Homemade Garter Snake Habitat

Garter snakes are one of the most common North American snakes to keep as pets because of their small size, and they're easy to care for. You can easily build a homemade habitat for your pet garter snake by simply recreating its world in a reptile tank.

  1. Grassy Haven

    • Garter snakes have evolved to live on grassy surfaces. When creating a homemade garter snake habitat, use natural grass soil (which can be collected from anywhere) and sow it with grass seeds to create a natural grassy substrate in your garter snake tank. When selecting a tank, be sure the tank's length is at least twice as long as your pet garter snake.

    Sunny Rock

    • Garter snakes are like any reptile and are cold-blooded. When creating a homemade habitat for a pet garter snake, be sure to include a sunning area where it can warm up. This can be done by placing a rock or driftwood in the snake's tank underneath a UVB lamp.

    Hideaway

    • Garter snakes frequent grassy areas but an important part of their time is spent in tight cracks and havens where they can feel safe. For your homemade habitat, be sure to include a hiding place for your garter snake away from the light source. This could be as simple as an overturned log or as complex as a series of underground tunnels.

    Pool

    • Garter snakes are also a semi-aquatic snake and require more than just a water bowl. When creating your habitat, use a large bowl as a pond for your garter snake to swim in to cool off. Adding this will ensure a successful and natural habitat for your garter snake.

    Secure the Tank

    • Be sure to seal your tank with the correct reptile cage covering, which can be found and purchased at any local pet shop. Placing a book or a heavy object on your reptile cage cover is a must, as snakes are notorious for escaping.