Garter snake not eating

[ConcinusMan]

If it were me, I'd use a full spectrum florescent in addition to a basking lamp for heat. I would also make the day length about 14-16 hours. I would never use only a household incandescent. It's not natural and they are more active and eat more with a more natural light.

It's not really surprising if a diurnal snake doesn't want to eat if you're only using an incandescent lamp with a limited spectrum. Ive seen this happen many times. A snake will often seem "depressed" or inactive, and have a poor appetite when only using a "standard lamp" (still not sure what you mean by that) Depending on the spectrum your bulb is putting out, the snake might not even see half the light you are seeing. To him it could be pretty dark.

A florescent full spectrum bulb, or a florescent made for growing plants, often fixes this. You've probably heard of people who get depressed in winter because of reduced daylight and lack of sunshine. Many snakes, especially dirunal garters, are not immune to the same problem.

[amaterasu]

If it were me, I'd use a full spectrum florescent in addition to a basking lamp for heat. I would also make the day length about 14-16 hours. I would never use only a household incandescent. It's not natural and they are more active and eat more with a more natural light.

It's not really surprising if a diurnal snake doesn't want to eat if you're only using an incandescent lamp with a limited spectrum. Ive seen this happen many times. A snake will often seem "depressed" or inactive, and have a poor appetite when only using a "standard lamp" (still not sure what you mean by that) Depending on the spectrum your bulb is putting out, the snake might not even see half the light you are seeing. To him it could be pretty dark.

A florescent full spectrum bulb, or a florescent made for growing plants, often fixes this. You've probably heard of people who get depressed in winter because of reduced daylight and lack of sunshine. Many snakes, especially dirunal garters, are not immune to the same problem.

I have her in a tub until she grows a bit so there's no way to have it inside her enclosure. Will she still benefit from a full spectrum light when it has to go through the tub?

I'm now giving her 14 hours of light.