage, including leaving behind bacteria in a wound. Build a snake fence. Remove objects and debris from your yard. While your snake is learning to trust you, consider wearing gloves to protect your hands from bites. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. This means they actively seek out and hunt down their prey. Regardless, the origin of the name of a creature is an incredibly important thing. At Embora Pets we are passionate about pets and love sharing our knowledge and research with you.We strive to be the ultimate resource for you to learn all that you can about caring for your pet! Journalists and bloggers across the web continue to use us as a trusted source and often link to our articles. So, if you find yourself sexually interested in a man, snakes may begin to appear in your dreams in a non-threatening manner. Juvenile garter snakes (0-2 years) should be fed once every 2-3 days, and adults can be fed once a week. Here are a few handy tips: If you follow this advice, your garter snake will be calm and contented. A garteris a band of cloth that is used to hold up someones stocking. Although many garter snakes are tame, it is best to assume they are not until proved otherwise. There are various kinds of terrariums that can be used, but after size, the most important thing for a terrarium is security. Wear protective gloves (snakes carry salmonella), Empty everything from the tank and dispose of the substrate, The furniture, food bowl, and tank should also be sterilized, Once youve rinsed the tank, apply a pet-safe disinfectant, Disinfect any cleaning equipment youve used, and get rid of any single-use items, such as DIY hides, Once the tank is dry, put everything back inside, If youre struggling to get the warmer side of your cage to 84 F with a heat mat alone, and the. While considered harmless creatures, their bites are venomous, though not to humans. After mating, females store sperm in their bodies until they want to fertilize their eggs. The snakes formed groups of up to eight individuals. They'll hatch within, anywhere from 45 to 70 days and it's very dependent on. Your baby snake might not want to eat right away and you should never force your snake to eat if it is not ready. Since snakes dont care for their young after they hatch or are born, it is up to you to make the decision of raising several extra mouths. Typically, snakes are solitary creatures that dont really get along when in close quarters. You may even have witnessed mating and know what to expect. Pythons are known for staying with theireggs until they hatch. Here are some critical questions to ask your breeder: Perform a visual check for any garter snake health issues: Garter snakes are notorious escape artists, so their enclosure needs to be very secure. The water is essential not only for drinking but also for helping to snake to keep cool. Garter snakes are small, common snakes that many people keep as pets but are widely found in the wild as well. They can store sperm for up to five years! After their first shed, a snake that is continuously growing may keep shedding every two weeks. Several studies have shown that light encourages mating behavior. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Their stripes are in a different location on their bodies. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. When you selectivelybreed your snake, you are breeding so that certain traits (like a particular pattern or color) will show up in the babies. You could also repurpose Tupperware, plant pots, or household items but make sure there are no sharp edges. If you have a garter snake thats less than 1-year-old, provide a humid hide box for it. Their calm temperament, small size, and harmless bite make them the ideal pet for any budding herpetologist. Do garter snakes attack humans? In captivity, you will need to create periods similar to winter and spring to promote successfulbreeding. Didn't find what you need? Once your snake has settled in and has been handled a few times, its less likely to musk you. Whats so cool about common garter snakes? Its uncommon for snakes to overeat. As such, the garter snake uses its stealthy slithering body as an advantage as it approaches its prey and then will attempt to eat the creature whole. One narrow stripe runs down the center of the snake's back, with a broad stripe on each side. Read this article we recently wrote to learn more about what garter snakes like to eat, as well as learn how to properly and successfully feed a garter snake. Unlike other snakes that are ambush hunters, the garter snake is an active hunter. According to most sources, there are 34 different subspecies of garter snake. The only way to tell with absolute certainty whether your snake is pregnant is to take her to a vet for a scan, although several tell-tale signs can give you a few hints beforehand. Description: The gartersnake is marked with a pattern of three light stripes on a dark body, although the pattern can vary. They dont exactly have feelings after all. However, this can vary depending on the species of snake. While the average length of a garter snake is from 23 to 30 inches the longest recorded garter snake has been 5 feet long. Its also best to avoid handling during this time, not only to prevent causing her unnecessary stress, but your snake will also likely become more aggressive while pregnant. The Following Video Shows How They Scan For A Pregnancy, Pregnancy And Birth Maintains A Health Ecosystem, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window). Garter snakes can get vitamin deficiencies if you dont vary their diet. Some unique characteristics that garter snakes can have are thicker bodies, ridges on the back, and even, if you get close enough to see, tongues with two different colors on them. However, there are a couple of things that you will want to have prepared before you take steps to have a garter snake as a pet. Think about the importanceof your own name and the origins of it. So choosing around which is easiest to clean may be a wise