Should you really get more animals?

Great post! I see far too many people on classified ads looking for cheap pets for whatever reason. The worst is when it's for large "talking birds" , having my own I know the cost to own them is quite substantial, and they require a lot of your time and attention.Same with any animal though of course.

I completely agree, you have to consider the YEARS of care ahead of you. I had to stop myself personally cause even though i want more animals and would love to have them, i know its not realistic, so i have put a hold on buying any more animals for a while. Heck i already have all the ingredients i want and i have rats having litters as we speak, so i'm good.

A lot of people don't realize the life changes they will go through and they don't think that their macaw is going to live 60 years. They also don't realize how messy and expensive it is along with the time consuming nature of caring for very intelligent birds. Birds are a perfect example, even more so than snakes, people don't realize how bad it can be for the bird is you don't give it constant interaction and things to do. Rant done.

The life expectancy is a big issue. I just read in the new Reptiles magazine that rosy boas can live 60+ years. Who would have thought a diminutive species like that would live that long? Granted, their care is pretty easy but for those of use pushing 40, it's possible for them to outlive us.

This post really hit home, and I thank you for it. Before things went a little downhill at home, my pets had the greatest care, and still do, to the best of my abilities. But that doesn't mean everything else is great.

When I lived with my mom, she would never even consider allowing me to get an exotic pet. I wanted a larger bird, a snake, a lizard, you name it. Now, having moved out, I said to myself, "Hey, I no longer live under her roof - I can finally have everything I've ever wanted." I NEVER thought to stop and think my NEW situation might CHANGE. Now, I have two birds, a lizard, a snake, and several rodents (the dog stays with "daddy"), which all make it more difficult to find a suitable apartment or suite. Many landlords won't even accept small dogs or cats, let alone a SNAKE or possibly noisy birds. We desperately want to move, and I may have to re-home some of the ones I love so dearly...

On top of all that, I'm unemployed, and finding work is incredibly hard right now, too. My boyfriend (who has been so tolerant thus far) has been able to scrape up what leftover cash he has for my animals' necessities. This is a huge stress factor on our relationship and our living situation. We take every bit of stress on our shoulders, so the animals don't have to; I wouldn't dare let my animals suffer. I would rather make MYSELF go hungry, and use that money to buy food for them. BUT, this didn't need to happen if I had just thought things through and stabilized myself BEFORE getting more pets. They are always fed, always watered, always cleaned, but now I've dug myself a hole I can't get out of unless I break my own heart to do it.

Thank you, Heather, for getting this message out.

This is probably the most on point, most sensible, and most useful post I think I have EVER seen. It reminds me of a friend (we're not the greatest of friends now) I have, and a story. This friend has gone through numerous pets since I've known her. Snakes, lizards, fish, cats, etc,. She sees something cool, buys it on impulse (which so many people do) and then months or even a few years later, becomes bored with it,it takes up too much space, doesn't want the expense anymore,etc,. and then gets rid of it. I'll never forget this one time; we were roomates, and when we moved in, she had two cats. She loved them dearly. (I thought) about 8 months aafter we moved in, she found a kitten in the bushes outside. She wanted to bring it in. I told her that it would cause problems, because we don't even know 1) if it belongs to someone 2) if it has fleas or other "buggies" 3) behavioral problems with the other two cats. She ignored me. Within about 1 month, all 3 cats were covered with fleas. One of her cats started peeing all over the floor. It was discovered that the kitten had ringworm, and gave it to everyone else in the place, and all three cats now has to be treated. We were all getting bitten by fleas. She the worst. (Karma?) One day, she decides she doesn't want to confront the problem anymore. So, she just takes all 3 cats to the SPCA, and tels the person she "found" them. :O I was shocked and appalled. How could anyone do that to an animal they supposedly love? I have recieved snakes from her over the years that she just "didn't want" or "didn't have time for". And this is a person who would spend any amount of money on the initial cost, but later would not confront the responsibility. I have too many stories like this with her, but different types of animals.Animals she has spent 1000s of $$$ on, much time and effort to build custom cages, "tricked out" enclosures, what have you, only to "throw them away" later when it became a chore..or she was bored with it, whatever.There are people like this everywhere. It really makes me sad inside.

ugh, I hate people like that. I have literally dumped friends who had a revolving door for animals. Animals are a lifetime commitment in my mind and must be purchased as such. That said I know that things do happen and rehoming is sometimes best for the animal - that's different from the 'throwaway' attitude people sometimes have for their pets.
My parents were somewhat like that - drove me nuts and turned me into a stickler for the proper treatment of pets.

Fantastic post. I can honestly say impulse buyers annoy me greatly. Awesome post, has a lot of information, any new reptile (or any new animals owners, really) should take a quick view of this. :gj:

Heather, this is a great post. It hits home especially now when eggs are a hatching. This should also be thought of when someone is wanting to breed their snake. Can you afford to have 1-xxx more snakes? For those that have lots of live babies the "what now" comes hard and fast when you suddenly have a slew of babies that need fed, watered and taken care of. For those that lay eggs the excitment can quickly lead to being overwhelmed.

:) Thanks for a great post.