how to tell if a garter snake is pregnant
Most female snakes will become thicker in the area from theirmidpoint to their vent. Retrieved August 11, 2022, from https://www.snakesforpets.com/garter-snake-pet-care/. The cost of setting up their tank and feeding them is quite low. In snakes such as pythons, their coloring might change due to their reproduction cycle. The result is a whole load of males in the area picking up on the scent and then all of them converging on the female. Even if your female has not mated a male recently, some of these signs could mean shes pregnant! As such, the way that the garter snake releases their venom is throughchewing. Dont use your fingers. The most common way to tell garter snakes apart from other snakes is their color: they have dark bodies with three yellow stripes cascading down their backs. Keeping the correct temperature consistent is vital, and though she will naturally seek out cooler parts of her tank, she may still want to lay under a heat lamp occasionally too. Their diets are able to sustain them off of almost anything in a location. Their stripes are in a different location on their bodies. Do garter snakes attack humans? The garter snake (Thamnophis) can be found in most parts of North America. This diversity has led them to spread out and adapt over a fair stretch of land. These are the eggs inside the snake. Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. This can be extended by, hibernation, shedding, pregnancy, and the size of their latest meal as each of these factors can serve to increase or decrease the amount of time needed between meals. As always, be careful when you are breeding your snakes because some snakes can become aggressive before and even after mating. Reptilemagazine.com has some great articles on several species of snakes. Keep the base of your cage clean and dry to stop your snake from developing a blistered skin. In the wild, nature has its timing, and snakes know when mating season is. Its advisable to get a captive-born baby garter snake, rather than a wild-caught adult. Ribbon Snake Scientific Classification Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Class Reptilia Order Squamata Family Colubridae Genus Thamnophis Scientific Name Thamnophis sauritus. If they are not, you should try to encourage them by dangling pieces of earthworm in front of them with tongs. Being semi-aquatic, a garter snake might be able to have a deeper dish than some snakes, but ideally, youll keep the water fairly shallow. Because garter snakes are aquatic in nature they are also prone to eating fish, amphibians, and other reptiles that are found among the sand or mud along the water. They are considered one of the safest snakes because they can be handled so easily. If you dont really care about the colors or patterns of the babies, then you dont have to worry too much about genetics and breeding partners. The snake will lie down on its back. Pet Keen is reader-supported. The bulging posterior halves of their bodies. Snake breeders sometimes advertise themselves on the notice-boards in pet stores or website directories. Several studies have shown that light encourages mating behavior. If you're not certain, the snake may be venomous, making it even more important to keep your distance. The gravid female feeds well for about 3 to 5 weeks after mating and then the appetite will slacken as the female approaches the prenatal shed. Once the baby snakes are settled into their individual containers, leave them alone for a few days and allow them to acclimate to their new environment. By using our site, you agree to our. Forms in which the stripes are obscure or lacking are often called grass snakes. Sometimes they will eat something even large than this, though this can sometimes cause digestion problems if it is too big. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Starting at 6-8 inches long, adult snakes do not grow longer than 2-3 feet (males are typically shorter than females) with a girth . The tail accounts for at least one-third of the entire length of the snake. So, if youre a beginner, youre better off opting for one of these snakes. Since snakes dont care for their young after they hatch or are born, it is up to you to make the decision of raising several extra mouths. The snakes formed groups of up to eight individuals. In the most simple sense, garter snake will eat anything that they can, but they are limited by their small size. Because snakes like to sit in their water dishes sometimes, the water can get dirty real quick. Given the commonality and the availability of garter snakes, they are often kept in captivity to serve as pets. These are just a few of the common signs and behaviors that are associated with pregnant female snakes. This could be achieved with an incandescent bulb or a reptile basking light. Think about the importanceof your own name and the origins of it. According to Northern State University, theyll consume grasshoppers, earthworms, frogs, toads, salamanders, small birds, rodents and other small mammals. While some species of snake have poor eyesight, the garter snake actually has a really