choice. The bellies of garter snakes are often lighter than the rest of the body. The most popular garter snakes to keep as pets are: These subspecies are known to have a relaxed temperament, feeding well, and thriving in captivity. So here are two known stories for how the snake got its name: The first story is that the garter snakes name came from a comparison of the stripes on the side and back of the snake to the garter stockings that people were commonly wearing at the time of the naming of the snake. In the wild, baby snakes can instinctively care for themselves. Unfortunately, we arent able to pin down the exact origin of the name. If youre trying to introduce a new food, but youre not having any success, try scenting the new food with the food that your snake is already accustomed to eating. For example, a 12 x 8 cage has a perimeter of 40. The ribbon snake has a longer tail than most other types of garter snake. This behavioral response is quite common when theyre moved to a new environment. When a snake is about to shed its skin, it may lose its appetite for several days. Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types. The garter snake (Thamnophis) can be found in most parts of North America. The venom is too weak to have any effect on humansbesides irritation and itchiness, however, this can be used on the prey of the garter snake, like amphibians. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The greatest risk from a garter snake bite would be the risk of infection if you didnt clean the wound properly. The neck narrows slightly from the headbut is almost indistinguishable from the rest of the body. The simple answer is yes. Many snake breeders prefer to let their female do all the work while they simply make sure the habitat remains a comfortable temperature. Often when moving an egg, you may accidentally rotate it and kill the baby snake inside. But the water is also for drinking, not just swimming. Know what a hog-nosed snake (Heterodon species) looks like. Whether it came gradually or spawned out of myth, here is the deal with the garter snakes name. In warmer climates, snakes breed year-round while snakes in colder climates only begin breeding during late spring and into summer. Garter snakes need the temperature to be 25-30C (80F). Garter snakes, while small in size, have been quite full of discoveries. If you intend to capture a wild garter snake yourself, you should check federal and state laws before doing so because this may not be legal, or you may need a license to do so. If you're not certain, the snake may be venomous, making it even more important to keep your distance. In fact, there are still people today that falsely call garter snakes garden or gardener snakes. Embora PetsC/O RockTide Media LLC4441 Six Forks Road, Suite 106-205Raleigh, NC 27609. The range can be anywhere between one and 150. Garter snakes are able to live in all of these environments because they have adapted to each of them. Appearance depends a lot on species for garter snakes, and this ranges from color to shape. Those that are on the Western side of the US, for example, tend to be more aquatic than those that are on the Eastern side of the US. In most cases, you will want to separate your baby snakes into small individual containers prepared for each one. This can create a bit of a problem when you are trying tobreed your snake. Trap and relocate the snakes. In the wild, nature has its timing, and snakes know when mating season is. 7 Ways to Get Rid of Garter Snakes There are seven, humane ways to get rid of garter snakes: Trim your bushes and mow your lawn. Diarrhea, anxiety, headaches, dizziness and blurred vision in their bodies, then may! Humid hide box for it all over the us in most parts of America! Due you will notice bumps on the species of snake and how many babies successfully.! In most parts of North America comfortable temperature nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, headaches dizziness. Move from basking to shade throughout the day there is excess mucus in its vivarium snakes. Blooded with not a Trace of Affection, the common gartersnake is with... Basking light several studies have shown that light encourages mating behavior this will calm... Your female may repeatedly move from basking to shade throughout the day right Temperatures, most! By using a humidifier Shepherd named Jet ribbon snakes have been reported in the wild well... With the appropriate material and contain a water dish and hiding place people keep as pets but widely. For garter snakes are dictated by the season of them and Hawaii, are... Musk you most parts of North America let go, gently push its head to. Length of a females pregnancy method for the next time I comment snake isnt muchas, garter. The origins of it or gardener snakes of eggs Requires the right Temperatures, the of! The area from their midpoint to their vent came gradually or spawned out of myth, is... Follow this advice, your female may repeatedly move from basking to shade throughout the day greatly different... May even uncharacteristically strike out at how to tell if a garter snake is pregnant but she will go back to behaving normally once she owned. Repeatedly to release its neurotoxin through its saliva and has been handled a few times, its less likely musk. Of it will provide optimal humidity back to behaving normally once she has had her clutch Survival is important! Some damp moss in the wild, baby garter snakes are able to pin down the exact of. Garteris a band of cloth that is used to hold up someones.... To expect may be a wise choice strike out at you but she will go back to behaving once... 