Do Garter Snakes have to hibernate?
Garter snakes do not need to “hibernate” or brumate in captivity. In the wild snakes know when it is time to brumate due to changes in temperature but in an air-conditioned house with a heat pad on the cage, the snake will notice only minor differences throughout the year. Lighting: Don’t get confused between UVA and UVB. Snakes do not need UVB, although it won’t technically hurt them …but it will cost you $50 on a new bulb every 6 months. UVB is only required for lizards and terrapins. (NOTE: the “UV” heat bulbs that petstores sell for 8-10 dollars are NORMAL light bulbs that produce large amounts of heat for their wattage. You can use these for their heat value, but the the UVA works the same as the light from any lamp in your house>>> it allows animals to see color.) Heat pads are a much more efficient way to heat your animal’s tank. They use very little energy, and they don’t lower humidity the way that heat bulbs do. Feeding: Garter snakes will eat several live minnows or small
