Moving to COLORADO!

So, some may remember I just recently got married and my husband joined the Army. Well, I just found out he is supposed to be stationed at Ft. Carson, Colorado Springs, CO the end of September!!!!!! I'm super exited cause one of our best friends lives there and well, its COLORADO!! A lot more interesting than the Chicago burbs plus more to do outside and there are MOUNTAINS! I'm praying his orders don't change.

Any good reptile shows or stores in the Colorado Springs area? Oh, and I think I remember reading somewhere that ASF's are illegal there, is that true :tears:?

As far as shows go the only one we have is the reptiles expo in denver, happens every 3 months, and IDK where you heard ASF are illegal but they defentlly are not. the only animals rules is most citys have a no pitbull/type breed policy.

I love it here in colorado, lived here my entire life. Fort Carson is an ok place, i live on schriever personally

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Emohooker

As far as shows go the only one we have is the reptiles expo in denver, happens every 3 months, and IDK where you heard ASF are illegal but they defentlly are not. the only animals rules is most citys have a no pitbull/type breed policy.

I love it here in colorado, lived here my entire life. Fort Carson is an ok place, i live on schriever personally

---

Thanks for the info! I will definitely go through reptile show withdrawal, we have one here twice a month. Maybe it was Cali that I read about as far as ASF's, I really don't remember :rolleyes:. Good to know they aren't illegal there!

As far as live feeders go, any sources?

congrats on escaping chicago...i mean moving to colorado

Just wanted to say good luck with your move :gj:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dragoon

congrats on escaping chicago...i mean moving to colorado

---

Ha ha! Thanks, that's kind of what it feel like.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Boanerges

Just wanted to say good luck with your move :gj:

---

Thank you! We'll need it.

I lived out in the Parker area for the last two years, it was awesome. Wouldnt mind going back again for a longer stay.

That said, its next to impossible to own a pitbull -anywhere- unless you own your own home.

Say hi to my son's father for me:) He's been station at Carson for a couple of years now. He loves it out there. We've only been to visit once but it's a beautiful area!

Very cool! I'm moving out to Colorado Springs myself next month! We'll be living pretty close to Ft Carson, too. :D Maybe we can plan a caravan to Denver for the shows!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JLC

Very cool! I'm moving out to Colorado Springs myself next month! We'll be living pretty close to Ft Carson, too. :D Maybe we can plan a caravan to Denver for the shows!

---

haha, we need to start a show here in the springs, I hate the drive to denver...As far as supplies for ASF I havnt found any one that makes them as a buisness here, ALOT of people on CL breed them. I would like to start breeding them but, im allergic to rats, and Idk if ASF have fur or hair.

Well I would like to welcome you to colorful Colorado soon. Scales n Tails would be your best bet in the springs for feeders. I did hear the sf were ilegal also, but who is going to police you? They are not sold in any stores but you can find them, heck I can get you set up on some if you need.

The show is every 3 months. I run it, and have been asked to do one in the springs but I have not found the time to do it yet.

You will like it a lot here! Lots of good people up in the Springs!

Good luck with the move! Sounds like you guys are gonna have a cool little BP.net community going on!

And yes, ASF's are illegal in California.

Welcome! :welcome:
Not familiar with the springs area so much, but in the Denver area there are a bunch of good BP and feeder resources.
I've always wondered how it would be to be a military person with reptiles. Obviously it works?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sariel

I lived out in the Parker area for the last two years, it was awesome. Wouldnt mind going back again for a longer stay.

That said, its next to impossible to own a pitbull -anywhere- unless you own your own home.

---

We have a pit mix. Hope we don't run into any problems :(. He looks like a mutt though, lol.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JLC

Very cool! I'm moving out to Colorado Springs myself next month! We'll be living pretty close to Ft Carson, too. :D Maybe we can plan a caravan to Denver for the shows!

---

Wow, thats crazy! Good luck with the move and yes, a caravan would be fun!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Emohooker

haha, we need to start a show here in the springs, I hate the drive to denver...As far as supplies for ASF I havnt found any one that makes them as a buisness here, ALOT of people on CL breed them. I would like to start breeding them but, im allergic to rats, and Idk if ASF have fur or hair.

---

I have a pretty good colony of ASFs but I would still need a reliable source for live rats/mice. Most of our guys are on f/t but sometimes I use live to get them back on food and to start off hatchlings.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by boasandballs

Well I would like to welcome you to colorful Colorado soon. Scales n Tails would be your best bet in the springs for feeders. I did hear the sf were ilegal also, but who is going to police you? They are not sold in any stores but you can find them, heck I can get you set up on some if you need.

