Changes

==Captivity==

==Captivity==

*Cage – A glass aquarium/vivarium of about 75 x 37 x 30 cm (36" x 15" x 12") is adequate. The height is not critical but a large area allows the active snakes room to move around. A pool of some description should be provided. Adequate ventilation must be provided since excessive dampness and the inability to get completely dry can cause disease. Garter snakes especially need secure quarters!  

*Cage – A glass aquarium/vivarium of about 75 x 37 x 30 cm (36" x 15" x 12") is adequate. The height is not critical but a large area allows the active snakes room to move around. A pool of some description should be provided. Adequate ventilation must be provided since excessive dampness and the inability to get completely dry can cause disease. Garter snakes especially need secure quarters!  

*Temperature – Garter snakes require a daytime temperature of about 25° to 30°C falling at night to 24° 26°C. A temperature drop for up to three months between November and February stimulates  

*Temperature – Garter snakes require a daytime temperature of about 25° to 30°C falling at night to 24° 26°C. A temperature drop for up to three months between November and February stimulates reproduction.  

reproduction.  

*Diet – Young garter snakes may be difficult to rear but will eat chopped whole fresh-water fish and earthworms. Adults should be fed three to four times each week. Commercial food such as "Garter Grub" is available.  

*Diet – Young garter snakes may be difficult to rear but will eat chopped whole fresh-water fish and earthworms. Adults should be fed three to four times each week. Commercial food such as "Garter Grub" is available.  

*Reproduction – Garter snakes are viviparous and can be bred from two to three years of age. They may breed twice a year. Litter sizes usually number 10 to 30 (although much higher are recorded). The young are born in the late summer and average over 20 cms in length. The young eat frequently to fatten up before the winter hibernation.  

*Reproduction – Garter snakes are viviparous and can be bred from two to three years of age. They may breed twice a year. Litter sizes usually number 10 to 30 (although much higher are recorded). The young are born in the late summer and average over 20 cms in length. The young eat frequently to fatten up before the winter hibernation.  

*Veterinary considerations – Garter snakes are often presented with neurological signs due to  

*Veterinary considerations – Garter snakes are often presented with neurological signs due to hypothiaminosis because of their inappropriate diet.

hypothiaminosis because of their inappropriate diet.