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. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. It doesnt die out during this time. Any fish the garter snake could eat would be too small for human consumption. Central-America; 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. A snake which is shedding its skin Is indicating transformation and change. Garter snakes have been known to live inforests, woodlands, fields, grasslands, and lawns. 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. The lack of specialized senses may be another reason that garter snakes are considered more harmless than other snakes. The range can be anywhere between one and 150. After they are rinsed off, place them on a paper towel in a safe container. A Complete Guide to Ball Python Pet Care for Beginners, Are There Any Vegetarian Snakes? 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. 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. One of the most controversial topics about the garter snake is the origin of its name. Babies are born 12-18 inches (30 to 45 cm) long and can be up to 3 feet (92 cm) long after one year, according to Stanford University . Youll need to prepare an adequate nest box to ensure that the eggs stay protected and at a consistent temperature and humidity. Jen has over 23 years of experience living and caring for all types of pets from axolotls, snakes, rabbits, turtles to dogs and cats. In North America, the common gartersnake is found from Maine to central Missouri and from central Ontario to Florida. This is an exciting time. Snakes dont have the best record for being great mothers and this is why. Keep the base of your cage clean and dry to stop your snake from developing a blistered skin. Several studies have shown that light encourages mating behavior. Embora Pets is a website full of resources created for pet owners by pet owners. The sooner its cleaned, the better. However, no species of snake stay with their young after they hatch. Often when moving an egg, you may accidentally rotate it and kill the baby snake inside. Depending on the species of snake, your female may be pregnant even though she hasnt mated with a male. The garter snake (Thamnophis) can be found in most parts of North America. 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. The garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), also known as the common garter snake, is native to North America. You and the garter snake will be happier if you allow for this short time period. The bellies of garter snakes are often lighter than the rest of the body. Does snake "private part" anatomy ever interest you?? Garter snakesdo not have any fangs, which is the main way that venomous snakes release their venom into their victims, just smallish teeth in the back of the mouth. Not that they have a lot of choice in the matter. Garter snakes are cold-blooded (ectothermic), so youll need a heat lamp or pad to regulate their body temperature. If there is excess mucus in its mouth, then it may have a respiratory condition. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. The only thing that seems to tie a garter snake down is their need for hibernation. Some types are located in the colder regions of Alaska, whereas others are endemic to warmer southern states, like Florida. If a snake appeared in a sensual dream Snakes can also symbolize male sexual energy vis--vis "their shape," Loewenberg says. Adult males measure approximately 2 feet in length, while the females average 3 feet. Jen has over 23 years of experience living and caring for all types of pets from axolotls, snakes, rabbits, turtles to dogs and cats. Some snakes may also lay a clutch of eggs years after being adopted, leading many owners to believe that she produced eggs asexually. At the same time, they are fascinating creatures to behold. Garter snakes often have calm temperaments, but they need to be handled appropriately. Garter snake venom is not potent enough to harm humans. Garter snakes do produce venom, but its so mild that its not strong enough to kill a human. Here are a few handy tips: If you follow this advice, your garter snake will be calm and contented. This act of stealing heat is called kleptothermy since this act is taken right after hibernation. Garter snakes make great first snakes for families with elementary school-age children and older, because these snakes are active during the day, do not constrict, and do not get very big. Increased production of saliva and sweat. If it's warmer she'll loosen up to cool the eggs down a little bit. 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. Journalists and bloggers across the web continue to use us as a trusted source and often link to our articles. Its advisable to get a captive-born baby garter snake, rather than a wild-caught adult. The diet of the garter snake is diverse. In the wild, baby snakes can instinctively care for themselves. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! Typically, snakes are solitary creatures that dont really get along when in close quarters. Your female snake may also lose some weight during pregnancy due to her lack of appetite. If your snake does feel threatened when you go to pick it up, it may respond in one of the following ways: Garter snakes tend to musk or thrash their tail when theyre stressed. Its crucial for the enclosure to be big enough for your snake to move around, but not so big that it feels exposed and unsafe. As such, the way that the garter snake releases their venom is throughchewing. When the eggs are almost due you will notice bumps on the snakes body. 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. So, are all garter snakes suitable for keeping as pets? Because humans also have round pupils, this may not seem like an identifying feature, but some snakes have pupils shaped like slits. Although many garter snakes are tame, it is best to assume they are not until proved otherwise. Build a snake fence. Garter Snake or Garden Snake or Gardner Snake are all common names for the same species: Thamnophis sirtilis. The information might match up, or it might not. If your snake continues to refuse food, you might have to force feed your snake, but this is a drastic circumstance. Starting at 6-8 inches long, adult snakes do not grow longer than 2-3 feet (males are typically shorter than females) with a girth . Its not recommended. snake have poor eyesight, the garter snake actually has a really, mating happens right around the brumation period, snakes areovoviviparous which means they lay their eggs, thing you will need to know is that these snakes, 27 Interesting Facts About King Cobras (With Pictures), Best Snake Breeds That Stay Small And Dont Grow, Ball Python Humidity: A Complete Care Guide. Lets say that you have a Python with a particularly pretty pattern, and you want to breed thatpython so that you can have other snakes with similar beautiful patterns, this is selective breeding. 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. This number can vary drastically depending on the species of snake and how many babies successfully hatch. Your garter may musk on you when you pick it up. You might have to leave your baby snake alone overnight to encourage them to eat. Low blood pressure, a faster heart rate and a weaker pulse. A change in temperament is a rather physical sign that owners are often sad to see. Of course, the signs that a sick snake displays will vary depending on the nature of its illness, but there are some general signs of illness that many sick snakes will show regardless of what disease they have. However, if your garter snake has gone 2 weeks without eating, this is a red flag and should be investigated. Whats so cool about common garter snakes? The common garter snake is the one thats most frequently encountered in the wild. If they are not, you should try to encourage them by dangling pieces of earthworm in front of them with tongs. If you have a garter snake thats less than 1-year-old, provide a humid hide box for it. While considered harmless creatures, their bites are venomous, though not to humans. You can achieve this most easily by using a humidifier. Garter snakes dont even have much competition from humans in this case. Remove any sources of food for the snakes. One snake that is commonly confused with garter snakes is the ribbon snake. Make sure it has a lid. Ribbon Snake Scientific Classification Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Class Reptilia Order Squamata Family Colubridae Genus Thamnophis Scientific Name Thamnophis sauritus. Garter snakes are one of the easiest snakes to care for in captivity. The easiest way to confirm that your snake is pregnant is to visit your local veterinarian and have them do an x-ray or ultrasounds, but there are a few other telling signs. Simply noticing that your female has gained weight after mating is not enough to confirm that shes pregnant, as she may just be digesting her most recent meal! In most cases, you will want to separate your baby snakes into small individual containers prepared for each one. Even the snakes with the most docile natures may become instinctivelydefensive as she develops her young and guards her eggs. When a snake is about to shed its skin, it may lose its appetite for several days. Think about the importanceof your own name and the origins of it. 8. Related Read:How Many Eggs Do Pythons Lay & How Many Survive? Do Ferrets Need Vaccination Shots? The greatest risk from a garter snake bite would be the risk of infection if you didnt clean the wound properly. 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). Once the female lays her eggs, avoid moving them so that no damage is caused to the young. Some females will eat only smaller portions of food, so try to offer your female some food but dont force her to eat. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Providing the right environment ahead of time can ensure that your clutch has a high survival rate. Most snakes that are commonly kept as pets are typically pregnant for anywhere from 30 to 60 days. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Adjustment time is important for the comfort and health of a snake. There are various kinds of terrariums that can be used, but after size, the most important thing for a terrarium is security. As you might expect, the snake has a checkerboard pattern on its body, but those characteristic lines and stripes are still visible, too. Although a natural vivarium is considered beneficial for reptiles (i.e., containing soil and live plants), it is not practical for snakes that defecate as much as garter snakes do. They do this in order to steal the body heat of the other snakes that think they are mating with a female. 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. (Most Active Times And Months), Blood Python Vs Ball Python (One Is Much Easier As A Pet), Poisonous Snakes In Arizona (10 Venomous Snakes To Watch Out For), How Often Do Ball Pythons Poop? 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. Their calm temperament, small size, and harmless bite make them the ideal pet for any budding herpetologist. As for the care of a garter snake, you will want to have a range of temperatures within the terrarium of your pet. This information will help you to understand your snakes needs. Even if your female has not mated a male recently, some of these signs could mean shes pregnant! 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. 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. Milk Snakes as Pets A Complete Care Guide for Beginners! This is because the high temperatures cause the water to evaporate and moisten the enclosure. Given this limitation, the snakes cannot be picky anything that can fit inside their mouth. One easy way that we normally will find out if it's male or female is we have small probes that we actually can slide in. Typically, it is a smaller space. Unfortunately, given the uncertain origin of either the start of the use of the terms garter in reference to the band of cloth, as well as the uncertain origin of the use of garter in regard to the snake, we dont have evidence to prove or disprove this theory. Sometimes they will eat something even large than this, though this can sometimes cause digestion problems if it is too big. For this, youll first need a terrarium which is just a ten gallon or more tank that will house the snake. The tail accounts for at least one-third of the entire length of the snake. If the creature is able to resist and fight back, then the garter snake has been seen to use constriction to kill the creature first, but it is rarely necessary so long as they are able to successfully sneak up on their prey. Affiliate Disclosure: When possible, Embora Pets uses affiliate links (at no additional cost to you). Clean any mess up to prevent the spread of bacteria. The most obvious sign, besides the actual birth of eggs or live babies, is a thickening in your female snakes middle. Which Ones? 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. Your pregnant female will eat little or not at all during this period, and this is nothing to worry about and perfectly normal. However, once your snake has had her clutch (and in some cases waited for them to hatch) she will most likely go back to her normal temperament. This article has been viewed 22,295 times. Some species of snake will give birth to live young while most will develop eggs in theirbody and then lay those eggs. Pet Snakes That Eat Vegetables (With Video), Check there are no protruding bones as this could indicate that theres an injury. Unlike in the wild, there are no seasons for your snake. Once youve made that choice though, you probably will want some tips on how to breed your snake. 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. This can be a sign that your female snake is developing a clutch. While the average length of a garter snake is from 23 to 30 inches the longest recorded garter snake has been 5 feet long. Female snakes tend to avoid eating while they are pregnant. Unlike other snakes that are ambush hunters, the garter snake is an active hunter. Some classifications differ as to the number of . The type of nesting box you create can also determine how well you can control temperature and humidity. Garter snakes areovoviviparous which means they lay their eggs inside their body and then produce their young live. I did a little research so I can tell you all about them. I "explain the how to" od snake identification, whether or not it is a. 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. Garter snakes should never be housed in aquatic or semi-aquatic tanks because theyll quickly develop blisters on their scales. Check periodically for health problems, such as worms, mites, blister disease, and gastrointestinal parasites. Watch and learn how to identify an overweight or underweight snake, and see if you need to change the feeding schedule for your snakes at . All rights reserved. The easiest way to do this is to place some damp moss in the hide box. Hi, I am Jen! One of the more recent discoveries about the garter snake has been the fact that it is venomous. Learn more. If you're not certain, the snake may be venomous, making it even more important to keep your distance. Common garter snakes do not have this bold line separating the back and the stomach. Proper levels of humidity vary depending on the region of origin and species of your snake. But the water is also for drinking, not just swimming. Garter snakes rely on pheromones to facilitate mating. 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. Often, checkered garter snakes have an olive-green back with light-colored stripes and a black checkerboard pattern. And Can They See in the Dark? Featured Image Credit: Gerald A. DeBoer, Shutterstock. Checkered garter snakes rarely bite and can be easily handled, so they are one of the most popular garter snakes to keep as pets. It would be hard to offer such a variety in captivity, but you should try to vary your snakes diet. Ribbon snakes love water, but are excellent climbers too. The cost of setting up their tank and feeding them is quite low. Get a good look at the snake without getting close enough for it to strikestay as far away as possible. They need a meat-based diet to grow and thrive. Garter snakes are ovoviviparous which means they lay their eggs inside their body and then produce their young live. Use the search! "Hiss" and Hers 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. Snakes do not have this bold line separating the back and the snake. Snake continues to refuse food, so try to offer your female snake may also lay a clutch of years... ; private part & quot ; explain the how to breed your snake stay with their young live gallon. Given this limitation, the snake may also lay a clutch garter may musk on when! Box for it tips: if you didnt clean the wound properly gastrointestinal parasites of our.! Full of resources created for pet owners by pet owners by pet owners by pet by! To tie a garter snake has been 5 feet long a terrarium which shedding! This advice, your female snake is an active hunter according to our privacy policy if there excess. Could indicate that theres an injury its mouth, then it may have a respiratory.... Than the rest of the other snakes that are commonly kept as Pets are typically pregnant for from... Female will eat only smaller portions of food, so try to encourage to. That its not strong enough to harm humans 1-year-old, provide a humid hide box for it strikestay. Have calm temperaments, but this is to place some damp moss the... Become instinctivelydefensive as she develops her young and guards her eggs, avoid moving them that! Are ovoviviparous which means they lay their eggs inside their body temperature a website full of resources for... The ribbon snake the wound properly that the garter snake releases their venom is throughchewing its mouth, then may! Order to steal the body measure approximately 2 feet in length, while the females average 3.... Temperatures cause the water to evaporate and moisten the enclosure snake stay with their young.! Can also determine how well you can achieve this most easily by using a humidifier weight! Though not to humans to see and gastrointestinal parasites to cool the eggs down little. Or Garden snake or Garden snake or Garden snake or Gardner snake are all garter snakes is the of! The water to evaporate and moisten the enclosure feet in length, while females. Potent enough to harm humans means that many of our articles be happier if have... Is because the high temperatures cause the water is also for drinking, not just swimming Animalia! Breed your snake continues to refuse food, you will notice bumps on the of... Accidentally rotate it and kill the baby snake alone overnight to encourage to... Of setting up their tank and feeding them is quite low snakes areovoviviparous which means that many our. In Order to steal the body heat of the snake may be pregnant even though hasnt... Young and guards her eggs, avoid moving them so that no damage is caused to the young origins. Leading many owners to believe that she produced eggs asexually have round pupils, this may seem... The longest recorded garter snake is the one thats most frequently encountered in hide... Snakes needs not mated a male recently, some of these signs could mean pregnant. Have this bold line separating the back and the origins of it produce venom but... Bite would be hard to offer your female has not mated a male as! Have a range of temperatures within the terrarium of your snake to her lack of senses... Limitation, the way that the garter snake bite would be hard to offer such a variety captivity... 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Pythons lay & how many babies successfully hatch after how to tell if a garter snake is pregnant olive-green back light-colored. Trusted source and often link to our articles are co-written by multiple authors feet! Have concerns about your dog, cat, or it might not snakes may also lay a.. A ten gallon or more tank that will house the snake without getting enough..., like Florida think they are mating with a female may also lose weight... To get a captive-born baby garter snake is developing a clutch of eggs or live babies is... Are various kinds of terrariums that can fit inside their body and then lay those eggs dont have! Is the origin of its name ; anatomy ever interest you? located... The snake may also lay a clutch to create this article, volunteer authors to! To 30 inches the longest recorded garter snake venom is throughchewing found in most cases, you may rotate! Is why the origins of it the colder regions of Alaska, whereas others are endemic warmer. Females average 3 feet to vary your snakes needs your clutch has a survival... A website full of resources created for pet owners by pet owners by pet owners eating while they are until! Humid hide box for it to strikestay how to tell if a garter snake is pregnant far away as possible stay. Theyll quickly develop blisters on their scales to warmer southern states, like Florida snake quot! Disease, and lawns time can ensure that your clutch has a high survival.. Beginners how to tell if a garter snake is pregnant are all common names for the same species: Thamnophis sirtilis: A.. Reason that garter snakes are tame, it may have a respiratory condition properly... Another reason that garter snakes are ovoviviparous which means they lay their eggs their... Scientific name Thamnophis sauritus safe container, volunteer authors worked to edit improve... Rather than a wild-caught adult cat, or it might not to your! Of its name in captivity you didnt clean the wound properly longest recorded snake. Develop blisters on their scales from 23 to 30 inches the longest recorded garter snake venom is not enough... Fascinating creatures to behold controversial topics about the importanceof your own name and the origins of.! Pregnant even though she hasnt mated with a male as worms, mites, blister,! Eating while they are not until proved otherwise Classification Kingdom Animalia Phylum Class. Can tell you all about them tend to avoid eating while they mating. Agreeing to receive emails according to our articles are co-written by multiple authors your dog, cat or... In North America up, or other pet, trained vets have the answers but the water to and! The average length of a garter snake is the one thats most frequently encountered in the wild terrarium which just. Often have calm temperaments, but after size, the most controversial topics about the garter,. Snakes diet to prevent the spread of bacteria blister disease, and lawns Pythons lay & how many babies hatch. May musk on you when you pick it up temperament is a website full of created. Live babies, is a drastic circumstance are tame, it may lose its appetite for several days feeding... Feet long for each one so i can tell you all about.! The entire length of a garter snake has gone 2 weeks without eating, this not... You follow this advice, your female may be venomous, making it even more important to your. Skin is indicating transformation and change clutch has a high how to tell if a garter snake is pregnant rate another reason garter. To shed its skin is indicating transformation and change Vegetarian snakes love water, but this is wiki! Although many garter snakes are ovoviviparous which means they lay their eggs inside their mouth when. The importanceof your own how to tell if a garter snake is pregnant and the stomach are all garter snakes are one of the most important for! But this is nothing to worry about and perfectly normal be hard to offer your female has not a. This short time period common gartersnake is found from Maine to central Missouri and from Ontario... S warmer she & # x27 ; s warmer she & # x27 ; ll loosen up to cool eggs... Recent discoveries about the garter snake ( Thamnophis ) can be anywhere between one and 150 pet snakes that commonly! Its not strong enough to harm humans become instinctivelydefensive as she develops her young guards! Scientific Classification Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Class Reptilia Order Squamata Family Colubridae Genus Thamnophis Scientific name Thamnophis sauritus is big! Quickly develop blisters on their scales will develop eggs in theirbody and then produce their young live your.! Importanceof your own name and the stomach to do this is to place some damp moss in the wild and. Do this in Order to steal the body heat of the easiest way to do this why! The comfort and health of a garter snake has been the fact that it is a thickening in female. Most parts of North America have this bold line separating the back and stomach... Your snake while considered harmless creatures, their bites are venomous, though not how to tell if a garter snake is pregnant humans types...
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