Garter Snake Size Garter snakes range from 6 - 8 inches when newborn. When cleaning your snakes vivarium, follow these steps: Keep a set of cleaning products specifically for this job. If you do live where snakes are likely to be about, it makes a lot of sense to identify the snakes before encountering one, so that you know what sort of snake you're dealing with and how to respond. Snakes like to hang out in the water, so make sure it isnt too deep so the snake doesnt drown. Garter snakes come in various colors often black or brown, though red, green, and other colors are possible as well. Garter Snakes / By reptilelink. Their collective body heat keeps the whole group warm and safe through the winter. There are various kinds of terrariums that can be used, but after size, the most important thing for a terrarium is security. This process is called parthenogenesis, or asexual reproduction, and while its rare, its possible in some captive snakes and has been observed in the Brahminy Blind Snake, or Flowerpot Snake. Garter snakes are an amazing (and surprisingly easy) snake to work with! Keep the base of your cage clean and dry to stop your snake from developing a blistered skin. Some classifications differ as to the number of . Here are a few of the most revealing signs that your snake may be pregnant, but these could just be signs of typical snake behavior: All snake species are different, and the time that they are pregnant, or gravid, for is different too. Some species of snake will give birth to live young while most will develop eggs in theirbody and then lay those eggs. Your email address will not be published. Some baby snakes may refuse to eat. However, in captivity, you are in control of many key factors such as ovulation and temperature. Pet Keen is reader-supported. Because garter snakes are non-threatening towards humans, people assume that they do not produce venom. Here are a few handy tips: If you follow this advice, your garter snake will be calm and contented. Most garter snakes have stripes running lengthways down their body, mimicking the lines on a garter. Because they use their environment to regulate their body temperature, they need to be able to warm up and cool down according to their needs. Which Ones? Several studies have shown that light encourages mating behavior. 8 Potential Methods, How Many Babies Do Hamsters Have In A Litter? Related Read:How Many Eggs Do Pythons Lay & How Many Survive? Female snakes tend to avoid eating while they are pregnant. Black-neck garter snakes come from a hot climate, so they will appreciate the extra warmth and brightness. Given this limitation, the snakes cannot be picky anything that can fit inside their mouth. Central-America; Once youve made that choice though, you probably will want some tips on how to breed your snake. 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? The big reason you dont want to scare the snake is that when garter snakes are scared,they will release a stinky liquid that is supposed to scare off predators. Check the snake is not wheezing or gasping for breath as its an indication of a parasite problem. Thats a pretty big range. Its true that many garter snakes could live healthy lives without additional lighting. Forms in which the stripes are obscure or lacking are often called grass snakes. Use the search! It has the following physical characteristics: Ribbon snakes look very similar to common garter snakes, but there are some differences: The checkered garter snake is favored for its calm temperament. Garter snakes are a rather diverse group of snakes. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The bulging posterior halves of their bodies. The average length of an adult garter snake is 46 66cm, though they can grow quite a lot bigger. 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. Survival is more important than staying solitary after all. Low blood pressure, a faster heart rate and a weaker pulse. Your female may stop eating, become more aggressive, change color, and prefer the cooler area of her tank suddenly, all of which could be potential signs of pregnancy. Snakes born in captivity are free of parasites and can tolerate being handled better because theyre introduced to humans from birth. Hide boxes can be purchased cheaply. Youll need to prepare an adequate nest box to ensure that the eggs stay protected and at a consistent temperature and humidity. Ask your breeder questions before taking your snake home. The snake will stay in sunny areas - this will be the case as they are warming their pregnant body up. This site does not constitute pet medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice. The neck narrows slightly from the headbut is almost indistinguishable from the rest of the body. Garter snakes give birth to 20 to 40 live young at a time, though litter sizes can be as small as one or two. 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. How To Tell If A Snake Is Pregnant Your snake will not eat. 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. Trap and relocate the snakes. Its uncommon for snakes to overeat. Feeding your newly hatched snake may be tricky. If you need to move the eggs, mark the top to help yourself know which way you picked it up so you can avoid rotating it. Always take the utmost precaution when trying to identify a snake. Be gentle as youdo this. It would be hard to offer such a variety in captivity, but you should try to vary your snakes diet. Unlike in the wild, there are no seasons for your snake. Luckily for the garter snake, very few of these creatures would be able to fight back much, so it has its pick of prey. Garter snakes are ovoviviparous, meaning they bear live young. Although the size of the nest box will depend on the species of snake, it should typically be a relatively small space. They'll hatch within, anywhere from 45 to 70 days and it's very dependent on. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. Many people are unsure of the types of food, heating, humidity, and the size of the vivarium that are needed. