Makin Ophidian Morphs
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Popular Snake Species
  • boa
  • ball python
  • corn snake
  • hognose
  • king snake
  • milk snake
  • garter snake
  • water snake
  • green tree python
care guide
  • Snake care guide
  • disabled snake care guide
Makin Ophidian Morphs
Home
About us
FAQ
Feeder rats
Popular Snake Species
  • boa
  • ball python
  • corn snake
  • hognose
  • king snake
  • milk snake
  • garter snake
  • water snake
  • green tree python
care guide
  • Snake care guide
  • disabled snake care guide
More
  • Home
  • About us
  • FAQ
  • Feeder rats
  • Popular Snake Species
    • boa
    • ball python
    • corn snake
    • hognose
    • king snake
    • milk snake
    • garter snake
    • water snake
    • green tree python
  • care guide
    • Snake care guide
    • disabled snake care guide
  • Home
  • About us
  • FAQ
  • Feeder rats
  • Popular Snake Species
    • boa
    • ball python
    • corn snake
    • hognose
    • king snake
    • milk snake
    • garter snake
    • water snake
    • green tree python
  • care guide
    • Snake care guide
    • disabled snake care guide

About Milk Snake's

Key Characteristics

 

  • Non-venomous: Kill prey by constriction.
     
  • Medium size: Adults usually grow 2–4 feet (0.6–1.2 meters).
     
  • Banded patterns: Red, black, and yellow/white bands; patterns vary by region.
     
  • Docile temperament: Popular among beginner snake keepers.

Where They Live

 

  • Found in forests, fields, farmlands, and rocky hills.
     
  • Often hide under rocks, logs, or leaf litter.
     
  • Highly adaptable and can live near humans.

Diet

 

  • Small rodents, birds, eggs, lizards, and other snakes.
     
  • Constricts prey before swallowing.
     
  • Active hunters, often searching for food rather than waiting.

Behavior

 

  • Nocturnal to crepuscular: Active during dusk or night.
     
  • Defensive: May vibrate tail, hiss, or mimic venomous coral snakes when threatened.
     
  • Climbers and burrowers: Can climb low branches or hide under objects.

Are They Dangerous To Humans

 No—they are completely harmless. Bites are rare and minor. Their bright coloration is purely a defense strategy.  

As Pets

 

  • Very popular because of their colorful patterns and easy care.
     
  • Require secure enclosures, hiding spots, and moderate heat.
     
  • Can live 15–20 years in captivity with proper care.

garter snake care guide

introduction

Garter snakes are small, active, non-venomous colubrid native to North America. They are social, energetic feeders and one of the few snakes that thrive with slightly different diets than typical rodent-eating species. They make engaging pets and are great for beginners when set up properly.

Adult Size

 18–48 inches (species dependent) 

temperament

 active, quick, generally gentle 

Lifespan

 8–15 years (some reach 20) 

Lifestyle

 semi-aquatic, terrestrial 

activity level

 diurnal (active during the day) 


Enclosure set up

tank size, and enclosure type

tank size

 

  • Hatchlings: 10 gallons
     
  • Juveniles: 20 gallons
     
  • Adults: 40 gallons minimum (20–55 gallons depending on species and number)

Enclosure type

 

  • Garter snakes do well in horizontal enclosures
     
  • Can be kept singly or in small same-sex groups (if similar size)
     
  • Escape-proof enclosure is essential
     


Heating & Lighting

Temperatures, Heating Equipment, and Lighting

Temperatures

 

  • Warm side: 85–90°F (29–32°C)
     
  • Cool side: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
     
  • Nighttime: can drop to 68°F (20°C)

Heating Equipment

 

  • Under-tank heat pad
     
  • Ceramic heat emitter
     
  • Heat lamp if needed
     
  • Controlled by a thermostat

Lighting

 

  • Because garters are diurnal, UVB is highly recommended
     
  • 5.0 UVB tube is ideal
     
  • 12-hour light cycle


Humidity & Water

Humidity

 

  • Ideal range: 40–60%
     
  • Higher humidity tolerated but must have ventilation

Water

 

  • Provide a large water dish or shallow tub
     
  • Big enough for full-body soaking
     
  • Garter snakes love swimming
     

Change water every 2–3 days or when dirty.


