Reptile · Colubrid
Garter snake care guide
Thamnophis sirtalis
The garter snake is a beginner-level colubrid from Most of North America. Adults reach 50–100 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Can be kept in small groups. Add a water dish.
- Enclosure 90 × 45 × 45 cm
- Temp Warm 29°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity 40–60%
How much does a garter snake cost in Canada?
Garter snake quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- 50–100 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Most of North America
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 48 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 3 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- Warm 29°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – earthworms, fish, frozen/thawed mice
- Bioactive style
- Temperate forest
Garter snake enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 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 29°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a garter snake eat?
Carnivore – earthworms, fish, frozen/thawed mice. Feed every 5–7 days; scented mice or nightcrawlers make a good staple.
Handling, temperament & health
Active and often musks at first but settles with handling.
Health watch: Watch for thiamine deficiency from frozen fish and blister disease from wet substrate.
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 garter snake bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 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
Garter snake FAQ
Is the garter snake good for beginners?
Yes – the garter snake is a good choice for beginners. Active and often musks at first but settles with handling.
What size enclosure does a garter snake need?
At least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (about 35 × 18 × 18 inches, roughly 48 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 3 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a garter snake cost in Canada?
Typically $30–100 CAD to buy, about $570–1070 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–300 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a garter snake need?
Temperature: Warm 29°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 40–60%.
What does a garter snake eat?
Carnivore – earthworms, fish, frozen/thawed mice. Feed every 5–7 days; scented mice or nightcrawlers make a good staple.
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.