Well I am a newbie Garter keeper. I hadn't had a garter before a few weeks ago when my father in law sent home "Lexi" with my daughters. (Valley Garter) then the next day he called and asked "Want another?" I said sure... As they both seemed to be girls, everything looked good to me.
I set them up and got them squared away, day one "Lexi" the little one (about 12" long) ate about 5 nightcrawlers and seemed happy. The second day the bigger girl "Berta" (Valley Garter) who is about 50% larger then "Lexi" ate some nightcrawlers. A 3 days later Lexi ate a F/T Pinky cut up into 1/3rds and scented with worms. Berta wouldn't eat again... A few days later Lexi went opaque and shed a few days after that. A perfect shed.
A few days after that Berta went opaque and refused food again. She cleared up day before yesterday and this morning at about 10am she shed out. A perfect shed! Measured out at 20" long.
At about 2pm I just cut up some garden worms and a fairly large pinky and offered it up. FOOD FRENZY! Berta was hammering worms, and Lexi was enjoying her pinky pieces, until Berta decided she wanted one! Tug 'o war! I wasn't good with that, so I just put my hand in the cage and rubbed on Berta, she let go and Lexi got her pinky. After pouting for a few minutes Berta realized there were more mouses in the dish! She slurped down a pinky head and 3 more worms and is now basking and looking quite content. Lexi is doing the same.
I am so happy that they are both fed, shed and happy.
Berta is still not real big on being held, but she lets me stroke her now. Lexi is curious and crawls around my hands and nuzzles, she isn't so sure about the handling thing, but when I do pick her up she calms down after a few seconds and just cruises around inspecting my hands. I am so happy that we chose to take these girls in. They are truly amazing animals, and I am lucky to have them in my life.
They have also become quite a bonding experience between my daughters ( ages 5 and 8) and I.

WOW, that was a long post. I just wanted to share something
Be safe,
Pete