How to Keep a Gardner Snake

Gardner snakes are known to be one of the easiest snakes to care for. They are active during the daytime, do not grow to large sizes and do not require multiple outings. However, they are known to live up to 10 years. Proper care can help give the snake a long, happy life. Here are some basics to get you started.

Things You'll Need

• Aquarium
• Heat rock
• Mice
• Feeder fish
• 3-inch-by-5-inch dish

Instructions

1. Set up an aquarium, terrarium or other suitable enclosure, large enough for the snake you are going to keep, with at least a partially screened top for airflow. Be sure the enclosure leaves enough room for the snake to move freely. Near one end of the enclosure, set up a heat rock or a rock from outdoors with a low-wattage heat lamp above it to warm it. Near the other end, set up a place where the snake can go to get out of sight or out of the heat.

2. Place a shallow container in the enclosure for water. All snakes need water for drinking and for humidity in their area. Some snakes enjoy catching small feeder fish out of their water dish, as it is a normal act in the wild. The container should be at least 1-inch deep and big enough to allow the snake to move through it. A 3-inch-by-5-inch dish should work fine for garter snakes.

3. Feed your gardner snake. Although different snakes tend to have various diets, a gardner snake tends to have a limited diet. Generally speaking, they will readily eat baby mice (newborn or a day or two old) and feeder fish (placed in their water dish). If you use feeder fish, you will need to alternate the meals with mice or other meat to keep the level of thiamin (vitamin B1) up in your snake. Feeder fish contain a natural chemical that breaks down and destroys this important vitamin.

4. Clean your snake's enclosure at least once a week. Certain micro-organisms can grow inside of the enclosure and make your snake sick. Feeding once a day and removing any left-over food after 10 minutes will help to keep the enclosure clean. Be certain to change out the water in the water dish daily and wipe the container out with a paper towel. Put clean, fresh water back in the dish and replace it in the enclosure.

5. Handle your snake on a regular basis. The gardner snake will come to understand that you are not a threat to it, its home or its food. You may even find that it recognizes you and follows you from one end of its enclosure to the other.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use caution when handling gardner snakes; their bites are not venomous, but they can be very painful.