specifying my hobby

[camb]

when i was younger i loved all pets i wanted every thing!! then around four years ago i wanted reptiles, but i wanted ALL reptiles. and now i want to specify my hobby a little bit further by moving into large lizards and snakes, despite the fact that i already have a leo and a turtle. do you guys think its good to specify a hobby? because i recently had this feeling to specify right after i got 2 more turtles and im thinking of selling them before i become emotionally attached to them, what do you guys think i should do?

[simplechamp]

I don't think you need to specify. As long as you have the time and means to care for each animal properly you can have one BP or 100 different animals of all types.

Just make sure to do your research before purchasing, especially regarding the longevity of the animals. Many reptiles live to ripe old ages (maybe even outlive you!) and you need to be prepared to take care of them for as long as they are still breathing.

Think to yourself if you really thought long and hard about getting the turtles, or if it was more of a spur of the moment thing because you got all fired up about them one day (not saying this is the case, but it happens).

[camb]

i really think it was spurr the moment because i got all fired up. so thanx for the advice, but im still not sure on the turtles.

[Montessa Python]

I think you have to consider the impact of where you live, with whom you live with (ie parents, roommates, significant other..) before considering getting large snakes and or large lizards.
Tegu and monitors and large adult beardies and iguana's have large space requirements. They need large habitats OR large enclosures. As well as special lighting and heat sources, and nutrionally they have a lot of requirements as well.
Unless you want to keep 50-100 gallon livestock water tanks in your home or closet sized enclosures you might want to research who much space is needed for an adult large lizard.
Snakes are a bit easier, but again, you will have smells associated with large containers or tubs for lots of snakes.
Figure out what you want, and then look at where you will be in 5 or 10 years. Also check your local or state ordinances on large lizards and snakes in general.
You may be surprised to find out you can't have large snakes/lizards OR can only have certain types OR only a certain number.
IF you have to move, you have to deal with your collection. If you go on vacation you have to have some one knowledgeable enough to care for them all.
Go through a check list and then do research, if the Yes's outweigh the No's then go for what you want, and if you want to specialize, just make sure you can care for those in your charge for the years to come.

I have 2 BP's, 3 kings, 2 milks, and 2 corns, + 16 T's. I am an adult living in my own home, and keep my collection to snakes and such as I know I don't and won't have the time, and effort to keep lizards. It would not be fair to them.

Carol

[Jay_Bunny]

I don't think you need to specify. I have interests in many areas of animal keeping. I keep mostly reptiles but I'm also interested in keeping birds and dogs. You don't have to limit yourself. If you are interested in something, do the research and go for it. (as long as you have the means to care for it)

[AmandaTolleson]

I think it's good to specify. But the criteria being what you like. Not certain strict rules about what species you keep.