[Cazador]

Hi Emily,
Mice aren't "required" in a garter's diet. In fact, they're a mere supplement in a wild garter's diet, when they're included at all. Fish are another complete nutrition source. The downside is that garters on a diet of fish and worms have more watery and a bit more smelly feces. Growth rates are a bit faster when feeding rodents, and you have to feed (and clean) less often on a diet of rodents, but that's pretty much it.

Garters, however, are active and inquisitive, so I doubt they'll simply lie around on you when you're working. They're more likely to want to explore the room. With that said, there are individuals who seem content to just "hang out" with their owner, but garters aren't known for being lethargic. Friendly... yes. Lethargic... no.

Rick