New Kid on the Block

[sammihendrix]

Hey,

So from the looks of things this is pretty typical. Everyone starts out this way so I guess I should as well.

A little about myself. I am 18, a sophomore in college (just finished freshman year), and interested in animals. I love all animals from common household pets, to marine life, to very recently... reptiles!

I've always been a fan of animals but I've always had a distinct, inexplicable fear of reptiles. One of my close friends bought a Savannah Monitor Lizard and when he told me about it I grimaced at the thought of having a killer lizard for a pet. I went to his house to check it out and I must say that even the mice that were being fed to it weren't as afraid of it as I was. Post-feeding time my friend takes out the lizard and begins to play with it as if it were a dog and the lizard seemed to show genuine care for my friend as his owner. This is when I decided that my fear was irrational and took it as an opportunity to find out more about reptiles in general and maybe someday own some myself.

I am currently a proud of owner of a dog: a boxer named Ali and he is about 2 and the love of my life.

Right now I am simply researching and compiling information about two possible options as my first reptilian companions (a ball python and a bearded dragon). Starting with youtube, then various care-sites, and eventually here. I am leaving the country for a year so it should be plenty of time to make an informed decision.

I'm sure you've probably stopped reading by now so I am going to end with;

Thank you for the time,

Sam

[llovelace]

to BP.net

[Austin236]

Personally i think you'll have more fun with a ball python much easier to care for especially since beardies need a lot more care and you have to feed them daily. So that's dealing with crickets, calcium powder, fresh fruits and lettuce on a daily basis and cleaning up poo regularly. Don't get me wrong there fun to have, ive had one it was a cool pet. But i prefer meat eating lizards (Tegus & Monitors) over any other lizards. Hope you have fun with which ever animal you choose

[sammihendrix]

Thank you both!

I've taken into consideration which one would be easiest and figured a ball python would be simplest for a beginning owner, but I feel like since it would be my first snake, and with me just starting to get over my apprehension about them I'm not sure if it would be good to start of with since they can be easily stressed. The last thing I would want to do is make an animal unhappy because I can't get over my silly nerves.

[Austin236]

Well just take time with your decision and the stress thing isnt really a big problem just the initial coming home from the pet store stage which in that case the snake should be left alone for the first week to acclimate to its new home but that goes with the beardy too. Just make sure you take your time and look around for the right Beardy or Ball go to a couple different pet stores. Hope to see your new pet soon and good luck.

[Boanerges]

Welcome to BP.net Any questions you may have feel free to ask!!!

[Vypyrz]

Hello, and to BP.net...

Since it's going to be a while before you get a pet, just spend some time here asking questions and reading through threads on everyone else's experiences and issues and how they are handled and resolved. Then, by the time you bring home your new pet, you will have everything fugured out and prepared. Some other things to consider when choosing a pet, besides temperament and feeding will be housing and husbandry requirements as well. Good Luck and have fun with your research...

[stratus_020202]

Well just take time with your decision and the stress thing isnt really a big problem just the initial coming home from the pet store stage which in that case the snake should be left alone for the first week to acclimate to its new home but that goes with the beardy too. Just make sure you take your time and look around for the right Beardy or Ball go to a couple different pet stores. Hope to see your new pet soon and good luck.

Get an older female. They are fat, lazy, and easy to handle. Well, for the most part. I'd check out some expos in your area and make sure you handle everything. The younger ones are snippy little bugars, but once you get bit, you realize it's not so bad.

Good luck! and welcome

[dc4teg]

Welcome to bp.net! Enjoy your stay.

Since its goin to be quite a time, go to different pet stores and ask to hold the ball pythons and handle the beardies, you will get a good feel of how its going to be. I havnt owned a beardie before, but they seem to be active unlike the pet rocks we own . If you want a pet that is super chill and dosent require much, I recommend a ball python. But ball pythons are not for everyone. Review the care sheets for both and decide which fits your lifestyle better. Daily feedings vs. weekly feeding. Rats vs. insects. Ball pythons are a rewarding species that have many morphs so you can always expand your collection! Just take your time and make the right decision .