Red-Sided Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis) Care Sheet

Quick Facts

Behavior

• Generally calm and active; can be handled with care.

• Diurnal hunter; enjoys exploring both land and shallow water areas.

• Can be social; juveniles may be more skittish than adults.

• Good beginner-friendly snake, but requires clean water and proper diet.

Enclosure Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 80120 liters for a single adult

• Substrate: Aspen shavings, coconut fiber, or reptile-safe soil; paper towels work for easy cleaning

• Decor: Rocks, logs, plants, and hides; shallow water dish for soaking

• Humidity: 4060%

• Temperature:

  • Basking / warm spot: 2830C

  • Ambient: 2426C

  • Night: 2022C

• Lighting: Indirect light; UVB optional but beneficial for vitamin D3 synthesis

• Ventilation: Moderate airflow

Compatibility

• Can be housed in small groups if space is sufficient and feeding is supervised.

• Avoid housing with aggressive species or other snake types prone to bullying.

Diet

• Carnivorous; feeds on:

  • Earthworms

  • Fish (guppies, thawed feeder fish)

  • Small rodents occasionally for adults

  • Insects like crickets

• Feed juveniles every 23 days; adults 45 per week

• Provide fresh water daily; snakes enjoy soaking

Care Tips

• Maintain clean water and hygiene to prevent bacterial infections.

• Provide hiding places and shallow water for comfort and stress reduction.

• Monitor for signs of illness such as refusal to eat, mites, or respiratory issues.

• Handle gently and regularly to build tolerance.

Breeding

• Ovoviviparous; females give birth to live young (1040 per litter).

• Gestation requires cooler periods (~1216C) to stimulate reproduction.

• Juveniles are independent from birth and require appropriately sized food.

Visual Quick Guide

• Enclosure: 80120 L, hides, water dish, shallow soaking area

• Temp: Basking 2830C / Ambient 2426C / Night 2022C

• Humidity: 4060%

• Diet: Carnivorous (earthworms, fish, insects, occasional rodents)

• Activity: Diurnal, terrestrial / semi-aquatic

• Stress: Provide hides, water, and gentle handling

Please note: We don’t ship live animals. You can order online and choose click and collect, and we will hold it for you.