I would rather have less animals and provide each with an adequately sized enclosure than the other way around.... As a reptile hobbyist, it's easy to attain anything we want just for the sake of it.., just because we can.... There's so much eye candy. But this sort of attitude doesn't sit right by me.

I do feel baby garters can be kept in 5 gallons but I prefer to move mine into a twenty gallon by the time they are one years old. Garters are active creature, they love to climb and explore. And when I have an animal that utilizes space, than "space" I give. I feel happy seeing them at their best. ;-)

I know many people do not share my views as this is a debatable subject.

Good luck.

Karen