04/28/2024
This year i switched from plastic tubs in racks to glass front opening doored terrariums with overhead heat and UVB lamps for my garters. I also have them together in small groups instead of alone. So very glad i did, they look so much healthier, better colors, and have much calmer, relaxed disposition. Also, I witnessed way more breeding activity in late February and early March. They seem to enjoy each other’s company too, even after breeding. I have had zero issues with food fights, which has always been an argument for housing individually, they take turns eating very respectfully. Every 3-4 weeks i have been removing all decor and washing, changing top layer of substrate, and cleaning glass, which takes an hour. Also i now use extra large dog bowls for water instead of 16 oz deli cups. This allows them to drink and swim when they want. I clean and change water out every couple days or if pooped in. This is actually way less maintenance than rack system surprisingly, and way, way more enjoyable to observe them. Every morning when the lights come on they all come out of the hides and bask, but move around most of the day once wrmed up, and then in the evening when the lights go out they work there way to the hides.Today my wife asked me why it took me 20yrs to figure this out? The only answer is im a slow learner, lol. Hoping for some healthy babies soon.
