What it takes to care for a medium size collection.

So many people collect like they are Pokémon. So lets start with my collection list and then will go over care and management.

Female suntiger retic 4 years old 18ish feet. over 70lbs.
Male tiger retic 9 years old 12ish feet. 50lbs ish.
Female Platinum Titanium retic 3 years old 9ish feet 30ish lbs.
Female Nicaraguan boa 10 years old 7ish feet
Male Nicaraguan boa hypo 3 years old 4ish feet.
Female Mojavi Ball python 3 years old 4ish feet.
Male Banana Jigsaw granite Ball python 3 years old 2.5ish feet.
Female normal ball python 4 months old less than a foot.
Female Granite ball python 5 months old less than a foot.
Female spider super pastel sable ball python 2 years old Less than a foot. (had a very slow start by the breeder and was force feed for the first year but eating on her own now.)
Male Banana Cinnamon Ball python 4 months old Less than a foot.
Male Normal Sand boa 3 months old 6is inches
Female Avery Sane boa 3 months old 7ish inches
Female rosy boa 5 months old 12ish inches
Female Short tail python 1ish year old 1.5 foot
Female Albino Corn 10 years old 6ish feet
Female normal Corn 2 years old 4 feet
Male albino Corn 5 years old 3.5 feet
Female high white king snake 3 years old 5ish feet


So 19 snakes in all. Also have some corn eggs in the incubator. Housing cost is not going to be discussed but is well into the 3k range. Lost 2 snakes who died randomly. 1 was a rescue RTB that was older (no clue true age) who was a rescue and a year old BRB who died randomly after a pre-killed feeding and found the next day dead. My monthly feeding cost ranges from $250 to $300 depending on who is off food and time of year. I go through 10 to 12 bags of substrate a month. Vet visits so far have been less than 4 total in 3ish years of keeping them and ranges from $75 to $2k depending on what I had to take them in for. I spend on average 2 hours a day spot cleaning and handling them. Saturday is cleaning day and do major cleaning and is around 4 to 5 hours depending on how messy the retics decided to be. My wife is enjoying and helps by handling them some while I am at work and keeps the little guys watered. Was doing reptile education shows with them at local pet stores before the virus hit and that was around 6ish hours twice a month. During the past 3+ years I have been bitten 5 times by different animals and deserved 3 of them.

What all this adds up to is a lot of work and dedication. I think a Diamond Carpet would complete my collection at 20 rather nicely but is not going to happen for a few months. I love all my animals including 2 dogs and a bonded pair of sugar gliders.

Advice to give. If you are just starting out learn as much as you can before purchasing. Look at all the morphs and buy focused on what your long term pet goals are and hold out or save up if you have to. I have no regrets on getting any of the animals I have.

Hope to be a proud herp owner for a long time.

Have you considered breeding your own rodents? I have 2 womas, 3 milksnakes, and 11 ball pythons. My 8 female rats keep everything fed for under $100 per month. I know the retics may need larger feeders.

I've always bred my own rodents as well...mostly for the "convenience" of having all sizes available (lots of pinkies for hatchling/neonate snakes, etc) but when you factor
in the materials needed (bedding, cages, food, cleaning supplies) AND the time, it may or may not save much money or be right for you & your situation.

Don't underestimate the smell of a rodent ranch...if you don't have a place to do this (separate from your living quarters), you won't want to go this route...just saying. :D

I tried breeding my own rats but did not enjoy caring for them so I stopped. My retics are eating chickens and Aurora (the smaller of the 3) is eating rabbits.

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Originally Posted by AzJohn

Have you considered breeding your own rodents? I have 2 womas, 3 milksnakes, and 11 ball pythons. My 8 female rats keep everything fed for under $100 per month. I know the retics may need larger feeders.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

I've always bred my own rodents as well...mostly for the "convenience" of having all sizes available (lots of pinkies for hatchling/neonate snakes, etc) but when you factor
in the materials needed (bedding, cages, food, cleaning supplies) AND the time, it may or may not save much money or be right for you & your situation.

Don't underestimate the smell of a rodent ranch...if you don't have a place to do this (separate from your living quarters), you won't want to go this route...just saying. :D

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Originally Posted by Skyrivers

So many people collect like they are Pokémon.

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I'd say 19 new animals in two years is a great example of that.

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Originally Posted by Craiga 01453

I'd say 19 new animals in two years is a great example of that.

