Welcome! You've found a GREAT bunch of people here, not only *very* knowledgeable, but kind, patient, fun and a whole lot of other good qualities too!

I'm new to garters too, and I'm a "handle unnecessarily" person. I too, go by their reactions. Ernestine calms down rather quickly, and is perfectly content to cuddle in your hand. In fact, I get uncomfortable with having an unusable hand in a cramped position, before she's ready to leave me! I've had to "dump" (gently of course) her in the enclosure, rather than her slither off me! James, on the other hand, is a little more ADHD. He'll hang out, but would rather be in the enclosure. He'll slither off as soon as you lower your hand in the tank.

Feeders are easy... look on the classified section here.

Check out the "Enclosures" Section of the forum, if you want to see some examples of how people create display tanks.

I'm cheap- I use a work lamp from a home improvement store with a 40w incandescent bulb in it for a heat source. My basking side gets around 80-90, depending on how hot my house gets, with room temps on the cool side. They move about as they desire, and seem to be enjoying the environs I have created.

Humidity, I have a humidity gauge, and it stays around 40-50% in there with no misting or outside sources of humidity. Read the thread about winter preparations for info regarding indoor heating and humidity concerns.

Lastly, be careful!!! These little guys are totally addictive! Once you have one, you'll be searching for ways to get more! I'm on a waiting list for more Florida Blues now!!!!!

Can't wait to see pics of your new bundles of joy, when they arrive!!!