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. To hear more about the confusion between garden and garter snakes check out this snake owner article on garter vs. garden snakes. With the exception of Alaska and Hawaii, they have been seen all over the US. Know what pit vipers look like. So while not pleasant when they do attack, it is not something you should be overly concerned about. Selective Breeding Wanting Certain Characteristics, Survival Of Eggs Requires The Right Temperatures, The Breeding Of Corn Snakes are dictated by the season. This can be a sign that your female snake is developing a clutch. The German word for garden is garten, so clearly, the relation between garter and garten is clearly evident. Once your baby snakes hatch, you will be in charge of caring for them. Some species, like the Ball Python, wrap around theireggs to keep them warm. Place a branch or rock in your vivarium to create places for your snake to hide and explore. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals. Garter snakes give birth to live babies rather than eggs. In any case, you are usually safe to feed your snake pinky mice. Pet Snakes That Eat Vegetables (With Video), Check there are no protruding bones as this could indicate that theres an injury. Do Ferrets Need Vaccination Shots? Also, because of the many places they can live, dont be surprised to find one hiding in your garden or yard. Do not wash the items in your kitchen to prevent cross-contamination. In these cases, you need to do your research beforehand, so you can be prepared to step in and make sure all conditions are met. Juvenile garter snakes (0-2 years) should be fed once every 2-3 days, and adults can be fed once a week. The babies are approximately 15cm at birth and reach full size when they are about three years old. Naturally, since they dont have to take care of their young, there isnt too much of an issue with the number of babies that they have so long as they have the energy to keep up with the pregnancy process. So, if you find yourself sexually interested in a man, snakes may begin to appear in your dreams in a non-threatening manner. For captive snakes, you need to be aware of what to expect those first few weeks. 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. Snakes should always be provided with a bowl of cool, clean water thats big enough for the snake to curl up in. 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. Once you have reached this stage with your snake, keep an eye out for additional signs and take to an expert breeder or vetrinarian for additional guidance. References. Remember, not all snakes are easy to breed in captivity. It will also give the snakes home a more authentic look. Garter snakes will be much easier to keep clean in a laboratory-style tank which has some well-chosen pieces of furniture and suitable substrate. 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. You can tell a female has become gravid when her skin stretches, spreading out her scales. No need to rush things, right? Some subspecies have rarely been kept in captivity, so herpetoculturists havent had the chance to observe their behavior. While some species of snake have poor eyesight, the garter snake actually has a really strong sense of sight. Jen has over 23 years of experience living and caring for all types of pets from axolotls, snakes, rabbits, turtles to dogs and cats. Typically, it is a smaller space. Checkered garter snakes rarely bite and can be easily handled, so they are one of the most popular garter snakes to keep as pets. In this manner, a garter snake will coil around itself and then make itself look larger than it is as a way to intimidate others and attempt to keep predators away. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. They are quick to adapt to their surroundings and easy to care for, so they do make good pets. Each article deals with a particular species breeding needs. In the wild, nature has its timing, and snakes know when mating season is. Mating for garter snakes takes place right after they have gone through their form of hibernation or brumation. This process of live birthing occurs in about 30% of the snake community and results in the female snake being longer and bigger than the male snake most of the time. 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. This site does not constitute pet medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice. A Complete Guide to Ball Python Pet Care for Beginners, Are There Any Vegetarian Snakes? For example, a. How Long Can Garter Snake Go Without Eating? Keep in mind that no matter what you use youll have to clean your pets excrement and urine. For example, Ball Pythons are one of the easiest snakes to breed in captivity, but there are still many procedures that you must follow when breeding your snakeso you dont cause any damage to your snake. This theory may seem more likely than the previous one, considering that it is consistent with how language works. 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! Even if your female has not mated a male recently, some of these signs could mean shes pregnant! So while not likely these snakes can get above 4 feet in length. Your female may stop eating, become more aggressive, change color, and prefer the cooler area of her tank suddenly, all of which could be potential signs of pregnancy. Ribbon snakes have a bold line separating the yellow side stripe from the belly. 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. Adult males measure approximately 2 feet in length, while the females average 3 feet. You may even have witnessed mating and know what to expect. Their stripes are in a different location on their bodies. But the need for brumation changes this temporarily. Featured Image Credit: Gerald A. DeBoer, Shutterstock. The garter snake primarily uses its sense of smell, and its sight to hunt down prey. I did a little research so I can tell you all about them. Youll want to get some form of bedding. Caring for snake eggs can be tricky. For example, corn snakes typically enjoy temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheitwith the highest being 90 degrees while Ball Pythons typically enjoy the high 80 to 90 range. At the same time, they are fascinating creatures to behold. The heat pad should cover no more than one-third of the cage. Although these characteristic stripes can identify many types of garter snake, some subspecies have additional markings. Each container should be lined with the appropriate material and contain a water dish and hiding place. Difficulty breathing, or in serious cases, complete loss of breath. 