The show is every 3 months. I run it, and have been asked to do one in the springs but I have not found the time to do it yet.

---

Thank you! I have a colony of ASFs right now but I could always add fresh bloodlines. I will definitely be going to check out the shows when we can. Is there a website I could check out?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sloanreptiles

You will like it a lot here! Lots of good people up in the Springs!

---

Thanks! On of our best friends has been there for a year and has been trying to get some other friends to re-locate, lol. He really loves it too.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Elise.m

Good luck with the move! Sounds like you guys are gonna have a cool little BP.net community going on!

And yes, ASF's are illegal in California.

---

Thank you!! Yeah, seems like a good group out there :D. Now the waiting game to see if those are the final orders. :rolleye2:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Corvid

Welcome! :welcome:
Not familiar with the springs area so much, but in the Denver area there are a bunch of good BP and feeder resources.
I've always wondered how it would be to be a military person with reptiles. Obviously it works?

---

Thanks!! We will have to rent a home off base for the first year. As far as I know we can look on our own but it has to be approved? I really have no clue how this will all play out. I do know on base they only allow 2 pets (assumed cat/dog). They might not care about other types. We have almost 40 BPs, 3 dogs, 2 cats, and the feeder ASFs. I pray there are not issues with finding a place. :please:

Maybe someone in the military can chime in?

Colorado is awesome! I'm sure you'll love it here!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JLC

Very cool! I'm moving out to Colorado Springs myself next month! We'll be living pretty close to Ft Carson, too. :D Maybe we can plan a caravan to Denver for the shows!

---

Hey Judy, I knew you were going to be headed out this way later this year, but you're actually moving here? Cool!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jsmorphs2

I will definitely be going to check out the shows when we can. Is there a website I could check out?

---

www.rockymountainreptileexpo.com

Well speaking from the military perspective living on schriever AFB, IDK about the Army and who runs there housing but I asume it will be like mine.

But, no more then 2 'walking' animals AKA DOG/CAT. no breeding for commercial purposes. and one thing it does say but have not got clarification on is that it says 'no pet offspring allowed' but every other time it mentions 'pet' it is in reference to dogs/cats

it does say there is no limit to number of caged animals you may have so I do not see if you are breeding for personal live stock it shouldnt be a reason, as long as you dont say anything :) or even sell them. haha.


Oh and Lynn I didnt know you ran it. Thats so cool, I cant wait till I can get breeding and open a booth. hopfully will have my first clutch next season. :D

The website for the show is http://www.rockymountainreptileexpo.com I know it is long. I didn't think about it when I set it up. I try to update it every week or so with the new vendore that have signed up for the next show.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Emohooker

Well speaking from the military perspective living on schriever AFB, IDK about the Army and who runs there housing but I asume it will be like mine.

But, no more then 2 'walking' animals AKA DOG/CAT. no breeding for commercial purposes. and one thing it does say but have not got clarification on is that it says 'no pet offspring allowed' but every other time it mentions 'pet' it is in reference to dogs/cats

it does say there is no limit to number of caged animals you may have so I do not see if you are breeding for personal live stock it shouldnt be a reason, as long as you dont say anything :) or even sell them. haha.


Oh and Lynn I didnt know you ran it. Thats so cool, I cant wait till I can get breeding and open a booth. hopfully will have my first clutch next season. :D

---

That's very helpful. I bet its the same as the Army. I just need to find out if there is a way to be approved the quantity of 4-legged friends we have (5 :tears:). If we are allowed to live off base then it would just be a matter of finding a landlord that is ok with them all. Also, if we are off base maybe the breeding rules wont apply? I'm trying to avoid downsizing our collection but I would be ok with holding off breeding for a few years *shrugs reluctantly*. I told the hubby I would agree on him joining the Army as long as we could continue with the hobby.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by boasandballs

The website for the show is http://www.rockymountainreptileexpo.com I know it is long. I didn't think about it when I set it up. I try to update it every week or so with the new vendore that have signed up for the next show.

---

Thanks! Looks like a top notch show. I already put the November date in my blackberry! LOL!




Knowing my luck, I will plan on moving there, have sources for pet food lined up, a good vet located, a moving plan in place, people lined up to help move the critters, have a house leased, and a job lined up and THEN his orders will change. Such is life :rolleyes:!

