Debating downsizing/re-arranging---but need advice

[Spirit_Scale]

I don't have the biggest collection in the world, but I'm starting to get that nagging feeling of 'I don't know if this is what I want anymore'.

My introduction into herps was a leopard gecko, even though I've always wanted a snake. However, I kept the leo as a friend wanted to get into breeding and wanted me as a partner.
I kept one baby leo from our 1st season as hold-back for next season.

But tbh---my first passion is my parrot---and now that I have my BP I know that for me, my reptile of choice has no legs.

I'm tired of the crickets escaping, the smell, the mealies...and although my leos are extremely well take care of, I'm starting to be disinterested and resentful. Its too much money for something I'm not feeling good about anymore.
I feel guilty about it though---like some sort of whiny kid 'omg omg I want it k...now I'm bored'.

The other thing is I'm unexpectedly going back to school to get a degree as a Vet Tech. I *know* my time will be limited. My money will be even more so, and I shudder to think what happens if the parrot needs vet work...I'll be stretched thin. There is NO way in hell a landlord will want me breeding crickets...and crickets alone for a colony of 3 females and 1 male is easily $30 dollars a month if store bought. Then there's feeding all the babies...

I'm thinking I'm just going to quit while I'm ahead and rehome my two leos. I do enjoy breeding reptiles, and will do so as I can...just with ball pythons instead.

Advice anyone?

[Mike41793]

I dont really see a problem with it as long as you find a good home for them.

[Spirit_Scale]

Yeah, I guess its just childhood ghosts (my family moved chronically which means we had new pets every six months...and then they 'had to go' about six months after) and I swore I'd never be like that.

The parrot's been with me for 8 years now in spite of it all and I'm proud that even though she's a lot of work that I'm still committed.
I just know that the temptation would be to feed my leos mealies (and I NEVER want to do the cheap n easy route---crickets are healthier esp. for my adult female who's constipation-prone) and I'd be stressed about vet care.

The other thing is that my rack wasn't as good as I thought---I hate escapees! And it looks like I'm going to have to replace the whole darn thing. My BP proved how much of a ninja he was and escaped his tub as well--so right now he's boarding with a friend who's got a glass tank.

Its not that I dont love or care for my leos---but right now it just...not enough resources or interest...and the thought of trying to cough up money I dont have is too much hair-pulling.

[Crazy4Herps]

If you put the time into finding a really good home for them, there's nothing wrong with rehoming reptiles. Sounds like you could use the extra time and money, and resenting a pet is never a good situation to be in. But, all things considered, perhaps now is not the best time to expand on ball pythons either?

To be perfectly honest, I think 'collections' are overrated. I gave up on collecting snakes a while back, and I am actually much happier with the 3 I have now than I ever was with a house full of cages to clean and no real time to spend *with* the animals.

[Spirit_Scale]

For sure, not expanding on BP's yet--probably not for the next few years.
I know exactly what you mean on the 'collection' topic, I think thats the discomfort I'm feeling now. They're turning into chores rather than individuals with personalities.

The last animal I rehomed (a gift cockatiel who was relentlessly terrorized by my parrot) went to a rescue closely worked with by my vet that I scoped out in depth to ensure he would never be abandoned into the merry go round of craigslist and homes after home after homes. So if I decide to downsize my leos will absolutely be found great homes.