SHOPPING LIST Checkered Step 1: Terrarium The standard for pet care 20-gallon (20-30" long) or larger terrarium Garter The Vet Assured Program includes: Locking screen lid, if not included with Thamnophis marcianus • Specific standards our vendors agree to meet in caring for and observing pets for Step 2: Decor common illnesses. EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Beginner • Specific standards for in-store pet care. bark or aspen substrate • The PetSmart Promise: If your pet becomes ill Artificial/natural rock or wood hiding spot during the initial 14-day period, or if you’re and basking site not satisfied for any reason, PetSmart will gladly Branches/plants for climbing and hiding replace the pet or refund the purchase price. Water dish

HEALTH Step 3: Care New surroundings and environments can be stressful for pets. Prior to handling your pet, give Heating and Lighting them 3-4 days to adjust to their new surroundings Reptile habitat thermometers (2) while monitoring their behavior for any signs Reptile habitat hygrometer (humidity gauge) of stress or illness. Shortly after purchase, ask a Lifespan: veterinarian familiar with to examine your Basking bulb and fixture Approximately 7 years pet. PetSmart recommends that all pets visit a Daytime UVA/UVB bulb and fixture Size: 28-42" (70-106 cm) long qualified veterinarian annually for a health exam. Lamp stand for UV and heat bulbs, if desired Habitat: Temperate Environment Timer for light and heat bulbs, if desired THINGS TO WATCH FOR Under tank heater, ceramic heat emitter and fixture, or nighttime bulb, if necessary • Runny droppings for more than two days • Eating or drinking less; weight loss Spray bottle for misting or an automatic fogger or mister, if desired • Discharge from the eyes, nose or mouth Food • Shedding problems; discolored skin Shop for your reptile in  or nightcrawlers • More time spent in their hiding area Rosy Red Minnows If you notice any of the above signs, speak with 3 Simple Steps a PetSmart store associate or reptile veterinarian Small container for minnows about the health of your pet. Calcium supplement Vitamin supplement, if desired Terrarium Decor Care

This care guide contains general information for the proper care of your pet but is not comprehensive. For more information, review the Habitat Set-up Guide and the Heating PetSmart® Care Guides were developed and and Lighting Guide. approved by PetSmart veterinarians. For more information on the care of Checkered Garter or other pets, visit ©2013 PetSmart Store Support Group, Inc. All rights reserved. PETSMART & Bouncing Ball SPRP_CRGD_006 Designs and VET ASSURED are trademarks of PetSmart Store Support Group, Inc. petsmart.com/careguides STEP 1 Terrarium STEP 3 Care

Checkered Garter Snakes originate from North Checkered Garter Snakes require a temperature Food America and require a warm, humid environment. gradient (cool side/warm side) to properly regulate Checkered Garter Snakes are carnivorous, meaning Multiple Checkered Garter Snakes of the same size their body temperature. Temperatures should also their diet consists primarily of meat, or more and sex can be housed together. vary between daytime and nighttime hours. specifically, and insects. Terrarium Heating • Checkered Garter Snakes should be offered food • Use a a 20-gallon (20-30" long) terrarium or • Equip the habitat with H two thermometers every other day and should be fed at daytime. larger for a single snake. Use a larger terrarium (one on each side of the habitat) to measure for multiple pets. temperatures and one I hygrometer to monitor humidity. Feeding • Choose a B locking screen lid, if not included • Snakes are creatures of habit and will often • Provide heat with a J high-wattage basking bulb with the habitat. associate opening of the habitat with feeding, placed directly above the basking spot, which especially if there is not frequent interaction other should be the warmest point in the habitat during than feeding. Be aware that snakes move quickly the day. Turn the basking bulb off for 12 hours STEP 2 Decor in anticipation of feeding. at night. • Feed 1-2 earthworms or night crawlers every • Use a ceramic heat-emitter or nighttime heat bulb Substrate other day to a juvenile snake or 1-2 times per as needed to maintain nighttime temperatures. • Use C 2" (5 cm) of reptile bark or aspen substrate. week for adults. • Create and maintain humidity by keeping the • Spot clean at least once a week and completely • Feed 1-2 Rosy Red minnows 1-2 times per week, water dish full and misting your pet and habitat change the substrate at least once a month. alternating with earthworms. To feed, place your every other day. Decor snake in a small habitat with shallow water, just • Include D rocks or branches to elevate your pet enough to cover the fish. Return your snake after close to the heat source for basking (no closer feeding. than 8"). • Insects should be dusted with a calcium TARGET RANGE • Add a E wood or rock hiding spot on the cool supplement once weekly and a reptile side of the habitat. HUMIDITY 30-50% multivitamin once weekly. • Provide F artificial or live branches and plants for TEMPERATURE • Your snake may skip occasional feedings during hiding and climbing. Make sure live plants are safe shedding or due to a habitat temperature for Checkered Garter Snakes and not treated with DAY - COOL SIDE 75-85° F (24-29° C) change. If more than two meals are missed, any chemicals. DAY - BASKING SPOT 86-95° F (30-35° C) contact your veterinarian or a PetSmart store associate for advice. • Include G food and water dishes. NIGHT 65-75° F (18-24° C) • Ensure decor is large and stable enough for the size of your reptile. Water • Checkered Garter Snakes will drink from a shallow Lighting • Every reptile requires a 12-hour light/dark cycle. dish and soak in the water to maintain hydration. • Checkered Garter Snakes are diurnal, meaning • Empty, clean and refill the water dish daily. they are most active during the day. Provide a J K K UVA/UVB fluorescent bulb* if your snake does B Other Reminders not get enough dietary Vitamin D. Use caution when handling your pet and remember a • If desired, use a night-specific bulb to view your that all pets may bite or scratch, especially when pet at night without disturbing their natural stressed. Supervise children around pets. H I H behavior. Pets may transmit disease to humans, so be sure to F * Replace UVA/UVB bulbs every 6 months, as bulbs wash your hands before and after handling your pet D E G may continue producing light without emitting or cleaning the habitat. proper UVB. C