why can t all pets be as easy as snakes??

I absolutely LOVE my ferrets, but why can't they be as easy as my snakes??? They are TONS of adorable fun, and I wouldn't trade them for the world, but I would love to sub-contract out the enclosure cleaning...any takers? hahahaha!!

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

I absolutely LOVE my ferrets, but why can't they be as easy as my snakes??? They are TONS of adorable fun, and I wouldn't trade them for the world, but I would love to sub-contract out the enclosure cleaning...any takers? hahahaha!!

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If everything was as easy as snakes are it would be boring [emoji12]

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Originally Posted by Deborah

If everything was as easy as snakes are it would be boring [emoji12]

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Touché

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Originally Posted by Deborah

If everything was as easy as snakes are it would be boring [emoji12]

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Everything but my snakes IS boring

Jesus Christ, it's day 3 with the new dog. My wife said she'd let me have another snake if we got one. I can see my snakes, chilling out in their enclosures in the corner of the room quiet and content as always, as I shampoo the carpets.

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Originally Posted by dkatz4

Jesus Christ, it's day 3 with the new dog. My wife said she'd let me have another snake if we got one. I can see my snakes, chilling out in their enclosures in the corner of the room quiet and content as always, as I shampoo the carpets.

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LOL. this is why i started pet responsibility with snakes. i'm taking tiiiny baby steps towards a dog hahaha!

really though, hope it's going well with the new pupper!

I got rid of every other pet I had. And I have just snakes. Ain't got to walk them.

before snakes i've only cared for fish and a cat (was too young for the other cats). honestly i hated dealing with water; it's like a whole other pet by itself. the cat is pretty simple despite the random throw-up you find around the house, litter box cleaning and their tending to be jerks sometimes, but our girl Zoey is the best. she's like my sister.

i'm so thankful i did so much research and found snakes to be the ideal pets for those (like me) too busy in the day-to day-to to give the attention to a dog. i'll hopefully get there one day...

I feel like the odd ball here haha. I have a mini zoo, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Friends always tease I should charge admission lolol. I love my snakes like family don't get me wrong. They will always be with me till either my last day or theirs, but I also love my dogs ( I have 4.)
2 pitbulls 0.2
2 chihuahua/ Chinese crested mixes 1.1
1.0 Meyers Parrot
1.0 fat cat lol

I wouldn't be able to imagine life without them, but boy oh boy they sure are work. They always keep me on my toes. My snakes God so so so easy. I'm always in heaven cleaning cages. It's my zen lol who would of thought cleaning up poop and cleaning water bowls would be so relaxing lol.

With the snakes, the skink, the two 55 gallon fish tanks, the cat and the 4 ferrets, my animals keep me busy, but I enjoy almost every minute.
The only part that can be a pain (usually quite literally, hahaha) is cleaning the ferret enclosure. I turned a 4'x6'x6' closet into their enclosure, full of ramps, levels, tunnels, hammocks, blankets, a dig box, etc... In order to maximize space, only the lower half of the door opens, so I literally have to crawl in to clean it. This may have been a design flaw on my part, knowing how bad my knees and back are, but they have a fantastic house and I still get in and out well enough to keep it good and clean in there. Spot cleanings and food/water dish clean/re-fills only take 10 minutes or so, but the full cleaning is a several hour project.

I do love the little stinkers though, so it's worth it to me :love:

Of all my pets, the snakes are easiest. I have geckos, a skink, a chameleon, frogs, birds (canaries and budgies), a couple fancy rats, and a cat.

I won't be getting more rats (the odor and cage cleaning)... and when these birds die, I probably won't be getting more either (they are SO messy...I had forgotten how messy when I decided to get them). Same with the frogs... Very cool animals, but a lot of work. The chameleon is also a lot of work and hates me... he even hides when you look at him lol.

All that said, I think I'd be good with just the cat, skink, snakes, and maybe my giant gecko (leachie).

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Originally Posted by artgecko

Of all my pets, the snakes are easiest. I have geckos, a skink, a chameleon, frogs, birds (canaries and budgies), a couple fancy rats, and a cat.

I won't be getting more rats (the odor and cage cleaning)... and when these birds die, I probably won't be getting more either (they are SO messy...I had forgotten how messy when I decided to get them). Same with the frogs... Very cool animals, but a lot of work. The chameleon is also a lot of work and hates me... he even hides when you look at him lol.

All that said, I think I'd be good with just the cat, skink, snakes, and maybe my giant gecko (leachie).

