Hey there snake lovers! Are you thinking about expanding your serpent collection and adding more garter snakes to your humble abode? Well, you're in luck because today, we're dropping some knowledge bombs with 7 tips for housing multiple garter snakes like a pro.
Space is Key:
First things first, let's talk space. You need to plan for the right enclosure size for the number of snakes you wanna keep together. When it comes to housing multiple garter snakes, size does matter. Give each snake at least 12 inches of tank width. So, if you're rollin' with 3 garter snakes, you need a minimum of 36 inches of real estate.
Gender Matters:
Keep male and female garter snakes separate unless you plan on breeding. Mixing genders can lead to unwanted mating and territorial aggression. Plus, if you're a fan of having a diverse tank with many garter species—an absolute flex, by the way—keep those sexes in check. Breeding hybrids is a no-no in the industry. Let's keep those bloodlines pure, shall we?
Compatibility:
Not all snake species play well together. Research different garter snake varieties and make sure they're compatible before cohabiting.
For example: The Scotti is a much larger species than the California Red-Sided and could cause serious stress to the smaller tank mate! Let's avoid any unnecessary reptile drama, shall we?
Individual Hiding Spots:
Creating a suitable habitat is essential for the well-being of your garter snakes. Include MANY hiding spots, such as rocks or artificial caves, to give your snakes a sense of security and the ability to get away from tank mates when needed.
Clutter is key to many garter snakes living happily together. Don't forget to stuff that tank full of leaves, branches and cork tubes to keep them busy.
Food and Water:
Feeding time is a crucial event to keep an eye on. We recommend tong feeding whenever possible to prevent any food fights. While garters aren't typically cannibalistic, they might just feast on their fellow snakes if they're competing for the same tasty treat. Also, make sure to change out that water dish regularly. We don't want any snake bacteria parties going on.
Monitor Behavior:
Pay attention to your snake crew's behavior, especially during feeding time. If one snake is hogging all the food or if someone's getting picked on, it's time for some intervention. Consider feeding them separately or giving the bullied snake a new home. Observing your garter snakes for signs of stress is crucial.
Keep an eye out for a loss of appetite, excessive hiding, escape attempts, or unusual aggression. Trust your instincts as a snake whisperer and make any necessary adjustments to their environment.
Anytime we have a highly dominate garter snake we pair them up with someone who can match their energy. This usually makes for a more cohesive tank.
Frequent Cleaning:
Last but not least, cleanliness is godliness, my friends. Cleaning and maintaining their snake pad is crucial when you have multiple snakes. Quarantine any new slithering additions to make sure they're not bringing any health issues into the mix. And don't forget to clean that enclosure frequently to prevent the spread of nasty bacteria and parasites. No one wants a reptilian house party turned into a germ-filled nightmare.