(San Fransisco garter snake)
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| Thamnophis
sirtalis tetrataenia pair |
| This subspecies of the most common garter snake is found in the San Fransisco area. It is not only one of the most colorful snakes, but also one of the rarest. Its habitats are destroyed and there migt be only a few animals left in the nature. Previously many animals were caught by hobbyists because the beautiful colors made it a popular animal for the terraria. It is now protected and illigal to keep in the USA. |
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Thamnophis
sirtalis tetrataenia adult female |
| Jersie Zoo startet a breeding project together with a few american zoo`s and made so many offsprings that a few animals were given to private breeders in Europe. Breedings continued
and this beautiful snake is now possible to buy on most reptile fairs
in Europe. |
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| Thamnophis
sirtalis tetrataenia adult male |
| Garter snakes are very interesting animals to keep. They are day active, curious and always hungry. The are easy to tame and will take food items from your fingers after few days. Food items includes fish, small mice, newborn rats, frogs and earth worms. The growth is fast and they can mature in little more than one year. |
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Thamnophis
sirtalis tetrataenia giving birth |
| We keep our garters in a large terrarium with gravel as substrate. A large waterbowl is mandatory and we use flat stones to feed on to iliminate the substrate to stick on the food items. Temperature is about 25*C during the day and 15-18*C at night. A 40W spot provides a heating place. |
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| Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia babies |