Meet Wendy

[RedSidedSPR]

Especially 3ft snakes.

[Tim C.]

I may go to a larger setup when they are adults but at this age too small is better for garters than too large. They get lost and are less secure if its too large. Even at 21 inches she generally stays in the smallest spaces warm or cool.

[RedSidedSPR]

21 inches is past that stage.

My 21 inch is in a 20 gal long (30 inches long).

By the time they're a year old they're fine in big tanks, even babies are if they have roommates.

[d_virginiana]

A big tank isn't a problem unless they're so young you're worried about not being able to find them. The reason they stay in the smallest place and hide, is because well... Most garters just really love their hides. I seriously doubt she's getting lost in larger setups though, they do successfully navigate much larger areas in the wild

If your snake is 21 inches long, you should seriously consider going ahead and moving her to a larger setup.

[ConcinusMan]

You aren't denying them anything. As long as you house them well, and care for them, breeding isn't like that.

Tell that to the guys in prison.

That tank is rather small. You talk about quality of life and all that. That's great but I think something like 4 ft X 18 inches is much more appropriate and luxurious. Easier to create a variety of comfort zones and temperatures too.



I just don't like those exoterra's for garters, or any square (unless that square is much bigger) enclosures. There are a number of real husbandry issues that are hard to address in such an enclosure.

Also, I paid less than $60 for this entire setup. Just for scale, those garters in that tank are huge. 3ft and over.

[Tim C.]

What are the husbandry issues with the exoterra?

[kibakiba]

The tank is small.

[RedSidedSPR]

Lack of room. Temperature gradient. (can't keep it cool one side warm next) Stuff like that. It's just too small to be square, and to square to be small.

[ConcinusMan]

Pretty much what they said. You could make it work, I suppose, if you only use a small undertank heater in one corner, and only have one small snake in it but it's just less than ideal. With larger, long tank you can create basking areas and a wide temperature gradient. With a square tank that small it's impossible without heating the entire thing.

Don't get me wrong, they're great for tropical species and/or amphibians and water/land type terrariums but it's just not ideal for garters IMO. Much better off getting a used long and roomy tank. Cheaper too.

[kibakiba]

It might be perfect for my 3 baby pacific chorus frogs, but I don't think I'd ever leave a snake in it.