What do you think of young people with herps?

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Originally Posted by kc261

I think the poll is not well worded (for one thing does "kids with herps" mean owning them, or just being in the same room?) but trying to guess what the posted really wanted, and going with the best of limited choices, I vote for it's a good thing. I'd much rather have had a choice that said something closer to "it can be good in the right circumstances" such as a responsible kid with supportive parents.

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What I meant to say is do you think it's a good thing that young people have herps...Young people my age... in their teens mostly..
I'm not good with words... :oops:

I will just say this I respect people for there experience not there opinions. At the end of the day what dose it matter what other people feel about you keeping herps. The only thing that separates you from everyone else here is experience everyone even you have opinions and a great many peoples opinions do nothing as far as contributing to anything positive so what good are they. There is another saying I could use here but I will not. That said experience comes from doing so as long as it is important in your life that is all that matters. I would also say ask Dave and Tracy Barker or the late Steve Irwin or Jeff Corwin or anyone who has done really good things for this community when they got into Herps and I think you will find the same answer. Do it because you love it.

Chuck

I have two children, 3 and 6. We have quite a few snakes. I say "we" because I strive to make it a family affair.

However, when it comes down to it, I am responsible for the animals. My son may help clean cages, help feed some of the tamer animals and also hold some of our more trustworthy snakes - but in the end, they are my responsibility.

I hope that both of my children can use their exposure to these animals to gain an appreciation and respect for animals in general. Unfortunately, responsibility requires not only proper husbandry, but also the ability to provide them with veterinary care (including yearly check ups) and a long term commitment (20+ years) to their well-being. While some younger people may be able to do this, I have found it's the exception to the rule.

Not knocking anyone, but all you have to do is read the threads on the various forums in which college students have to give up their animals when they go off to school, or younger teens buying these animals and then not being able to provide them with the proper husbandry requirements or medical care when needed to see how these arrangements can turn out bad for the reptile.

I think it's a great idea for young kids to be involved with reptiles. However, the parents should take a lead role in making sure that the animals are properly cared for.

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Originally Posted by Skiploder

.....I think it's a great idea for young kids to be involved with reptiles. However, the parents should take a lead role in making sure that the animals are properly cared for.

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Well said!

Herps aren't for everybody be they teenagers or adults or senior citizens.... I have two younger teenagers in my house. They both like animals, but are not that good with animals that don't constantly remind them of their responsibilities... IE: they're good with Dogs and Cats and Birds that constantly bark, meow or chirp to remind them to feed and water them. However, they're not so good with Lizards, snakes or frogs that are more silent when their needs aren't being met. Fortunately they have me who actually takes care of them. Sure, I try to teach the kids to observe their animals everyday, and make adjustments according to those observations... But there are just too many other distractions to hold their interest for long... Teenagers tend to 'live in the moment' and have a harder time planing for the future, or learning from the past.....

Mark

As far as teens, remember it's also not always about how responsible they are with their herps. It can simply be life changes affecting them. Teens go through some major things that they can't always be in control of....a college dorm that won't allow the snake....a roommate that is terrified of snakes...even a very sick snake and a huge vet bill to deal with. That's where I believe the parent has to be there.

Example.....my 16 year old son would love a big spider. Now sadly I'm flat out terrified of them so rather than allow him to have a pet I cannot back him up on, I've asked him to wait to get one until he establishes his own home as an adult. It's unfair of me to allow a living creature in this house that should Luke be away at school or whatever, I'm afraid to approach and care for in his place. Luke understands this fear of spiders/bugs is something I'm probably never going to get over and has agreed it's smarter and more responsible to wait.

Teens can be extremely responsible but I still believe it's up to the parents to back up their kids or help them develop plans for the snake before it even comes into the house.

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Originally Posted by Argentra

Well, my reply isn't in the poll: Only if they're old enough and know what they're doing.

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I would exchange the word "old" for "mature", but ya, generally the same. This would be my vote too.

:confused:As a general caution had recently been issued to all in a different thread that for anyone to imply that youth may be equated with immaturity was an insult to all young herpers that practice good husbandry and would not be tolerated on this site ,I am somewhat perplexed by the existence of this poll.

As a teacher of 4th and 5th grade students I strongly believe that with proper education students young and old can be taught to be good herpers. Most of my collection exists in my classroom, where the students hold the responsibility of taking care of them. Yes I am there to over see everything and facilitate conversation and research. The students take great pride in there animals, and give school wide talks about them.

Are herps for everyone...No. But i do think that it gives my students an edge in the responsibility category because they have their herps to care for.

We love our herps and have removed many negative stigma from our school about them.

This is my experience and as many have stated with out proper support from a knowledgeable person herps may not be for those young OR old.


-Toby

The only thing that bothers me about children getting into it, is the "show factor". A lot of these kids start with a ball python. find out how huge retics and burms get and just jump all over them without thinking of the costs(not necessarily $) down the road. Within weeks of getting into this hobby, kids are buying baby giants. That is the only concern that I can see.