Hey there, snake enthusiasts! So, you're thinking of diving into the world of garter snake breeding, huh? Well, buckle up, my friend, because these slithery little creatures come with their own set of unique quirks and challenges. If you're already breeding other snakes, get ready to experience a whole new level of excitement and, well, messiness! Let's dive into what you can expect when breeding these light-loving, voracious eaters.
Housing
First things first, forget about confining garter snakes to those convenient tubs or drawers. These guys love to bask in the light and explore their surroundings during the day. So, give 'em some room to stretch their scales and create a proper habitat that provides ample light. Please don't be the jackass that puts them in shoebox-like tubs... this is NOT the creature for that! A low tank with no light? That's a big no-no for our garter friends. What this means to you as a breeder is that you will have to have the space for lots of breeding tanks! 30+ tanks at 36" wide is pretty common for a breeder of my size. In reality, that's a lot of space, so make sure you are prepared.
Feeding
Now, let's talk about the cost factor. While garter snakes may seem like a financially wise choice due to their diverse diet, they come with a voracious appetite. These little fellas have a fast metabolism, so get ready to feed those hungry babies every other day and the rest of the gang every 4-5 days. And we're not talking about simply offering up a mice buffet if you're a breeder; to ensure you cover all the types of food options that a buyer may want to offer, you will have to get them eating a varied diet of goodies like pinkies, silversides, chicken hearts, tilapia, and more. Not all owners will want to feed the same type of food, so only offering one option will limit your buyers.
Potential Loss
Here's the thing – garter snakes aren't exactly the superheroes of durability. In the wild, they are born for quantity, not quality, which means you might encounter some losses along the way. It's a common occurrence for some of the babies to struggle with eating or simply not thrive as expected. But fear not! As top-notch breeders, we carefully select high-quality males and females to minimize these occurrences. The truth is, though, shit happens and losses can and do happen. You might lose a snake due to brumation, breeding, or even an issue that wasn't apparent until they suddenly died, like heart failure. The fact is, losses will happen.
Profit
Alright, let's address the big ol' elephant in the room – the allure of making a quick buck. Sure, breeding garter snakes can be rewarding, and those live births can be an adrenaline rush, but let me set the record straight. It's no walk in the park, especially if you're used to a drawer full of snakes (yeah, I see you, ball python breeders – I'm one of you too!). Breeding garters is a whole new ball game, but you know what? It's a game we absolutely adore. Why? Because these little creatures offer a unique, interactive relationship that you won't get from those hide-and-go-seek snake buddies. It's a challenging journey, but it's also deeply fulfilling. As for the profit, well, it's not like hitting the jackpot just yet. Building your collection, feeding multiple times a week, constant substrate changes, and such all add up. Will there be a profit? I sure hope so, because this is some seriously hard work. But if you're in it, you should be doing it to conserve the species and because you genuinely love working with them.
Daily Cleaning
Just one more thing – be prepared for the messiest snakes in the biz. Seriously, these garter snakes can soil a tank in just one day! That includes shit from one end of the tank to the other – on plants, hammocks and substrate. It's like they have a secret mission to prove their messiness.
In Conclusion
So, if you're ready for more tank space, a diverse menu, and the messiest snakes in town, then hop on board this garter snake adventure. It's a breeding gig that's equal parts challenging and rewarding. Get ready to soak up the sun, deal with feeding frenzies, and embrace the messy side of snake breeding. Trust us, it's an experience you won't soon forget. Welcome to the world of garter snakes, my friend. Let's make some scaly magic happen!