What Is A Good Age To Own An "Exotic"?

I've wanted a snake for over 22 years....ever since I was in the community college at 17. But I knew, b/c I WAS a student, I couldn't afford to buy one, let alone be able to feed and care for it properly w/expenses, as well as moving all the time.


Later, even tho' I had a good job and a permanent home, my spouse was totally against it. It's taken me over 20 years to realize my dream, but, not only have I had the snake I've always wanted, (yiippppeeee!!! :carrot: :carrot: ) in the 2 1/2 years I've been a snake owner, my collection has gone from one beautiful snake to 24! Woooo Hoooo!!!! :pinkele: :w00t:


It may be difficult, but give yourself time! Just never give up the dream. :D

As you're researching and asking these sorts of questions, it reads like you've got a bright mind, but wait at least until you're settled somewhere (after, or at least towards the end of your collegiate career) and can better afford such a pet. Not quite like having to rehome a dog or cat, but then again, a snake is easier to care for, but not as many would be as understanding as to give a snake a new home. :(

I think it's really one of those things that depend on age and circumstances. There might be some exceptions, but for the most part anyone under 15 can't care for a snake by themself, and even then it's no guarantee.

I think it really comes down to individuals. So often, exotic critters are just thought of as 'practice pets,' or room decorations. Either of these is a mistake. If a kid wants a dog, he doesn't want a snake and your room won't look better with a sick or dying snake in it, nevermind a cramped iguana, upside down fish, rotting gecko or dried out frog.

On the other hand I think that beginner snakes, geckos, frogs and even some fish make perfect pets for college students or high school students, so long as they're able to provide for the critter.

I think that any pet requires a sacrifice of a certain kind. A person, of any age, should ask themself "What am I willing to give up for this animal?" :cens0r::cens0r::cens0r::cens0r:, measure it in beers. For a crestie, it means $50 of gecko and $100 worth of caging. Say $1-$5 of food a week (with a menu of fresh fruit, crickets, mealworms and CGD). That's 300 beers for a full setup and 10 weeks worth of food! You only get to spend your money once after all.

I can't say there is an age. Its a responsibility. I know MANY adults who are not responsible enough to own a pet of any kind. On the other hand, I'm sure there are some "kids" out there who are responsible enough to have a pet. Kids who have jobs and can pay for a proper set up, proper foods, and all the vet bills, have supportive families, have done oodles of research, AND have thought ahead to college and such (like you have) would be fine owners of "exotic" pets.

On the other hand, parents can buy pets for their children and demonstrate responsibility. What I mean is, the parents take responsibility for the pet, while encouraging the child to learn. For example, Mr. Fish (a betta) belongs to one of my 31 month old sons, A. Twice a day I say "A, lets feed the fish." He climbs into a chair, I pour the fish food into his hand, he pours it into the tank, and he has then fed the fish. And, of course, I take care of every thing else. Our BD Bebe is mine, but my other 31 month old son, N, is in charge of getting her worms every morning. Same deal. [And before anyone says anything, yes, I think 3 years old is too young to help feed the BP. Maybe when they're 5... lol!]

It all boils down to being able to be a responsible pet owner.

I agree with the responsibility versus age ideal. Any pet that is purchased for a kid should be loved and cared for by the parent already; in the event that ths kid loses interest, the poor thing will languish if not.

I am responsible for our pets, but I delegate the responsibility to my children. We have a pug puppy, and the kids were really into him when we got him. They loved feeding him and taking him for walks, etc. After a couple weeks time, it wasn't so fun anymore. Were they still required to care for him? You betcha!

Teach them these things when they are 5 and 6, and you won't have a whiny teenager complaining about they don't feel like it. They'll grow up living responsibly, and accepting their responsibility towards others...people and animals.

Excellent post Yarnia (sorry I don't know your real name)! What gets me when I see it on this forum and others, is when we get kids struggling to care for a snake, scared that it's sick or they have the wrong enclosure and their parents simply refuse to provide any help or support for their children, let alone their child's pet. It really disturbs me to read about a parent adult that's so uncaring that they would let their child watch a pet die rather than pony up some of their time and money. That one really burns my butt. :mad: I'm all for making the kids be responsible to the pets they want but any parent with sense knows you have to be right behind them making sure the job gets done and done right.

I believe age has nothing to do with it

I feel so fustrated when people talk about age and what they shouldnt be allowed to do

It is all to do with mentality

For example i would like to own a snake im 15 i want a snake becuase the are interesting and i would like to study and care for them. lives a long happy life

(made up Person)
25 wants to own a snake to watch it kill its prey and show it of to his mates
then gets neglected

all to do with mentality and nothing to do with age

sorry for going on but thats something that just really annoys me


:mad: :) :D :confused: :( :colbert: :sabduel:

I completely agree with you on that point Marty. Many adults are far more "childish" than people a lot younger than them. The problem with being a minor is you often can't make certain decisions without parental support and especially when it comes to exotic pets, it's always best to get the parents fully on board. :)

I'm with you Marty. Personally, my parents shouldn't have been allowed to have a gerbil, much less children, but at 15 I was babysitting for many families and caring for newborns. Up here in Montana where I live, there are children who are 5 and 6 and are completely responsible for their lambs and other animals, and do an excellent job with very little guidance from their parents. I think in our society we really underestimate children with regards to responsibility and education. (but don't get me started on the education. ;) )

hey i was 5 when i got my leopord geko