How Do You Feed Garter Snakes?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  1. Comet goldfish, gutloaded (recently fed) crickets and earthworms.
  2. Long-term use of comet goldfish as the sole food source can cause a vitamin B1 deficiency. Be sure to vary your snake's diet for optimal nutrition.
  3. May feed on frozen/thawed rodents, such as pinkies.

What do you feed a pet garter snake?

Diet. A well-balanced garter or water snake

Can you feed garter snakes just fish?

Wild garter eat a varied diet containing

worms, amphibians, fish, eggs, snails

, and rodents. While captive garter snakes can be fed predominantly frozen thawed rodents, occasionally they can be offered other prey items such as earthworms, fresh whole feeder fish, , or toads.

How do you keep garter snakes alive?

Garter snakes are relatively small, which makes them easy to house. It also allows many beginning keepers to handle them more confidently, and it means they don't present any serious safety issues.

Garter snakes are rarely irascible

, and they're not as likely to bite as some other species.

How do you give a garter snake water?

Garter snakes need a

water dish to both drink water from and to soak in

. Pick a bowl that is large and shallow. Make sure that the water dish in the enclosure is always filled with enough fresh water for the snake to soak. Change the water every day.

Are garter snakes good to have in your yard?

A few garter snakes in the garden can be a good thing.

They eat insects and other pests

, so they can control those pests that harm your plants. You don't want a large number of these snakes in your garden, however. … While generally shy and withdrawing, a garter snake will bite if you accidentally step on them.

Where do garter snakes live?

The common garter snake is most often found around

aquatic habitats

, such as ponds, freshwater wetlands and riparian areas. If threatened, they will often flee into the water where they are excellent swimmers.

Do garter snakes like to be held?

Many garter snakes, particularly if they are captive bred,

are gentle and do not mind being handled

, and handling them is simply a matter of picking them up and letting them explore your hands. If you have experience handling other snakes, it's important to remember that garter snakes are not constrictors.

How often should I feed my garter snake?

Feeding. Things to remember when feeding your garter or water snake

How long do garter snakes live?

How long does a common garter snake live? The life span of an average common garter snake can range from

four to five years

. However, they can live up to 10 years in captivity.

Do garter snake bites hurt?

Because of its teeth, the venom is released not in a single, lashing out bite, but by repeated chewing. … However, if annoyed, they will bite.

It will hurt

, but it won't kill you. If bitten, be sure to clean the wound completely and get a tetanus shot, as you should for any type of bite.

Do garter snakes carry diseases?

Abstract. Garter snakes that are used for scientific laboratory studies or kept as exotic pets often become ill and die early in captivity. They may also act as

reservoirs of potential human pathogens

or transmit infection to man.

Do baby garter snakes need heat?

Snakes are cold-blooded. This means they

need external heat to run their body metabolism

. A snake that is too cold is not only sluggish, it's also unable to digest its food properly: it may refuse to eat or even throw up its food. A pregnant snake also needs warmth for her babies to incubate.

What smell do snakes hate?


Ammonia

: Snakes dislike the odor of ammonia so one option is to spray it around any affected areas. Another option is to soak a rug in ammonia and place it in an unsealed bag near any areas inhabited by snakes to deter them away.

What attracts snakes to your house?

  • Mice.
  • Leaf piles.
  • Landscaping rocks.
  • Dense shrubbery.
  • Gaps in your home's foundation.
  • Bird baths.

Do garter snakes live in holes?

Garter

snakes don't create and burrow their own holes

. They utilize the holes of other animals or natural cracks in the soil.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.