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I'm in a similar boat. I can see myself adding more snakes, and I know we'll get another cat after Nala goes to cat heaven. However, when the ferrets pass, they will be my last ferrets. I can't see myself adding such high energy, high maintenance animals when I'm in my mid 40s. And when the community tank dies off, I will knock that tank down and I'll keep just the Oscar tank up and running.

I too have a small zoo. I have four dogs, two cats, three snakes (soon to be adding 1 or 2 more snakes).

I used to also have several large fish tanks, large turtle tanks. I have since gotten out of the aquatic hobby - way too much work. I had a 120 gallon tank explode on me - that sorta convinced me that keeping fish was just not for me any longer.

Couldn't live without my pets though. They all bring so much happiness into my life.

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Originally Posted by L.West

I had a 120 gallon tank explode on me.

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Ugggghhh, I can imagine the mess. l would go back down to one if it was completely up to me. My girlfriend never had fish before, so she's the reason we got a second. But I'm ready to go back to one, and I do all the work except feeding, she enjoys feeding them.

I always think I should downsize, but can't imagine re-homing anything, whether it is livestock or pets.

I'm really glad I didn't get any further into parrots than budgies. Needy birds aren't my thing. I may end up building the budgies an outdoor aviary for most of the year. I do like doves, however and will probably add some white ringnecks.

In a perfect world, the rats would be outside too, but I don't think they would be safe nor comfortable outside. The smaller Martin's cage does sit out on the shaded front porch during the day now that it is Summer.

Snakes as pets are under rated.

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Originally Posted by L.West

I too have a small zoo. I have four dogs, two cats, three snakes (soon to be adding 1 or 2 more snakes).

I used to also have several large fish tanks, large turtle tanks. I have since gotten out of the aquatic hobby - way too much work. I had a 120 gallon tank explode on me - that sorta convinced me that keeping fish was just not for me any longer.

Couldn't live without my pets though. They all bring so much happiness into my life.

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Love fish, but I wouldn't have a big tank in the house again unless it was in a room with a floor drain.

My 120 gallon tank was brand new with custom stand and all. It was about 8 months old when it happened. Luckily I had moved it to my unfinished basement prior to this happening. From what I was told the seals were defective and just gave out.

The MFG. was great about it and refunded me every dime I had spent. But, it was enough to make me not want fish any longer. At one time, that tank was in my livingroom - I can't even imagine what damage would have been done upstairs. Lesson learned - no more fish tanks for me.

I had to rush my 14" oscar to a local pet store. That broke my heart to have to give him up but I had no choice at that point. I cried like a baby when I handed him over to the store. I had raised him up from a tiny baby - he was a gorgeous fish.

Yeah... I could see myself possibly keeping either mice or rats in a feeder-scenerio in the future IF I could have a dedicated climate controlled shed-type setup. I just don't want to deal with the funk in my house any more. The worst thing is cleaning and then having someone come over and make a comment about it two days later... and mind you that my rats were in a DCN with aspen, horse stall pellets, etc. and had way more space than normally recommended. It's just too much work to get a cage like that clean...practically impossible. I think racks would be easier, but also not the best living conditions. I would only consider doing that if I ever grow my collection and feeder costs are too much.

My budges and canaries entertain themselves... I'd personally never go for a larger / more social parrot.. I've read too many horror stories of mutilation when they don't get enough TLC and I just don't have time for that, or for a dog or ferret.

I also used to keep fish..I was actually a mod on an aquaria forum many ages ago when I was in college and had loads of free time. My thing was planted community tanks. My dream tank would be a discus setup, but even at the peak of my hobby, I never wanted to tackle the water changes necessary. I've had a 10gl tank crack on the bottom and leak out, but that's the worst water leakage issue I've had. What got me out of the hobby, was an epidemic of parasitic worms... I made the mistake of buying some guppies at petsmart. I went though all the standard quarantine procedures, treatments, etc. All looked well until 1 month after I had introduced them into my planted rainbow tank (praecox neon blue dwarfs). Then I saw the red worms sticking out of their vents... It was downhill from there. My rare rainbows, the guppies, and all other inhabitants died despite all of the treatments I tried. It also spread to another tank even though I was not using the same equipment on the tanks. After that, I just put the breaks on my plans.

I will only ever consider getting back into aquariums if I have no mammals and have downsized my reptile collection, which isn't happening any time soon.

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Originally Posted by dkatz4

Jesus Christ, it's day 3 with the new dog. My wife said she'd let me have another snake if we got one. I can see my snakes, chilling out in their enclosures in the corner of the room quiet and content as always, as I shampoo the carpets.