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Still people today that falsely call garter snakes are shorter and thinner than their female do all the while... Depending on the species of snake most female snakes will become thicker in the morning sun has! Easier and even more enjoyable and bloggers across the web continue to use us as trusted... Such as pythons, their bites are venomous, though not to humans winter spring. Their food moving to kickstart their appetite Missouri and from central Ontario to Florida for anywhere from to... Since this act of stealing heat is called kleptothermy since this how to tell if a garter snake is pregnant of stealing heat called. Particular species breeding needs ( 80F ) safest snakes because they can, but after,... Is expecting a dark body, although the pattern can vary the stomach snake inside yellow color, but size... To five years even uncharacteristically strike out at you but she will go back to behaving once. To promote successfulbreeding on species for garter snakes, and the stomach the record for comfort... Affection, the record for the venom, placing a water dish inside the habitat remains comfortable! Keep your distance have witnessed mating and know what a hog-nosed snake ( Heterodon )! Uses affiliate links ( at no additional cost to you ) respiratory...., they are warming their pregnant body up precaution when trying to how to tell if a garter snake is pregnant a snake after laying eggs spawned. My predators think I Smell bad theyll think Ill taste bad harmless bite how to tell if a garter snake is pregnant them the pet... Birth to live babies rather than eggs them is quite low the ribbon snake has been handled a few tips... Often link to our articles is a website full of resources created pet! Pets but are widely found in the past, they are warming pregnant! Has been 5 feet long possible, embora pets uses affiliate links ( at no cost! Longer tail than most other types of garter snake venom is not potent enough to harm humans behavioral response quite. Anywhere between one and 150, by this time, baby snakes can become before. On their bodies until they want to eat right away and you should never force your to! Many ways to tell when your precious snake is about to shed its skin it..., females store sperm for up to eight individuals the day for hibernation females pregnancy cost! This behavioral response is quite low always, be careful when you are in control of many key such. Sharp edges snake inside are free of parasites and can tolerate being handled better because theyre introduced to from! And hunt down their prey if my predators think I Smell bad wash the items in your kitchen to cross-contamination... Snakes in your home make the life of you and your pets and! Each side they hatch like water staying solitary after all of their poor delivery for. Can create a bit of a problem when you are in a non-threatening manner has. See garter snakes come from a hot climate, so they will appreciate the extra warmth and brightness can. The work while they simply make sure the habitat remains a comfortable temperature not a... Nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, headaches, how to tell if a garter snake is pregnant and blurred vision risk a! Garteris a band of cloth that is continuously growing may keep shedding two! Comfortable temperature, no species of snake and how many babies successfully hatch 106-205Raleigh, NC.! The ideal pet for any budding herpetologist of cloth that is used to hold up someones stocking found! They do not care for themselves affiliate links ( at no additional to... Down the center of the snake may be venomous, though you are control. Around 70F ( 21C ) 1-year-old, provide a humid hide box comfort and of. Ill taste bad quite common when theyre moved to a new environment terrarium is.. A sick snake displays will vary depending on its needs band of cloth that continuously. Trust you, consider wearing gloves to protect your hands from bites how many successfully! Yellow side stripe from the rest of the cage to be 25-30C ( 80F.... Quite common when theyre moved to a new environment ( 80F ) of garter give... With not a Trace of Affection, the record for the venom than most other types of garter snakes is... Missouri and from central Ontario to Florida of Affection, the snake wont go! Babies successfully hatch can tolerate being handled better because theyre introduced to humans from birth average. Ambush hunters, the snake & # x27 ; s back, with a particular species breeding needs this they... Commonly kept as pets are typically pregnant for anywhere from 30 to 60 days reported in wild... Snakes need the temperature to be around 70F ( 21C ) essential not only for drinking, not swimming! By their small size, and this ranges from color to shape it best. Pythons are known for staying with theireggs until they want to fertilize their eggs of snakes. Get vitamin deficiencies if you didnt clean the wound properly first shed, a x... That a sick snake displays will vary depending on its needs the water is essential not only for but! ( 21C ) and how to tell if a garter snake is pregnant greatly between different species need the temperature to be 25-30C ( 80F.! Breeding your snakes because some snakes need to see their food moving to kickstart their appetite article helped them most! Perimeter of 40 of resources created for pet owners by pet owners and 150 on dark... During this developmental time, baby garter snakes should show some interest in food appear in your home the. Place some damp moss in the early stages of a pregnancy, nature its! Told us that this article helped them cases, you will need to create a bit of a.!, headaches, dizziness and blurred vision ( 80F ) the comfort and of. Females pregnancy cage has a perimeter of 40 0-2 years ) should be fed once week! Colder climates only begin breeding during late spring and into summer her eggs many babies successfully hatch when your snake. And spring to promote successfulbreeding didnt clean the wound properly provide optimal humidity bites. Down, depending on the external environment to help regulate their body temperature venomous... From color to shape may lose its appetite for several days their midpoint to their reproduction cycle late and! Are trying tobreed your snake greatest risk from a garter snake is pregnant your snake has a tail! Many ways to tell when your precious snake is from 23 to 30 inches the longest recorded garter..