See, I don't buy into the whole "Garters are for beginners" mind-set. I think Corn Snakes, for example (but many others too) are far easier to keep..... Just throw in a mouse or two once a month, and change the water now and then. Most of the time these "better" snakes just lie around like a big colourful t**d. About as interesting as stamp collecting! My apologies to all the philatelists amongst us!