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I like dogs that aren't my dogs. I can handle all kinds of poop - bird poop, reptile poop, rodents, cats - but not dog poop. It almost makes me throw up just being near it. I can't even imagine having to pick it up every day :( I have massive respect for dog owners though. You might as well be bringing home a toddler.

Cats and snakes are the best. One buries its poop, one only poops about once a week. I get my cuddles from my cat, and my fascination fix from my snakes. I'm pretty introverted and full of anxiety, so the more laid back the animal is, the more I like it. Snakes hide all day, cat sleeps all day, I hide most of the day, we all belong together :D

Aside from that, as long as I do rehab for wild critters I'll never own anything else. I get all the excitement I'll ever need from the ever-changing, rag-tag, broken animals that I take care of. And taking care of them is pretty cathartic. Once that's something I can't handle anymore (lots of death, kind of eats your soul up) I'm getting a falconry license.

Snakes, falcons and cats, oh my!

Can I ask everyone hear what their child situation is? I have a five-year-old and a one-year-old and can tell you with absolute certainty that they are the most difficult pets you can possibly keep and really compound the husbandry and maintenance of all the others

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Originally Posted by dkatz4

Can I ask everyone hear what their child situation is? I have a five-year-old and a one-year-old and can tell you with absolute certainty that they are the most difficult pets you can possibly keep and really compound the husbandry and maintenance of all the others

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I have ZERO kids

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Originally Posted by SPIDERBALL

I have ZERO kids

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Let me put it this way, i'm taking a short break to write this post in the background I can hear plates being thrown across the floor, all the shoes from the shoe caddy have been strewn about the kitchen, the toilet paper has all been unfurled into a big pile on the floor of the bathroom and there is a puddle of water beside an overturned cup in the living room. The dog is asleep on the couch and has been for at least a half an hour, a one-year-old girl in a little white dress with yellow flowers is responsible for the entire scene I just described

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Originally Posted by dkatz4

Can I ask everyone hear what their child situation is?

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No kids ever. Only ever animals.

I admire people who choose to have kids, but none for me. I know my limits, and I couldn't handle them. Grew up as a latch-key kid in the seventies in a house that was nearly always empty. My chronically ill divorced mother worked all the time. One thing I knew growing up, was that I did NOT want her life! I got accustomed to the solitude, and still prefer to be alone. The BF travels for work - not sure how I'll adapt when he retires.

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Originally Posted by L.West

I had to rush my 14" oscar to a local pet store. That broke my heart to have to give him up but I had no choice at that point. I cried like a baby when I handed him over to the store. I had raised him up from a tiny baby - he was a gorgeous fish.

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That would have broken my heart too. I had to get rid of a gorgeous green terror and that broke my heart, never mind one of my Oscars!!! My two Oscars are what got my girlfriend liking fish. She couldn't believe they actually have "personalities" and recognize their keepers. I have a tiger about 10-11" and an albino that's a little smaller. The tiger is possibly the best looking Oscar I've ever seen. I always preferred albinos, but this tiger changed me. Now we have a tiger who's about 6" in the community tank. I've raised them all since they were tiny babies and I am definitely "attached" enough that I would only be able to rehome them If I HAD TO because I couldn't care for them properly for whatever reason.

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Originally Posted by dkatz4

Can I ask everyone hear what their child situation is? I have a five-year-old and a one-year-old and can tell you with absolute certainty that they are the most difficult pets you can possibly keep and really compound the husbandry and maintenance of all the others

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No kids, niece will be 3 in Nov and nephew is due Sept 11. I LOVE babysitting, even for a long weekend or something. But none of my own.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

No kids, niece will be 3 in Nov and nephew is due Sept 11. I LOVE babysitting, even for a long weekend or something. But none of my own.

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Just today, my dad came over to see the kids (and dog) and the reception was not great, apparently going crazy on strangers is something we're going to have to work on. But afterward we're chatting on the phone, and he's telling me how he likes dogs like the grandkids, fun to play with but glad to give them back to their owners afterwards. I told him that compared to a dog, pet snakes are like grandkids, you play with them for a while, then back in the viv they go!

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Originally Posted by dkatz4

Can I ask everyone hear what their child situation is? I have a five-year-old and a one-year-old and can tell you with absolute certainty that they are the most difficult pets you can possibly keep and really compound the husbandry and maintenance of all the others

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No kids here with no intention of kids ever, but seriously hats off to you. I wouldn't be able to manage looking after kids AND pet's very well, I'd get way to overwhelmed lol. Not a lifestyle I'm cut out for but all the power to those who can do it. :gj:

No kids...yet... Been married for 5 years now and we are considering having a single kid. Getting lots of "pressure" from my parents about it lol as we are in our mid 30's now.