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And I have no regrets and planned my home purchase around them. I would like to think I am the exception to the rule and plan on being a keeper for life.

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Originally Posted by Craiga 01453

I'd say 19 new animals in two years is a great example of that.

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Also forgot to mention is combined collection of mine and my wife. She had a few of them when we got married.

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Originally Posted by Skyrivers

So many people collect like they are Pokémon.

I think a Diamond Carpet would complete my collection at 20 rather nicely but is not going to happen for a few months.

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Or adding a random #20 barely two weeks after adding #19.....

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Originally Posted by Craiga 01453

Or adding a random #20 barely two weeks after adding #19.....

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Sigh. I take great care of my animals.

Sent from my LG-Q710PL using Tapatalk

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Originally Posted by Craiga 01453

I'd say 19 new animals in two years is a great example of that.

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Originally Posted by Craiga 01453

Or adding a random #20 barely two weeks after adding #19.....

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While I continue to be a great herps keeper and provide excellent care for my animals, I am yet to understand why the bullying continues or is tolerated by admin. Thought this site was a place to share experiences and information or collect others information or experience that might provide the community of keepers/ fans a place to grow knowledge and understanding of herps. I do everything I can to ensure my animals are healthy and provided more than just basic care and quality of life. I do not nor will I ever seek your approval on what I collect in any way. Helpful advice on husbandry, healthcare, or other requested information is always welcome from any source if it helps me be better at improving my animals care of quality of life. Please focus on that over beating someone up with your feelings on weather they should collect, have, or keep. This does not help the community.

3 plus years? If I recall correctly your first snakes were royal pythons and you got them around January 2018. My apologies if I'm wrong on that but I think I remember your first post here, unless I have you mixed up with another.

I want to add a quick note on dropping a diamond (Morelia Spilota Spilota) into the mix whether it be soon or later.

You seem to like researching and learning about your reptiles which is good, we all should. The diamond pythons require some unique care and need some rather specific husbandry.

Years back some of us here on the board tried to help another member that unfortunately didn't want to listen to the care advice we were offering.

The snake was a rescue from another family member and sadly, it died.

IF you go the diamond route, you'll want a rather large enclosure eventually (adulthood) so you can have big gradients and various temperature zones. The care for diamond pythons differs greatly compared to the other carpets. They are beautiful snakes but you really need to be on point with their care. They are not widely kept because they are more involved than the other carpets.

19 animals seems like a lot to closely care for, but we all have our comfort zone when it comes to the hobby. I'm good with 4 and some people think that is a lot.

That aside, if you get into the morelia side of things please focus specifically on the care of the diamond pythons if that's your choice. It is not rocket science, however they require advanced care. My snake room won't allow me to care for a diamond properly IMO so I opted for a coastal instead. It's something to consider if you run your room at fairly constant temperatures.

Sorry to get off topic a bit. Whenever I hear about diamond pythons I'm reminded of the situation here years ago. Just make sure they are right for you and you for them.

Good luck with the collection!

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Originally Posted by Gio

3 plus years? If I recall correctly your first snakes were royal pythons and you got them around January 2018. My apologies if I'm wrong on that but I think I remember your first post here, unless I have you mixed up with another.

I want to add a quick note on dropping a diamond (Morelia Spilota Spilota) into the mix whether it be soon or later.

You seem to like researching and learning about your reptiles which is good, we all should. The diamond pythons require some unique care and need some rather specific husbandry.

Years back some of us here on the board tried to help another member that unfortunately didn't want to listen to the care advice we were offering.

The snake was a rescue from another family member and sadly, it died.

IF you go the diamond route, you'll want a rather large enclosure eventually (adulthood) so you can have big gradients and various temperature zones. The care for diamond pythons differs greatly compared to the other carpets. They are beautiful snakes but you really need to be on point with their care. They are not widely kept because they are more involved than the other carpets.

19 animals seems like a lot to closely care for, but we all have our comfort zone when it comes to the hobby. I'm good with 4 and some people think that is a lot.

That aside, if you get into the morelia side of things please focus specifically on the care of the diamond pythons if that's your choice. It is not rocket science, however they require advanced care. My snake room won't allow me to care for a diamond properly IMO so I opted for a coastal instead. It's something to consider if you run your room at fairly constant temperatures.

Sorry to get off topic a bit. Whenever I hear about diamond pythons I'm reminded of the situation here years ago. Just make sure they are right for you and you for them.

