I started catching snakes when I was real little. On family picnics and other outingsI was always looking for snakes and lizards. I used to keep western fences lizards when I was a kid. As I got into high school I built a large snake cage. My parents let me keep a few garter snakes. Once word got out that I was able to keep snakes, all the neighborhood kids showed up. Probably once a week some kid would show up with a snake in hand asking my mom if I could have the snake. I was only allowed 3, which was good for the time as I was not very knowledgeable in their care. These 3 lasted quite a while tho. I kept a log of everything they ate, down to the exact minute that they ate. I still have this log book. Over the years I kept a variety of snakes, everything from kings to corns, boas and pythons, and a few venomous. During this time I always had a tank or 2 with garter snakes in them. Eventually I was introduced to the internet. There I found Scott Felzer’s website. He was interested in acquiring a pair of adult wandering garters to outcross with his. I sent im a pair in a trade and my interest in breeding took off. The melanistic eastern captured my attention. I had seen them before and was given a pair, but they passed away. My hobby started after soon after getting Scott’s snakes. Over the years I have been working on getting this hobby going and am finally doing good. I met my wife back in 2001 and we were married in 2002. She isn’t a big fan of snakes, but supports my hobby. She has been my biggest supporter. Without her, I probably wouldn’t be where I am today. I am looking forward to expanding my breeding collection over the years and acquiring new species.   Made with Xara © Don’s Garter Snakes 2011 Keeping garter snakes has been a hobby of mine for many years.