When that happens (if we decide to have one), then I know I will have to cut waaay back on the animals. I've been trying to streamline my maintenance routine now to be as efficient as possible with that in mind... I want as much automation as possible (timers, misters, etc.). And if I loose any animals to old age, I'm not planning on replacing them until either we've decided not to have a kid or until said kid is older and not as needy.

I teach (art, 1st - 12th grade) and with that, I've seen a lot of the bad side of kids lol... enough to make me question things. My husband used to talk about having a kid all the time until his nephew was born and we got to enjoy family vacations with his temper tantrums, awake at night crying, etc. Now he isn't as keen on the idea lol. Kids can be great too, but never "easy" lol

I respect parents a lot, as it is a very hard job to do 24/7. Some kids I can barely take for their 30 minute art class session... especially the younger ones. I come home tired from teaching as it is, so I can't imagine coming home and having to entertain / deal with a child as well.

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Originally Posted by artgecko

No kids...yet... Been married for 5 years now and we are considering having a single kid. Getting lots of "pressure" from my parents about it lol as we are in our mid 30's now.

When that happens (if we decide to have one), then I know I will have to cut waaay back on the animals. I've been trying to streamline my maintenance routine now to be as efficient as possible with that in mind... I want as much automation as possible (timers, misters, etc.). And if I loose any animals to old age, I'm not planning on replacing them until either we've decided not to have a kid or until said kid is older and not as needy.

I teach (art, 1st - 12th grade) and with that, I've seen a lot of the bad side of kids lol... enough to make me question things. My husband used to talk about having a kid all the time until his nephew was born and we got to enjoy family vacations with his temper tantrums, awake at night crying, etc. Now he isn't as keen on the idea lol. Kids can be great too, but never "easy" lol

I respect parents a lot, as it is a very hard job to do 24/7. Some kids I can barely take for their 30 minute art class session... especially the younger ones. I come home tired from teaching as it is, so I can't imagine coming home and having to entertain / deal with a child as well.

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You've got to do what is right for you, I can tell you that kids will bring you to your highest highs and your lowest lows. They're kind of like heroin, greatest feeling imaginable but also ruins your life ( just kidding, no disrespect to anyone who is actually in recovery). Headaches associated with them that you described experiencing with your nephew are extremely real and must be taken into consideration but also understand that while you're dealing with those issues your caveman brain kicks in when it is your own offspring and it somehow doesn't feel as bad. I could fill a book with all of the parts of my life that are worse off, unfulfilled, or just plain miserable as a direct result of my kids, but at the same time I love them more than the air I breathe (I seriously got choked up typing that just now). It's not a choice to be taken lightly, and it's not something anyone should be pressured into, I have a lot of respect for people who choose not to have kids, there are already too many people on this planet, and it's crazy to make more just because somebody else thinks you should

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Originally Posted by dkatz4

You've got to do what is right for you, I can tell you that kids will bring you to your highest highs and your lowest lows. They're kind of like heroin, greatest feeling imaginable but also ruins your life ( just kidding, no disrespect to anyone who is actually in recovery). Headaches associated with them that you described experiencing with your nephew are extremely real and must be taken into consideration but also understand that while you're dealing with those issues your caveman brain kicks in when it is your own offspring and it somehow doesn't feel as bad. I could fill a book with all of the parts of my life that are worse off, unfulfilled, or just plain miserable as a direct result of my kids, but at the same time I love them more than the air I breathe (I seriously got choked up typing that just now). It's not a choice to be taken lightly, and it's not something anyone should be pressured into, I have a lot of respect for people who choose not to have kids, there are already too many people on this planet, and it's crazy to make more just because somebody else thinks you should

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Thanks! I have heard what you said (about loving your own children vs. dealing with other children that aren't yours) from several parents. I know that if I did have a child, I would not regret it, it is just a big decision and I want to make sure both myself and my husband are "on the same page" and are fully aware of the negatives and positives before we give it a go.

I think you get a lot more pressure (to have kids) when you are female... At least it seems that way. No one has ever told my husband he should have kids, but at every function I go to (family, church, etc.) where there are a lot of women, it always comes up.. Along with the jokes about my newest reptile being "my kid". I try to be polite and fight the urge to punch them lol.

I forgot to add that if we do have a child, I will be investing in a new door knob and lock for the reptile room... I am already in the process of buying all locking cages for my boas and other snakes (everything except the BPs and KSBs).