Alright, my fellow snake enthusiasts, it's time to get down to business! If you're about to bring home a garter snake, we've got a shopping list that will make your reptile dreams come true.
Here's what you'll need to throw the ultimate snake party & the items we suggest are the exact items we use:
- Glass Terrarium: Say goodbye to those cheap plastic storage tub enclosures. Get your garter snake a swanky glass terrarium that screams, "I'm a sophisticated reptile living my best life!" Garter snakes are nosey little creatures. They want to look out at the world, bask under the sun and get all the attention that a tub will not provide! We favor the Repti Zoo 36" x 18" x 18" in our snake room - get it here. We highly suggest 48 hours before you receive your snake to silicone the lid onto the tank permanently and silicone ALL the port holes besides one (for the thermostat).
-
Climbing trees: Enrichment is what will keep your pet happy. Provide many places for them to climb. We suggest this one.
-
Substrate: Don't skimp on the substrate, my friends. Go for options like Eco Earth or large coco chunks. Skip the sand and gravel—those are just party crashers waiting to happen. We suggest this or this.
-
Hiding Spots: Snakes need their personal VIP hideouts to retreat to when the party gets too wild. Hook them up with some artificial caves or sturdy plant clippings, and watch them snuggle in like true introverted party animals. We suggest this, or this, or this.
-
Heat Lamp: Let's bring the heat, baby! You'll need a heat lamp to create a temperature gradient in the terrarium. It's like having a kick-ass DJ that keeps the party hot, while still providing a cool spot for your snake to chill. We suggest this one!
-
Deli Cups - This makes for always having a clean water supply. We use one per week in each tank. If you do not use throw away cups for a water dish make sure that you are running the water bowl through the dishwasher on a sterile mode. We suggest these deli cups.
-
Thermometer: Don't rely on your intuition to gauge the temps. Get a real-deal thermometer to keep an eye on the party atmosphere. We want to keep your snake cozy, not turn it into a crispy critter. NO stick-on thermostats either! Those things will get stuck on your sneaky snake! We suggest this one.
-
Water Dish: Every good host provides refreshments, right? Set up a classy water dish where your garter snake can sip and soak in style. Just remember to keep it clean, 'cause no one likes a dirty cocktail.
-
Pre-killed Frozen Rodents: Let's talk food, my friends. To keep your snake satisfied, stock up on appropriately sized, pre-killed or thawed frozen rodents. Mice, rats, silversides, chicken hearts—the reptile buffet is open!
-
Food Chopper: For the little guys, who still can't handle the full-sized delicacies, bust out that food chopper like it's a DJ booth. Give those neonates and juveniles a mix they won't forget. We suggest this.
-
Thermostat: Safety first, party later! Don't forget to snag a thermostat to ensure the temperature doesn't go all "fire and brimstone" in the terrarium. Let's keep the whole place rockin', not burnin' down the house. We suggest this one.
-
Veterinarian: Finally, make sure you have the number of a good reptile vet on speed dial. These folks are the real VIPs in the snake world—keeping your scaly friend healthy and ready to hit the party scene.
-
Chlorhexidine: A very important cleaning product for your terrarium (get it here). You simply mix it with water (per the package instructions) and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
-
Steam cleaner: These are so important for disinfecting tools & empty terrariums. There are tons to choose from but this one is what we use. Do not use a steam cleaner anywhere near your snake! This cleaners can burn you or your pet. Make sure the snake is out of the area and into a different enclosure while you are steaming!
Now that you've got the shopping list for the ultimate garter snake extravaganza, go out there and give your new slithery sidekick the time of its life! After all, it's not just a snake—it's a party waiting to happen.
Hey there, savvy shoppers! Just a heads up: those handy-dandy links up there? Well, they're connected to our Amazon affiliate program. What does that mean, you ask? It means that if you decide to click and purchase one of those items, we get a teensy-weensy commission. And let's be real, it's so frickin' tiny that it won't even cover the cost of a cheap cup of coffee.
But hey, here's the deal: we're all about transparency. We don't wanna leave you hangin'. So, here's the scoop: we actually buy and use all of these exact items in our own facility. Yeah, we put our money where our mouth is (or rather, where our snake is slithering).
So, if you're feeling generous and wanna help us keep the lights on, go ahead and make your purchases through those affiliate links. But let's be crystal clear: we're not tryin' to pull a fast one on ya. We're just trying to hustle a bit in this wild, wild world of commerce.
At the end of the day, what matters most to us is building a relationship with ya based on trust, respect, and a shared sense of humor. So, if you decide to shop elsewhere or use different links, we totally get it. We won't hold a grudge. We're just here to help you find the best damn products for your garter snake rager.
Alright, now that you know the score, let's get back to the party-planning, shall we? Snakes and adventures await!