Reptile · Colubrid
Northwestern garter snake care guide
Thamnophis ordinoides
The northwestern garter snake is a intermediate-level colubrid from Pacific Northwest incl. SW British Columbia. Adults reach 35–60 cm and live 8–12 years in captivity. A cool-climate slug specialist; keep it cooler than other garters.
- Enclosure 60 × 45 × 45 cm
- Temp Warm 26–28°C, cool 18–20°C
- Humidity 50–70%
How much does a northwestern garter snake cost in Canada?
Northwestern garter snake quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 35–60 cm
- Lifespan
- 8–12 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Pacific Northwest incl. SW British Columbia
- 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 26–28°C, cool 18–20°C
- Humidity
- 50–70%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – slugs, earthworms
- Bioactive style
- Temperate forest
Northwestern 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 26–28°C, cool 18–20°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a northwestern garter snake eat?
Carnivore – slugs, earthworms. Feed earthworms or slugs every 3–5 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Small and gentle.
Health watch: Watch for overheating 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 northwestern 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
Northwestern garter snake FAQ
Is the northwestern garter snake good for beginners?
The northwestern garter snake is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Small and gentle.
What size enclosure does a northwestern 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 northwestern garter snake cost in Canada?
Typically $50–150 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 northwestern garter snake need?
Temperature: Warm 26–28°C, cool 18–20°C. Humidity: 50–70%.
What does a northwestern garter snake eat?
Carnivore – slugs, earthworms. Feed earthworms or slugs 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.