Reptile · Colubrid
Butler's garter snake care guide
Thamnophis butleri
The butler's garter snake is a intermediate-level colubrid from Great Lakes region incl. SW Ontario. Adults reach 35–50 cm and live 8–12 years in captivity. Endangered in Ontario; never collect wild animals, captive-bred only. Small groups OK.
- Enclosure 60 × 45 × 45 cm
- Temp Warm 27–29°C, cool 20–22°C
- Humidity 50–70%
How much does a butler's garter snake cost in Canada?
Butler's garter snake quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 35–50 cm
- Lifespan
- 8–12 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Great Lakes region incl. SW Ontario
- Minimum enclosure
- 60 × 45 × 45 cm (24 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 32 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 3 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- Warm 27–29°C, cool 20–22°C
- Humidity
- 50–70%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – earthworms, leeches
- Bioactive style
- Temperate forest
Butler's garter snake enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 60 × 45 × 45 cm (24 × 18 × 18 inches). Up to 3 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a temperate forest bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix10 cm
Keep a moisture gradient: drier on top and at the warm end, slightly moist underneath and at the cool end.
Temperature: Warm 27–29°C, cool 20–22°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a butler's garter snake eat?
Carnivore – earthworms, leeches. Feed earthworms every 3–5 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Small and gentle.
Health watch: Watch for blister disease and weight loss.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check temperatures and refresh water.
Weekly
- Lightly moisten the cool end and lower soil.
- Spot-clean waste.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter; check hides and branches are stable.
Yearly
- Partially refresh soil in high-traffic areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used).
Recommended for a butler's garter snake bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (60 × 45 × 45 cm).
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 10 cm
Coco Husk Chips - Dried Loose Pack
Optional top layer (coco husk chips)
Red Oak Leaves 15/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Cork Bark Flats
A hide in each temperature zone
Cork Branches
Many colubrids climb more than people expect
Butler's garter snake FAQ
Is the butler's garter snake good for beginners?
The butler's garter snake is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Small and gentle.
What size enclosure does a butler's garter snake need?
At least 60 × 45 × 45 cm (about 24 × 18 × 18 inches, roughly 32 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 3 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a butler's garter snake cost in Canada?
Typically $60–150 CAD to buy, about $490–930 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $120–250 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a butler's garter snake need?
Temperature: Warm 27–29°C, cool 20–22°C. Humidity: 50–70%.
What does a butler's garter snake eat?
Carnivore – earthworms, leeches. Feed earthworms every 3–5 days.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.