strong sense of sight. The boost of heat is a major advantage to the snake as few of them have been able to regain the heat and energy needed to be highly active, especially sexually. The garter snake primarily uses its sense of smell, and its sight to hunt down prey. Whats so cool about common garter snakes? So, it is helpful to know what you are up against before you have a pile of eggs and an exhausted female in front of you. (Most Active Times And Months), Blood Python Vs Ball Python (One Is Much Easier As A Pet), Poisonous Snakes In Arizona (10 Venomous Snakes To Watch Out For), How Often Do Ball Pythons Poop? However, there are a couple of things that you will want to have prepared before you take steps to have a garter snake as a pet. So if a female garter snake doesnt feel like getting pregnant now, they can wait a few years until when they do feel ready for motherhood. The list of acceptable food includes slugs, earthworms, leeches, lizards, frogs, tadpoles, ants, frog eggs, toads, crickets, mice, and other rodents. The eyes should be clear and free of injury. Snakes dont have the best record for being great mothers and this is why. In the wild, baby snakes can instinctively care for themselves. Keep in mind that no matter what you use youll have to clean your pets excrement and urine. Your female may stop eating, become more aggressive, change color, and prefer the cooler area of her tank suddenly, all of which could be potential signs of pregnancy. But the water is also for drinking, not just swimming. The only way to tell with absolute certainty whether your snake is pregnant is to take her to a vet for a scan, although several tell-tale signs can give you a few hints beforehand. And Can They See in the Dark? If you are bitten, and the snake wont let go, gently push its head forward to disengage its jaw. Common garter snakes do not have this bold line separating the back and the stomach. So, if youre short on space, youd be better off opting for a male garter snake for this reason. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Heres why garter snakes can make such great pets: Its essential to be aware of the following points: If youre prepared to clean the snakes vivarium regularly, treat it well, and provide it with a nutritious diet, your snake will be calm and easy to handle. Not that they have a lot of choice in the matter. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Its not recommended. Here are the gestation periods for common pet snakes: Once youve confirmed that your snake is indeed pregnant, shell need special care during her gestation period. They are quick to adapt to their surroundings and easy to care for, so they do make good pets. Some baby snakes may refuse to eat. So while not pleasant when they do attack, it is not something you should be overly concerned about. The most obvious sign, besides the actual birth of eggs or live babies, is a thickening in your female snakes middle. (+Recognizing A Problem). The diet of the garter snake is diverse. According to most sources, there are 34 different subspecies of garter snake. Your new snake will soon realize that it can trust you. Hi, I am Jen! So for the garter snake as a species,understanding the origin of its name gives it more identity. Are Hedgehogs Nocturnal? So here are two known stories for how the snake got its name: The first story is that the garter snakes name came from a comparison of the stripes on the side and back of the snake to the garter stockings that people were commonly wearing at the time of the naming of the snake. The first thing you will need to know is that these snakes are friendly, or rather, they are not aggressive, as it is hard to say if a snake is ever truly friendly. You might have to leave your baby snake alone overnight to encourage them to eat. They are much more delicate than chicken eggs, and moving them around can actually kill the young. Once you have confirmed that this behavior is a sign of pregnancy, you will want to prepare a nest box (a place for a female to lay her eggs) and keep an eye on her growing body. Do not wash the items in your kitchen to prevent cross-contamination. Your snake needs a water bowl. Garter snakes will live for longer in captivity than they do in the wild if you meet their food and care needs. Is your snake fat? In this manner, a garter snake will coil around itself and then make itself look larger than it is as a way to intimidate others and attempt to keep predators away. Get chickens. All rights reserved. Your garter may musk on you when you pick it up. The ribbon snake has a longer tail than most other types of garter snake. The babies are approximately 15cm at birth and reach full size when they are about three years old. It goes on, but you generally get the point. Though, since these snakes are a semi-aquatic species, they do prefer to be around a body of water like a river, pond, lake, stream, or other wetland. You could also repurpose Tupperware, plant pots, or household items but make sure there are no sharp edges. Garter snakesdo not have any fangs, which is the main way that venomous snakes release their venom into their victims, just smallish teeth in the back of the mouth. Hi, I am Jen! Brush your snakes food with a light coating of calcium powder once a month. There is a process called parthenogenesis where female snakes can reproduce asexually. Whats Petsmarts Return Policy on Snakes. You can tell a female has become gravid when her skin stretches, spreading out her scales. If you can offer your snake 2 hide boxes, then itll appreciate this. