1. They smell bad. - This is almost always based on a personal encounter with a wild garter snake that was picked up as it was trying to flee.
These small snakes have virtually no defense against predators aside from musking, Whenever any colubrid feels threatened it will emit a foul smelling fluid in an attempt to gross out the predator, they will perceive you as a predator when you just reach down and pick one up off the ground.
My captives rarely musk me, unless I screw up and spook them. And quite honestly, I would rather wash my hands than bleed from a python bite.
2. They are boring. - I have to disagree here, They are the most active snake you could hope for as a "pet" and will move around in their environment and swim in the water bowl, climb up on on things and pace the cage often staring out at whatever is going on in the room around them.
3. Nothing special to look at. - Once upon a time I thought so too, However there are so many morphs and sub species available that one could spend a lifetime trying to see them all in person. and how many non venomous blue snakes can you ever find regardless of species?? (anyone can purchase a blue garter snake for around $100)
4. Never house multiple snakes in one cage. - This is about the only exception to that rule. The population densities in the wild are normally so thick that these snakes can quite often be found in the wild sharing space and resources. Nearly every Thamnophis keeper I know keeps them in multiples per cage, this reduces costs and space requirements drastically. Each year when I get a new batch of babies, either from my breeder friends or from litters I produce myself, The whole litter only requires one tank for about the first year.
5. Garter Snakes are for children and beginners. - I hear this one a lot, and nothing could be further from the truth. Once upon a time garter snakes were gathered up off the ground and sold in pet stores for $5 each, so people never took them seriously. In today's modern hobby we have many exciting captive bred color morphs available.
I have made it my personal mission to ensure that accurate and detailed information is available to all who desire to learn about these handsome and fascinating beneficial creatures.
Whenever you encounter a snake in the wild, It is highly recommended that you simply leave it alone to go about it's business. There are many captive born animals available that would make far more suitable pets. Wild animals are at risk of carrying parasites like roundworm or other forms of bacteria and disease. There is no valid reason to fear or harm a wild garter snake, it just makes more sense to obtain your pet through reputable channels.
For your convenience and reference there is a discussion forum available where you may speak directly with breeders and seasoned keepers of these wonderful snakes.