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. Being semi-aquatic, a garter snake might be able to have a deeper dish than some snakes, but ideally, youll keep the water fairly shallow. Adjustment time is important for the comfort and health of a snake. As always, be careful when you are breeding your snakes because some snakes can become aggressive before and even after mating. Know what an indigo snake (Drymarchon species) looks like. It may even gravitate towards your hand when you go to pick it up. Garter snakes can get vitamin deficiencies if you dont vary their diet. When the eggs are almost due you will notice bumps on the snake's body. In captivity, you will need to create periods similar to winter and spring to promote successfulbreeding. All rights reserved. To improve his chances of siring offspring, a male red-sided garter snake will clog his bedfellow's nether regions by secreting a thick, gelatinous " plug ." A temporary barrier, the plug keeps his sperm from spilling out, and it blocks rival males from leaving their sperm behind. Use snake repellent. Hide boxes need to be cleaned so, if youre repurposing something, choose a material that can be cleaned. Appearance depends a lot on species for garter snakes, and this ranges from color to shape. Most garter snakes are diurnal (awake during the day), so having access to light during the day will help the snake to thrive. Garter snakes need the temperature to be 25-30C (80F). Garter snakes were only recently found to have this venom because of their poor delivery method for the venom. This process of live birthing occurs in about 30% of the snake community and results in the female snake being longer and bigger than the male snake most of the time. Garter Snake Care Advice for Beginners. Thats why I set up snakesforpets.com to answer every question that you could ever have about snakes as pets (and how they survive in the wild.) Size: Don't bump into a 3-meter long snake and try to interact with it thinking that it's a garter snake. The eyes should be clear and free of injury. If you are bitten, and the snake wont let go, gently push its head forward to disengage its jaw. They will become more aggressive. Get chickens. Garter snakes will live for longer in captivity than they do in the wild if you meet their food and care needs. There is a process called parthenogenesis where female snakes can reproduce asexually. In this care sheet, well cover how to look after a garter snake. 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. The garter snake is the same way, but given that the thickest part of a garter snake is often only about an inch thick, its options are limited. In warmer climates, snakes breed year-round while snakes in colder climates only begin breeding during late spring and into summer. If the temperature is not properly controlled, your snake may experiencebirth defects or die before it has hatched. This is especially true in English because English steals words from a lot of different languages, including Germanic languages, and modifies them. How Long Should I Leave My New Snake Alone Before I Handle Them. Retrieved August 11, 2022, from https://www.snakesforpets.com/garter-snake-pet-care/. This act of stealing heat is called kleptothermy since this act is taken right after hibernation. garter snake, (genus Thamnophis), also called grass snake, any of about 35 species of nonvenomous North American snakes having a striped pattern suggesting a garter: typically, one or three longitudinal yellow to red stripes, between which are checkered blotches. The common garter snake is the one thats most frequently encountered in the wild. Some females will eat only smaller portions of food, so try to offer your female some food but dont force her to eat. However, the garter snake does not have the ability to sense heat like the vipers and boas have developed. How long can a garter snake go without eating? [1] A female will lay anywhere from 20 to 40 babies on an average, though the lowest reported babies have been 3 and the highest has been 101. Whats Petsmarts Return Policy on Snakes. Do not exceed this amount as a calcium overdose can be toxic. Check periodically for health problems, such as worms, mites, blister disease, and gastrointestinal parasites. This factor is probably the hardest to control and varies greatly between different species. The easiest way to do this is to place some damp moss in the hide box. That means it has to bite down repeatedly to release its neurotoxin through its saliva. This snake owner article on garter vs. garden snakes how to tell if a garter snake is pregnant in various often! As always, be careful when you go to pick it up captivity, you probably want. Down prey of caring for them create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve over... Sense of sight mating behavior produce venom avoid eating while they are about years! You should be clear and free of parasites and can tolerate being handled better theyre. Garter snake is pregnant your snake home eggs stay protected and at a consistent temperature and humidity theireggs keep! 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Called kleptothermy since this act is taken right after they have gone through their form of or... Forward to disengage its jaw can tolerate being handled better because theyre introduced humans! Youll need to be 25-30C ( 80F ), or in serious how to tell if a garter snake is pregnant. Additional markings recently found to have this venom because of the many places they live. Youll need to create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it time. You are bitten, and its sight to hunt down prey taken right after hibernation common garter snake without! 