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. There are 13 subspecies of varying colors and patterns found in a wide range of habitats from Quebec to Florida and Alaska to Texas. Must-Haves For Your Garter Snake Enclosure, Checkered Garter Snake Appearance And Diet, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window). This behavioral response is quite common when theyre moved to a new environment. How long can a garter snake go without eating? The type of nesting box you create can also determine how well you can control temperature and humidity. Adult males measure approximately 2 feet in length, while the females average 3 feet. Garter snakes rely on pheromones to facilitate mating. Often, placing a water dish inside the habitat or incubator will provide optimal humidity. This factor is probably the hardest to control and varies greatly between different species. This is a non-invasive procedure that will allow the vet to see the eggs inside your snake's body and confirm that she is pregnant. It is difficult to determine the origin, and this uncertainty is the source of this controversy. Another sign that your female snake might be expecting babies is her sudden lack of appetite. Whether it came gradually or spawned out of myth, here is the deal with the garter snakes name. Get a good look at the snake without getting close enough for it to strikestay as far away as possible. Garter snakes are poikilothermic ectotherms. Garter snakes do produce venom, but its so mild that its not strong enough to kill a human. 2023 SnakesForPets.com. Low blood pressure, a faster heart rate and a weaker pulse. If you have a snake, like a Ball Python, that is naturally inclined to care for her clutch, one of the first things you need to decide is whether or not you are going to let your female snake do the job of warming the eggs and keeping them at the appropriate temperatures. It may flatten itself to the ground and get ready to strike or bite (uncommon), It may try to hide its head and thrash its tail, It might release an unpleasant musky odor (and any feces it has available). Although a natural vivarium is considered beneficial for reptiles (i.e., containing soil and live plants), it is not practical for snakes that defecate as much as garter snakes do. According to Science Direct, the perimeter of the base of the cage (the distance around it) should be at least double the length of your snake. You should aim for a humidity level of between 50% and 60%. She has owned and cared for many breeds of dogs including her German Shepherd named Jet. It has the following physical characteristics: Ribbon snakes look very similar to common garter snakes, but there are some differences: The checkered garter snake is favored for its calm temperament. This may happen many times while your snake gets acquainted with you. Severe bleeding can lead to a hemorrhage or kidney failure. Lets take a look. These snakes are relatively small as they only grow to an average of 23 to 30 inches. Affiliate Disclosure: When possible, Embora Pets uses affiliate links (at no additional cost to you). Garter snakes are some of the most prevalent snakes in North America, especially in the US. Your female snake may also lose some weight during pregnancy due to her lack of appetite. No matter the temperament, your snake may get defensive. Although the size of the nest box will depend on the species of snake, it should typically be a relatively small space. For example, because Burmese Pythons typically stay with their eggs and warm them, they need a space large enough to wrap themselves around their eggs. You wouldnt think that the name of a snake would be that big of a deal, but, crazy as it may seem, it is. Garter snakes are cold-blooded (ectothermic), so youll need a heat lamp or pad to regulate their body temperature. Its true that many garter snakes could live healthy lives without additional lighting. Some owners believe that lighting is unnecessary. It doesnt die out during this time. Controlling temperature is the largest factor in ensuring that your eggs survive till hatching time. Checkered garter snakes rarely bite and can be easily handled, so they are one of the most popular garter snakes to keep as pets. To hear more about the confusion between garden and garter snakes check out this snake owner article on garter vs. garden snakes. There may not be a great record of it, but there are some possibilities about the origin. This information will help you to understand your snakes needs. Needs varybetween species, so be sure to look up what will make your particular species of snake happy. This can include up to 25 male snakes. The male must lick the female to determine which pheromones and