Ha ha! I just have to laugh at myself.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jsmorphs2

That's very helpful. I bet its the same as the Army. I just need to find out if there is a way to be approved the quantity of 4-legged friends we have (5 :tears:). If we are allowed to live off base then it would just be a matter of finding a landlord that is ok with them all. Also, if we are off base maybe the breeding rules wont apply? I'm trying to avoid downsizing our collection but I would be ok with holding off breeding for a few years *shrugs reluctantly*. I told the hubby I would agree on him joining the Army as long as we could continue with the hobby.




Thanks! Looks like a top notch show. I already put the November date in my blackberry! LOL!

---

If you live off base no one cares. I mean unless the LL disaproves of said animals. it will be a problem out here finding 'pet & snake friendly' rental houses, unless you buy a house, but being in the army im gunna guess your gunna be moving around alot. Which could causes issues with stress. My specfic job I dont move around alot next move would be to cali.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jsmorphs2

That's very helpful. I bet its the same as the Army. I just need to find out if there is a way to be approved the quantity of 4-legged friends we have (5 :tears:). If we are allowed to live off base then it would just be a matter of finding a landlord that is ok with them all. Also, if we are off base maybe the breeding rules wont apply? I'm trying to avoid downsizing our collection but I would be ok with holding off breeding for a few years *shrugs reluctantly*. I told the hubby I would agree on him joining the Army as long as we could continue with the hobby.

---

I honestly can't say if the housing rules for the Army are similar to the Air Force, but if you're married, I can't imagine them not allowing you to live off base. The only people I know of that are forced to live in base/post housing are single E-1's (and maybe E-2's...not sure about them) and a few essential command personnel. Everyone else has the option of living off base/post if they wish....and as often as not, you don't have a choice because the housing lists are full.

If you DO live off, then they have no say and don't care how many critters you have....that will be strictly between you and your future landlord. I can say though, that having just finished house-hunting with just ONE dog, it can be challenging. Having five furry critters might make it especially difficult to get the house you want. There are a lot of rental properties on the market though, so hopefully your options won't be too limited.

As for the snakes...I've only got four myself, so they are very easy to transport and I don't bother explaining them to landlords because they'll never know they're there. Being discreet with 40+ snakes AND rodent breeding projects might be a lot harder to pull off.

The number of pets you have and breeding projects have to be very carefully considered when taking on a military lifestyle. My husband has been in for 20 years, and still has many years to go. With just one dog and a scant handful of reptiles, our moves and house-hunting ventures are always a challenge. In the past, we've moved with two cats...also very challenging. And once we moved with one gerbil, which turned out to be one of the craziest moves yet. Each individual animal adds its own challenges, and the more you multiply those, the more difficulties you add and the greater risks you take on.

Sorry for the lecture....just something to think about!

Quote:

---

Knowing my luck, I will plan on moving there, have sources for pet food lined up, a good vet located, a moving plan in place, people lined up to help move the critters, have a house leased, and a job lined up and THEN his orders will change. Such is life :rolleyes:!

---

LOL...it could happen. I've learned to never count on anything from the Air Force until the "wheels are actually off the ground." However, if orders have actually been cut, then the likelihood of them being changed is very slim. If orders have NOT been cut and it's just guys going, "Oh yeah, we've got a job for you out here and we'll get it all lined up"......then I wouldn't sign any leases until they chisel it in stone. :P

Well here is an early welcome to Colorado Springs and Fort Carson. My husband is in the Army and we have been stationed here since Jan 1 2009. We live on post here and it is decent. I don't mind it at all! It is convenient and decently cheap for the area. There are lots of resources here...I was in the Army 7 yrs and been an Army wife for almost 4 now. If it is ok I will send you a private message with my email in it so that we will have a more streamlined means of communication so that I can help you make your move as smooth as possible. Depending on what you are looking for a decent house here to rent is gonna run you about $1000....you will make $1065 a month in BAH or Basic Allowance for Housing...the money the Army gives you to live. That is just the tip of the iceburg....there is so much you need to know about actually getting here cause this being your first Army move you will lose alot of money on the move if you don't know what you are doing.... My email address is waiting in a private message...I am a stay at home mom so feel free to hit me up at will. Hope to hear from you soon!!!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JLC

I honestly can't say if the housing rules for the Army are similar to the Air Force, but if you're married, I can't imagine them not allowing you to live off base. The only people I know of that are forced to live in base/post housing are single E-1's (and maybe E-2's...not sure about them) and a few essential command personnel. Everyone else has the option of living off base/post if they wish....and as often as not, you don't have a choice because the housing lists are full.