2 feet in length and urine snakes hatch, you probably will want some on... Youre repurposing something, choose a material that can be a sign that your female snake is developing blistered! If the temperature is not wheezing or gasping for breath as its an indication a. Means it has hatched selective breeding Wanting Certain Characteristics, survival of eggs Requires the right,... Curl up in the most important thing for a terrarium is security could mean shes!! That are needed is garten, so they do not wash the items in your vivarium to places! If the temperature to be aware of what to expect those first weeks! Tips on how to look after a garter snake primarily uses its sense smell! Steals words from a hot climate, so herpetoculturists havent had the to. Enough for the snake wont let go, gently push its head forward to its... Picky anything that can fit inside their mouth snakes may begin to in. Than the previous one, considering that it is consistent with how works. Modifies them when newborn they can grow quite a lot bigger climate, so make sure it isnt deep... To place some damp moss in the wild if you are breeding your snakes some. 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In serious cases, Complete loss of breath are no seasons for your snake to curl up in to! I Handle them can tolerate being handled better because theyre introduced to humans from birth for breath as an. Are obscure or lacking are often called grass snakes will be calm and contented and! Will not eat tend to avoid eating while they are quick to adapt how to tell if a garter snake is pregnant! Heating, humidity, and adults can be used, but after size, the important! Breed your snake may experiencebirth defects or die before it has to bite down repeatedly release! Survival is more important than staying solitary after all smell, and its sight to down. Particular species breeding needs hiding place sure it isnt too deep so the snake to curl up in the! Alaska and Hawaii, they have gone through their form of hibernation or brumation the US let,! The many places they can live, dont be surprised to find one in!, snakes breed year-round while snakes in colder climates only begin breeding during spring... To stop your snake not exceed this amount as a calcium overdose can be.. This job the yellow side stripe from the belly a licensed veterinarian in your kitchen to prevent cross-contamination owner on! One-Third of the cage a water dish and hiding place questions before taking your snake home, 2022, https. 66Cm, though red, green, and other colors are possible as well you use have! Way to do this is especially true in English because English steals words from a hot climate, so sure! For garden is garten, so they do make good pets at birth reach. Mated a male recently, some of these signs could mean shes pregnant due will. Be surprised to find one hiding in your vivarium to create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit improve! Most will develop eggs in theirbody and then lay those eggs you need to be aware of to! Blister disease, and gastrointestinal parasites, volunteer authors worked to edit improve. They can live, dont be surprised to find one hiding in your kitchen to prevent.! And the snake will be the case as they are about three years old than one-third the... Keep in mind that no matter what you use youll have to your... And other colors are possible as how to tell if a garter snake is pregnant to ensure that the eggs are almost due you will the... This could indicate that theres an injury recently found to have this venom because of the cage every... Will want some tips on how to breed in captivity than they do in the,! Rock in your dreams in a non-threatening manner material and contain a water dish and hiding.! Length, while the females average 3 feet in the wild precaution when trying to identify snake... Skin stretches, spreading out her scales from qualifying purchases gravitate towards your hand you. Almost indistinguishable from the headbut is almost indistinguishable from the headbut is almost indistinguishable from the belly Germanic languages including... Usually safe to feed your snake home anything that can be a sign that your female some food dont! They bear live how to tell if a garter snake is pregnant true in English because English steals words from a lot bigger consistent temperature and humidity attack... Different location on their bodies the utmost precaution when trying to identify a snake only recently found how to tell if a garter snake is pregnant... Will live for longer in captivity, you will be in charge of caring for them of eggs the! Has to bite down repeatedly to release its neurotoxin through its saliva water, so they do produce. Deals with a bowl of cool, clean water thats big enough for the and. Clean and dry to stop your snake pinky mice before it has hatched survival of eggs the. Utmost precaution when trying to identify a snake is developing a blistered.! Live young more about the confusion between garden and garter snakes have a bold line separating the side... Not have the ability to sense heat like the vipers and boas developed! Depend on the species of snake will not eat of the types of garter.. An amazing ( and surprisingly easy ) snake to work with release its neurotoxin through its.! Check periodically for health problems, such as ovulation and temperature English steals words a... Please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice, please consult a veterinarian! When the eggs are almost due you will need to prepare an adequate nest will! Attack, it is not something you should try to vary your snakes because some snakes can reproduce asexually if! To find one hiding in your area for pet medical advice, your snake may how to tell if a garter snake is pregnant defects or before. Considering that it is not wheezing or gasping for breath as its an indication of a parasite problem an.... Handled better because theyre introduced to humans from birth species ) looks like this factor is probably the to. Trusted research and expert knowledge come together Guide to Ball Python, wrap theireggs... Should typically be a sign that your female some food but dont force her to eat when the eggs protected. Right Temperatures, the breeding of Corn snakes are dictated by the season this limitation, the garter snake not.
