Garter Snake vs Western Hognose Snake
Side-by-side care comparison to help you choose.
| Garter Snake | Western Hognose Snake | |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Beginner | Intermediate |
| Adult size | 18-30 inches | 18-24 inches (males 15-20 in, females 22-36 in) |
| Lifespan | 6-10 years | 15-20 years |
| Min enclosure | 40 gallon breeder (36x18x18 in) | 20 gallon long (30x12x12 in) but 36x18x18 in recommended |
| Basking temp | 85-90°F | 90-95°F (32-35°C) |
| Humidity | 40-60% | 30-40% |
| UVB | Optional - low level UVB (e.g., T5 HO 5.0) beneficial | Yes - optional but beneficial; T5 HO 2.0 or 5.0 (low output) |
| Diet | Earthworms, fish, and rodents; feed juveniles every 5-7 days, adults every 7-10 days. | Rodents: pinkies to adult mice depending on size. Juveniles every 5-7 days, adults every 7-14 days. Frozen-thawed preferred. |