Substrate (Bedding)

Spot clean Weekly; full clean every 1-2 months. Garter snakes enjoy burrowing and exploring under bedding.

Recommended

 

  • Aspen shavings
     
  • Coconut husk/fiber
     
  • Cypress mulch
     
  • Reptisoil blends
     
  • Paper towels for juveniles or quarantine

Avoid

 

  • Cedar
     
  • Pine
     
  • Sandy substrates


Enclosure Furnishing

Garter snakes are very active and thrive with lots of enrichment.

Tank Items

 

  • Multiple hides on warm and cool ends
     
  • Branches, cork bark, driftwood
     
  • Rocks for basking
     
  • Plants (live or artificial) for cover
     
  • Shallow water area for soaking/swimming
     
  • Enclosure clutter encourages natural behaviors


Cleaning and Maintenance

cleaning Tips

 

  • Daily: remove waste
     
  • Every 2–3 days: replace water
     
  • Weekly: clean surfaces
     
  • Monthly: deep clean enclosure and replace substrate
     

Garter snakes produce more waste than many species—frequent cleaning helps keep humidity and health in balance.


Handling

Handling Tips

 

  • Garter snakes are usually gentle but quick and wiggly
     
  • Handle slowly and let them move through your hands
     
  • Avoid grabbing from above
     
  • Regular gentle handling reduces stress
     
  • Avoid handling during shed or right after eating
     

Some young garters may musk when nervous; this usually improves with age.


Health & Veterinary Care

Find an exotic veterinarian experienced with snakes.

Signs of good health

 

  • Bright, alert behavior
     
  • Clear eyes
     
  • Smooth scales
     
  • Strong appetite
     
  • Good body weight

Signs of illness

 

  • Lethargy
     
  • Refusal to eat
     
  • Open-mouth breathing
     
  • Sores or bumps on scales
     
  • Constant soaking (may signal stress or mites)
     
  • Regurgitation


Shedding

Never pull the shed; assist only if stuck on the tail or eyes. Provide rough surfaces to help remove old skin.

Shedding Tips

 

  • Shed every 4–6 weeks when growing
     
  • Adults shed less frequently
     
  • Indicators: dull skin, blue/cloudy eyes
     
  • Increase humidity slightly during shed


Safety Precautions

tips to protect you and your snakes

 

  • Always wash hands before/after handling
     
  • Secure enclosure—garters are escape artists
     
  • Cohab only same-size garters (never mix species)
     
  • Supervise children
     
  • Quarantine new snakes for 60–90 days


Record keeping

Documenting

 

  • Feeding log
     
  • Shed dates
     
  • Weight tracking
     
  • Health notes
     
  • Vet visits

sneklog is amazing for tracking weight and when they last ate

Add a footnote if this applies to your business

Feeding Guide

Diet


Garter snakes are dietarily flexible but must eat varied food for proper nutrition. Recommended staples include:

  • Frozen-thawed fish low in thiaminase (e.g., salmon, tilapia, trout)
     
  • Nightcrawlers or earthworms (store-bought only)
     
  • Rodents (pinkies for young, fuzzies/adults for older garters)
     
  • Reptile-safe amphibian substitutes
     
  • Occasional pieces of chicken or eggs as supplements
     

Important: Avoid feeder fish high in thiaminase (goldfish, minnows) except rarely.


Feeding Schedule

 

  • Hatchlings: every 2–3 days
     
  • Juveniles: every 3–4 days
     
  • Adults: every 4–6 days


Feeding Tips

 

  • Feed in enclosure or a feeding tub
     
  • Offer variety over time
     
  • Avoid handling after eating. Juveniles 3-5 days, adults 5-7 days


Still unsure about what to feed your snake? 

you can contact us and we will help!

Contact Us

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