Garter snakes grow to closer to 5 feet long, and are actually more aggressive than Pythons and Boas. I have owned a Ball python, a Red tail Boa, and 2 King snakes. The best by far as for Aggressiveness and ease of handling was the Red tail Boa. When you are ready to get a snake, DO NOT go to Pet Smart, Petco, Local pet shops, etc. They are WAY overpriced. There is a place in Indiana, on Rte 30, called "Chicago Reptile house". They are way better priced, and the people are a LOT more knowledgable about snakes.

At Petsmart/Petco, etc, they usually charge cloae to $100 for a Red tail boa. Chicago Reptile House was around $65 when I got mine.

Do some research at your local pet shops to see if they sell feeder mice. As a Baby snake, you will need to feed it pinkies (just born mice) for the first couple weeks, then work up to Fuzzies ( slightly bigger, just growing hair baby mice). Once it is big enough to feed full size mice, you can go to Petco to get mice.

Looks like there is a Chicago Reptile house in Orland park as well. I do not know if it is associated with the Indiana one. Click Here!