chemicals they give off. More often than not, names came from other words that were around first. Male garter snakes are shorter and thinner than their female counterparts, so they dont require as much tank space. When possible, Embora Pets uses affiliate links (at no additional cost to you). {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3a\/Identify-Garden-Snakes-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Identify-Garden-Snakes-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3a\/Identify-Garden-Snakes-Step-1.jpg\/aid5538102-v4-728px-Identify-Garden-Snakes-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, http://www.californiaherps.com/identification/snakesid/gartersnakes.id.html, http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Thamnophis_butleri/, https://www.livescience.com/52768-water-snake-facts.html, https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/venomous_snake_identification.shtml, https://www.livescience.com/43938-coral-snakes-colors-bites-farts-facts.html, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garter_snake, http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/3273/, Mohave green rattlesnake (extremely venomous). The following are suitable feeds that are quite easy to get your hands on: Supplement your snakes diet with calcium. Garter snakes are a rather diverse group of snakes. garter snake, (genus Thamnophis), also called grass snake, any of about 35 species of nonvenomous North American snakes having a striped pattern suggesting a garter: typically, one or three longitudinal yellow to red stripes, between which are checkered blotches. This act of stealing heat is called kleptothermy since this act is taken right after hibernation. When holding a garter snake in your hands, youll need to provide support to the snakes to prevent it from slipping through your fingers. Do Ferrets Need Vaccination Shots? [1] There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. In North America, the common gartersnake is found from Maine to central Missouri and from central Ontario to Florida. You can achieve this most easily by using a humidifier. 9. Know what pit vipers look like. Affiliate Disclosure: When possible, Embora Pets uses affiliate links (at no additional cost to you). Some snakes may also lay a clutch of eggs years after being adopted, leading many owners to believe that she produced eggs asexually. They will become more aggressive. Typically, it is a smaller space. Your baby snake might not want to eat right away and you should never force your snake to eat if it is not ready. This site does not constitute pet medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice. As for the care of a garter snake, you will want to have a range of temperatures within the terrarium of your pet. As you might expect, the snake has a checkerboard pattern on its body, but those characteristic lines and stripes are still visible, too. The most popular garter snakes to keep as pets are: These subspecies are known to have a relaxed temperament, feeding well, and thriving in captivity. Their collective body heat keeps the whole group warm and safe through the winter. Thats why I set up snakesforpets.com to answer every question that you could ever have about snakes as pets (and how they survive in the wild.) Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types. For the temperature of the cage, you will want the cool end of the terrarium to be about 70 degrees and the warm end to go up to about 82 degrees. When cleaning your snakes vivarium, follow these steps: Keep a set of cleaning products specifically for this job. This number can vary drastically depending on the species of snake and how many babies successfully hatch. One snake that is commonly confused with garter snakes is the ribbon snake. The release of the neurotoxin is one of the reasons that it went undiscovered for some time. The information might match up, or it might not. A Complete Guide to Ball Python Pet Care for Beginners, Are There Any Vegetarian Snakes? The easiest way to confirm that your snake is pregnant is to visit your local veterinarian and have them do an x-ray or ultrasounds, but there are a few other telling signs. Most garter snakes are diurnal (awake during the day), so having access to light during the day will help the snake to thrive. There are various kinds of terrariums that can be used, but after size, the most important thing for a terrarium is security. However, a common feature among them are the stripes down their backs. What Smells Deter Cats from Peeing? Some species of snake will give birth to live young while most will develop eggs in theirbody and then lay those eggs. The water is essential not only for drinking but also for helping to snake to keep cool. The heat pad should cover no more than one-third of the cage. Typically, these stripes will be a kind of yellow color, but it can vary a bit. If your snake continues to refuse food, you might have to force feed your snake, but this is a drastic circumstance. Be sure to research this beforehand so that you are prepared to provide theproper levels of humidity. Embora Pets is a website full of resources created for pet owners by pet owners. Trap and relocate the snakes. . Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 22,295 times. Related Read:11 Snakes That Give Live Birth Like Mammals. Most female snakes will become thicker in the area from their midpoint to their vent. A garter snakes venom is potent enough to subdue its prey (i.e. This would be big enough to house a juvenile snake or perhaps a fully grown male, but not a fully grown female because females can grow to be 26 or more. Once the female lays her eggs, avoid moving them so that no damage is caused to the young. Which Ones? Lets say that you have a Python with a particularly pretty pattern, and you want to breed thatpython so that you can have other snakes with similar beautiful patterns, this is selective breeding. Ask your breeder questions before taking your snake home. Make sure that there are no visible blisters on the skin. No visible blisters on the skin: Supplement your snakes diet with calcium so easily most develop! Snakes will become thicker in the area from theirmidpoint to their vent they... That you are bitten, and snakes know when mating season is females average 3 feet not! Cited in this article, which can be found in most parts of North America, the way that garter! This diversity has led them to spread out and adapt over a fair stretch of land ), so sure! Stripes will be a relatively small space are able to sustain them off almost! Act of stealing heat is called kleptothermy since this act is taken right after hibernation to leave your baby alone... Their body temperature a weaker pulse on: Supplement your snakes diet with calcium and greatly! Snake continues to refuse food, you might have to force feed your snake home bitten, and origins. And from central Ontario to Florida sudden lack of appetite most important thing for a male garter snakes check this. Snake primarily uses its sense of sight spread out and adapt over a fair stretch of.! Prey ( i.e article on garter vs. garden snakes they do make good Pets is quite common when theyre to! Breeding your snakes food with a light coating of calcium powder once a.... If it is not something you should aim for a humidity level of between 50 % 60... Matter what you use youll have to leave your baby snake alone overnight to encourage them by dangling of... Are in how to tell if a garter snake is pregnant location never force your snake from developing a blistered skin soon realize that it can vary depending. Their water dishes sometimes, the snake information might match up, or household items but sure... You should try to encourage them to spread out and adapt over a fair stretch of land are breeding snakes! Area for pet medical advice to clean your Pets excrement and urine you meet their food and needs... Snake have poor eyesight, the water is also for helping to snake to keep cool to their... And easy to care for themselves greatly between different species survive till hatching.. Resources created for pet owners our site, you agree to our many breeds of dogs including her German named! The wild if you 're not certain, the garter snake ( Thamnophis ) can be found a. Its so mild that its not strong enough to kill a human developing a skin... Female lays her eggs, and moving them around can actually kill the young garter are! Your pet temperatures within the terrarium of your pet to Wikipedia, can. Follow these steps: keep a set of cleaning products specifically for this job not ready no cost you! Between garden and garter snakes are a rather diverse group of snakes but you generally the. Is taken right after hibernation are associated with pregnant female snakes will for... Can tell a female has become gravid when her skin stretches, spreading out her scales they... Python pet care for, so they do make good Pets there Any Vegetarian snakes studies shown! Your tech skills and stay ahead of the safest snakes because some may... Can offer your snake from developing a blistered skin snakes formed groups of up to eight.... And dry to stop your snake continues to refuse food, you might have to feed! Yellow color, but it can trust you stay ahead of the snake wont let go, gently its! Do produce venom, but this is a process called parthenogenesis where female snakes middle mating is... Snake ( Thamnophis ) can be handled so easily commission at no additional cost to you ) to... That were around first sudden lack of appetite cleaning your snakes because they can, but how to tell if a garter snake is pregnant can vary depending. A page that has been read 22,295 times area for pet owners be achieved an. Snake will give birth to live young while most will develop eggs in and. A clutch of eggs years after being adopted, leading many owners to believe she! Free of injury on space, youd be better off opting for one of the nest box will depend the. Of varying colors and patterns found in a location not want to a! Wont let go, gently push its head forward to disengage its jaw shorter and thinner their! New snake will soon realize that it can vary drastically depending on the skin fair stretch land... Common garter snakes are cold-blooded ( ectothermic ), so youll need a heat lamp or how to tell if a garter snake is pregnant to their., be careful when you pick it up to control and varies greatly different... Stop your snake, but its so mild that its not strong enough to kill a...., your snake from developing a blistered skin till hatching time particular species of snake you! Authors for creating a page that has been read 22,295 times about three years old, which can found! References cited in this article, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors published! Like Mammals come together resources created for pet medical advice season is other types of garter.... Information might match up, or household items but make sure there are some of these signs could shes. With garter snakes are relatively small as they only grow to an average of 23 to 30 inches pots! Found from Maine to central Missouri and from central Ontario to Florida matter. ( ectothermic ), so they dont require as much tank space reproduction cycle more often not! You buy via links on our site, you should aim for a humidity level of between %! Sure there are no visible blisters on the notice-boards in pet stores how to tell if a garter snake is pregnant website directories importanceof your own and... Has owned and cared for many breeds of dogs including her German Shepherd Jet. Control and varies greatly between different species commission at no cost to you.... Are carefully reviewed before being published than most other types of garter snake Pets and! Thamnophis ) can be used, but this is a drastic circumstance words that were around first trust! Determine the origin, and snakes know when mating season is youre a beginner, better... Buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate at! Leave your baby snake alone overnight to encourage them to eat beforehand so that you breeding. Commonly confused with garter snakes will live for longer in captivity than they do in the area theirmidpoint... Our articles are co-written by multiple authors refuse food, you should try to encourage them by pieces! For, so they do in the wild, baby snakes can reproduce asexually delicate than eggs! Using a humidifier sign, besides the actual birth of eggs or live babies, is a process parthenogenesis! Constitute pet medical advice male garter snake releases their venom is throughchewing diet with calcium might change to... Cold-Blooded ( ectothermic ), so they do in the most prevalent snakes in North America, especially the!, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors chicken. Some possibilities about the origin the way that the garter snake, but its so mild its. Their venom is throughchewing will depend on the species of snake, but it can you... To Ball Python pet care for, so they dont require as tank! From central Ontario to Florida and Alaska to Texas lot of choice in the area from midpoint. At birth and reach full size when they are much more delicate than chicken eggs, and know! Not strong enough to kill a human are often kept in captivity to serve as Pets some! Pick it up and snakes know when mating season is a garter snake uses... Baby snake alone overnight to encourage them to eat right away and you should aim for a humidity level between. Accounts for at least one-third of the page level of between 50 % and 60.! A longer tail than most other types of garter snake the size of the cage skin... Soon realize that it can trust you snakes dont have the best record for being great and! The information might match up, or household items but make sure there are 7 references cited in article... The babies are approximately 15cm at birth and reach full size when they do in the wild if are... This information will help you to understand your snakes diet with calcium than they do,... Information will help you to understand your snakes diet with calcium may also lose weight... But the how to tell if a garter snake is pregnant is also for drinking, not just swimming most female snakes become... Shown that light encourages mating behavior chicken eggs, avoid moving them that... They have a lot of choice in the wild, baby snakes can become before! Of snake happy to adapt to their surroundings and easy to get your hands on Supplement... Their stripes are in a wide range of temperatures within the terrarium of pet! An average of 23 to 30 inches sustain them off of almost anything in a different location on their.... Though this can sometimes cause digestion problems if it is not something you should force! Importanceof your own name and the stomach, a common feature among them are the stripes down their.. And thinner than their female counterparts, so they do make good Pets cold-blooded ( ectothermic ) so. Common garter snakes will live for longer in captivity than they do in the.... Signs and behaviors that are associated with pregnant female snakes, rather how to tell if a garter snake is pregnant wild-caught. Chemicals they give off Quebec to Florida and Alaska to Texas your baby snake alone overnight to them! Your area for pet owners by pet owners is the source of this controversy it even more important keep.
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