Reddit reviews Garter Snakes and Water Snakes: From the Experts at advanced vivarium systems (The Herpetocultural Library)

Well please don't put him outside. Even though garters are famously cold tolerant, cold weather and injuries are a recipe for trouble.

Also, if you are going to hang on to him and he has abrasions or lacerations from the trap you are going to need to disinfect the area and keep him in a very steril enclosure (ideally a plastic box or glass aquarium with no substrate that you can completely sterilize every day for a few weeks). later you can make a large proper enclosure if you decide to keep him long term.

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I wouldn't count on pet stores knowing much unless you happen to live near one that specializes in reptiles.

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If you need a reptile vet try here:

http://arav.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=3661

or

http://www.kingsnake.com/vets.html

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For general care, I might start reading here:

http://www.thamnophis.com/index.php?page=caresheet

and ask questions here:

https://www.thamnophis.com/forum/forum.php

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This guy knows a thing or two (I have no affiliation)

https://stevenbolgartersnakes.com/

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You can get this book cheaply:

https://www.amazon.com/Garter-Snakes-Water-advanced-Herpetocultural/dp/188277079X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1542943477&sr=8-2&keywords=garter+snake+book

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My own experience with keeping garters was that they were very active and I think demand much large enclosures than the snake world (which loves to keep snakes in tiny little boxes for some reason) will tell you.

If you do keep it long term I'd suggest getting a very large plastic box or large aquarium (something at least 4-5 feet long and 1.5 to 2.5 feet wide) and make a planted vivarium. (but only after any injuries have healed). You can even make the vivarium and attractive showpiece if the animal 's requirements are met.

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Good luck.

Thanks for saving it.

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