Good luck with the collection!

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Thank you for advice about diamonds. I will keep learning. They might not be right for me. Will have to see. Will take any advice on their care or links to good resources.

I don't mind advice on how to care for any animal I have. I am always open to new information that is helpful. Also keep in mind that I married into almost half my collection.

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Originally Posted by Skyrivers

Thank you for advice about diamonds. I will keep learning. They might not be right for me. Will have to see. Will take any advice on their care or links to good resources.

I don't mind advice on how to care for any animal I have. I am always open to new information that is helpful. Also keep in mind that I married into almost half my collection.

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The Complete Carpet Python (Nick Mutton Justin Julander) is the ultimate source, there are a lot of good Aussie python books out as well.

If you like retics, and I know you do, you would probably anyway a coastal.

BUT,,,, 19 is a lot of enjoyment as it is!

Get that book, or wait for the next addition. Its going to be great!

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Originally Posted by Skyrivers

While I continue to be a great herps keeper and provide excellent care for my animals, I am yet to understand why the bullying continues or is tolerated by admin. Thought this site was a place to share experiences and information or collect others information or experience that might provide the community of keepers/ fans a place to grow knowledge and understanding of herps. I do everything I can to ensure my animals are healthy and provided more than just basic care and quality of life. I do not nor will I ever seek your approval on what I collect in any way. Helpful advice on husbandry, healthcare, or other requested information is always welcome from any source if it helps me be better at improving my animals care of quality of life. Please focus on that over beating someone up with your feelings on weather they should collect, have, or keep. This does not help the community.

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It's because of your own posts. You post things people may not agree with, that seem posted to be sensational, or that go against other things you posted before. You're given advice, you say you hear it and then continue on anyways. You made multiple threads in 2019 about how you won't breed and the ethics of breeding, now, you are breeding a bunch (you can change your mind, that's fine...). You say you do lots of research and it seems like you do, but then you breed your corns without giving your female a lay box. You seem good intentioned but your actions do not always follow your words. And then you get so defensive.
I keep saying I'm done and I think I finally am. Good luck and please listen when people try to help.

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Originally Posted by Gio

The Complete Carpet Python (Nick Mutton Justin Julander) is the ultimate source, there are a lot of good Aussie python books out as well.

If you like retics, and I know you do, you would probably anyway a coastal.

BUT,,,, 19 is a lot of enjoyment as it is!

Get that book, or wait for the next addition. Its going to be great!

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The Complete Carpet Python (Nick Mutton Justin Julander) is already in my reading collection. Love the book. I am not in a hurry to add another animal at this time I am not looking at all. I am always reading.

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Originally Posted by AbsoluteApril

It's because of your own posts. You post things people may not agree with, that seem posted to be sensational, or that go against other things you posted before. You're given advice, you say you hear it and then continue on anyways. You made multiple threads in 2019 about how you won't breed and the ethics of breeding, now, you are breeding a bunch (you can change your mind, that's fine...). You say you do lots of research and it seems like you do, but then you breed your corns without giving your female a lay box. You seem good intentioned but your actions do not always follow your words. And then you get so defensive.
I keep saying I'm done and I think I finally am. Good luck and please listen when people try to help.

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I don't always agree with you. Thank you for trying to give good advice. The animals we choose to breed was only after requests from multiple stores in the area for local breeders and working hard on making sure my animals are healthy. I did not give a laying box in the beginning because I thought her hide was ok for that. I now have a better understanding of her needs. I will always receive advice on my animals. Sure I might not always fallow the advice but I will happily receive it and weigh it. I also get local advice from breeder friends that are within arms reach. I seam to get good advice from them more often than not. I did not reach out at first but corns seam to be easyish for almost everything. I started small. Also there is a high demand for boas in the area. My boas are the smaller kind so I came to an agreement with local stores, have healthy animals, and have a vet on standby if needed. Not perfect or know everything and will never take that approach.

Thank you again for providing your advice. Please don't hesitate to provide any advice you feel is relevant.

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Originally Posted by Gio

3 plus years? If I recall correctly your first snakes were royal pythons and you got them around January 2018.

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BINGO!!! Barely two years. Just one of the many fabrications, inconsistencies and hypocrisy.....

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Originally Posted by Skyrivers

While I continue to be a great herps keeper and provide excellent care for my animals, I am yet to understand why the bullying continues or is tolerated by admin. