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Care sheet

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Colubridae · Squamata

BeginnerIUCN LC
Activity
☀️ Diurnal
Temperament
Nippy
Adult length
18–42 in
Lifespan (captivity)
6–10 yrs
Native range
North America — one of the most widespread snakes, near water and meadows

Care guide

Overview

Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) — an active, diurnal beginner snake that eats fish and worms as well as rodents and feeds more frequently than typical pet snakes. Musks when stressed but rarely bites hard.

Environment

Climate

Cool side
70–75 °F
Warm side
78–82 °F
Basking spot
85–90 °F
Nighttime
65–72 °F
Humidity (ambient)
40–60%

Environment

UVB lighting

Required?
Yes — provide UVB
Fixture type
T5 HO
Replacement interval
Every 12 months

Housing

Enclosure

Orientation
Terrestrial
Bioactive setup
Suitable
Minimum size by life stage
  • HatchlingNot specified
  • JuvenileNot specified
  • Adult3x1.5x1.5 ft for an adult (more for groups); large water area

Housing

Substrate

Safe options
aspencoco fibertopsoilcypress mulch
Avoid
cedarpine

Nutrition

Diet & feeding

Dietary type
Strict carnivore
Prey size by life stage
  • AdultFish (thiaminase-free), earthworms, and appropriately sized rodents
Feeding frequency by life stage
  • JuvenileEvery 4-5 days
  • AdultEvery 5-7 days
Supplementation

If feeding fish, avoid thiaminase-rich species (goldfish); supplement calcium on rodent-light diets.

Care

Water & behavior

Water

Large water bowl for drinking and soaking; garters are semi-aquatic and drink often.

Legal & ecology

Conservation

IUCN Red List
LC · Least Concern
Wild populations

Least Concern; not CITES-listed. Diurnal and active — a rewarding beginner snake that eats more often than most.

Genetics

Morphs

Morph market
Active
Complexity
Simple

Citations

Sources

Every husbandry parameter on this page is backed by the references below. Click through to read the originals.

  1. Thamnophis sirtalis — species account

    Animal Diversity Web, U. Michigan

    academic

    Widespread range, semi-aquatic diet, diurnal activity.

    Published: 2020-01-01

  2. Thamnophis sirtalis — IUCN Red List (LC)

    IUCN

    government

    Least Concern; not CITES-listed.

    Published: 2019-01-01

  3. Garter Snake Care Sheet

    ReptiFiles (Mariah Healey)

    breeder community

    Temps, UVB, water area, fish/worm/rodent diet, thiaminase caution.

    Published: 2022-01-01

Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) care sheet — Herpetoverse