If you DO live off, then they have no say and don't care how many critters you have....that will be strictly between you and your future landlord. I can say though, that having just finished house-hunting with just ONE dog, it can be challenging. Having five furry critters might make it especially difficult to get the house you want. There are a lot of rental properties on the market though, so hopefully your options won't be too limited.

As for the snakes...I've only got four myself, so they are very easy to transport and I don't bother explaining them to landlords because they'll never know they're there. Being discreet with 40+ snakes AND rodent breeding projects might be a lot harder to pull off.

The number of pets you have and breeding projects have to be very carefully considered when taking on a military lifestyle. My husband has been in for 20 years, and still has many years to go. With just one dog and a scant handful of reptiles, our moves and house-hunting ventures are always a challenge. In the past, we've moved with two cats...also very challenging. And once we moved with one gerbil, which turned out to be one of the craziest moves yet. Each individual animal adds its own challenges, and the more you multiply those, the more difficulties you add and the greater risks you take on.

Sorry for the lecture....just something to think about!




LOL...it could happen. I've learned to never count on anything from the Air Force until the "wheels are actually off the ground." However, if orders have actually been cut, then the likelihood of them being changed is very slim. If orders have NOT been cut and it's just guys going, "Oh yeah, we've got a job for you out here and we'll get it all lined up"......then I wouldn't sign any leases until they chisel it in stone. :P

---

Please don't feel like you are lecturing, all the info/advice/others' experiences I can get the better! I can say I'm not looking forward to the difficulties moving the crew, let alone our selves. We moved to Georgia and back to IL and that was just not fun. At that time we had a modest collection (6 or 7 misc. snakes and a few lizards and our cat). I'm not sure if his orders are cut we got an e-mail welcoming us to Ft. Carson and he got his report date. I'm assuming that is the final word? In the mean time I'm looking in to rental properties and probably a new car (4x4) lol.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Morph Momma

Well here is an early welcome to Colorado Springs and Fort Carson. My husband is in the Army and we have been stationed here since Jan 1 2009. We live on post here and it is decent. I don't mind it at all! It is convenient and decently cheap for the area. There are lots of resources here...I was in the Army 7 yrs and been an Army wife for almost 4 now. If it is ok I will send you a private message with my email in it so that we will have a more streamlined means of communication so that I can help you make your move as smooth as possible. Depending on what you are looking for a decent house here to rent is gonna run you about $1000....you will make $1065 a month in BAH or Basic Allowance for Housing...the money the Army gives you to live. That is just the tip of the iceburg....there is so much you need to know about actually getting here cause this being your first Army move you will lose alot of money on the move if you don't know what you are doing.... My email address is waiting in a private message...I am a stay at home mom so feel free to hit me up at will. Hope to hear from you soon!!!

---

Ha Ha, I read the PM first. I will contact you about moving for sure! Its great to have such an awesome network on BP.net! Seems like we will get more house for the same amount we pay for rent now, which I LOVE!

I loved Visiting Denver. I went there for some wine classes and caught a couple avalanche games. Great city, perfect weather. Not humid like in the south.


Good luck with the move and new home :gj:

Try www.ahrn.com for rentals. You will need your husband's AKO email address to log in, unless he gave you your own. Let me know if you need help with the AKO stuff!

militarybyowner.com is another good site for house hunting. :) No special military contacts needed to access that one either.

I've logged into ahrn with my personal (civilian) e-mail, too. It's also a great resource, as mentioned above.

We're here!!!! Finally got all moved in! We still have tons of work to do around the house but we've cleared the biggest part of the hurtle. All the critters made the move with flying colors. The worst part of moving was that we were not able to find a home that would allow our cats. My dad and sister have graciously taken them in until we are able to buy our first home. I miss them like crazy but they will be spoiled. On the bright side we are able to bring all three of our dogs here.

We found a great place on the north east side of Colorado Springs. Its so incredibly beautiful here and sooooo many fun things to do!! Hope to meet some of you that are in the area and I'm hopping to make it to the November show in Denver.

That's awesome, Jessica! I'll shoot ya a PM with contact info and maybe we can get together sometime!

i grew up in co spring co, my dad spent many years at fort carson. its a great place to be. good luck.