What's in it for you?

"In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous"- Aristotle.

For me, I enjoyed the intellectual challenge and the opportunity to facilitate the the intricate, elegant processes around and within organisms. It's not so much that I have something from Asia, but I have an example of one individual with roots in a naturally selected allele frequency and as an additional challenge I am required to construct a salubrious environment on the whole other side of the world; furthermore, I am allowed greater flexibility in what I do with this individual's fitness, do I breed him/her randomly or selectively? Also, and I am sure others will comment share this, there is just something about directly interacting with snakes that is just phenomenal to say the least. You might say that in losing yourself in the complex simplicity that seems to characterize these animals, you may often find pieces of your true self and skills you honestly did not know you had. At the end of the day, it's all just a lot of fun...personally I usually come home drained from a long day at college and work, my snakes keep me entertained, busy, and, most importantly, learning.

I have always been fascinated by snakes. So what I get out of it is the opportunity to care for these beautiful fascinating creatures. It hasn't hindered my social life. My husband is now enjoying them as much as I do. I have a few relatives that don't understand my fascination and that's ok. I don't understand some of the things they enjoy either lol.

What's in it for me is interacting with and caring for stunning wild animals to a degree that they are healthier and happier than they would be in the wild.
That these creatures grow to trust me and allow me to share their space and lives is almost humbling at times.

Aaaaaaand, then I make an error and they quickly remind me what the situation is, especially the intolerant hatchling.

Mostly because I love the animals. While most kids grew up with cats and dogs, I grew up with birds and snakes. I don't keep birds now, but snakes are that little bit of my childhood that remains with me.

Secondly I love the educational aspect, and sharing these awesome animals with the rest of the public that normally wouldn't get a chance to interact with them.

Finally a few years back I had some severe anxiety problems relating to changes that were happening in my life, and they were something that could calm my down. Snakes don't get mad or anxious. They just are. Even now when I have problems with my OCD related misophonia, instead of grabbing something and smashing it I pick up a snake. Can't smash a snake. Doesn't matter how much anger or panic is flowing through me, I love the stupid little breakfast sausages too much. So a medical reason, I guess. Therapy animal, if you will. Still can't bring them into Wal Mart, though lol!

Im so glad that this was my first question to you all. It is very clear that every gets joy out of these animals, as well as empty wallets...lol. Thank you all for your experince. I truely know now that I have made the right choice to add reptiles to my life.

I personally get excitement in caring for them as they grow and get so large and just so friendly. I also enjoy feeding, as crewel as it seems lol. But its just so awesome how an animal can eat with no arms or legs!!!

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Originally Posted by Crazymonkee

I love how the snakes [...] smell

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Snake smell? :confused:
impe something's usually amiss if there's any smell coming from a snake. For example, he may have decided that today is cleaning day, or something tasted funny about that rat you fed him and changed his mind about digesting it. Or, if you're holding it, the snake decides to let you sample his perfume from his anal musk glands.

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Originally Posted by hypnotixdmp

But its just so awesome how an animal can eat with no arms or legs!!!

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I can never get over this lol

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Originally Posted by pythonminion

Snake smell? :confused:
impe something's usually amiss if there's any smell coming from a snake. For example, he may have decided that today is cleaning day, or something tasted funny about that rat you fed him and changed his mind about digesting it. Or, if you're holding it, the snake decides to let you sample his perfume from his anal musk glands.

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I can never get over this lol

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How they smell things, not an odor coming from them

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I genuinely like working with my reptiles. When I feed my cresties it can take me almost two hours sometimes because I sit and play with them, I make sure the little ones don't have any stuck shed on their toes, I hand feed some of them and just handle them. In a rush I know I can get them all fed and watered in about 30 minutes but I don't get to check on them at all. I like working with my snakes, it's relaxing to hold them and I find it fascinating to watch the things they have adapted to two without limbs. I like seeing the spunky snakes that seem to think I want to eat them. I guess long story short I get enjoyment out of keeping them.

One of my main drives lately has been working with my local herpetological society. I do a lot of shows with them and most of the shows are educational. My favorite shows are the ones geared towards kids. Teaching kids and getting them interested in reptiles is an amazing experience for anyone who hasn't done it yet. It's cultivating the next generation of reptile keepers. I like teaching kids because I feel like I am giving back to the hobby I love.

As far as hindering my social life and hurting relationships, I simply don't let it. Yeah my reptiles take up time and doing shows can sometimes take up entire weekends but I have made some great friends in the process. Most of my friends are fellow reptile keepers. Reptiles are my passion and honestly anyone who can't accept that doesn't have to be in my life. There are plenty of other people who will accept that I have a hobby I love.

The creepy crawly critters need love too, even if they don't know it. I like that I get pets that are very low maintenance. I like that I can be an artist of sorts when I breed. I think my reptiles and inverts are adorable. I like having animals that aren't "popular." And having rarer ones is even better; not as a status symbol, but because I'm lucky enough to be able to share life with an animal I may otherwise never see.

It doesn't hinder my life in any way. Take me as I am, or leave. Animals are the third most important thing to me (daughter and boyfriend coming in 1st and 2nd). Me and my pets are a package deal. Why would I WANT anyone around that didn't understand and appreciate that?

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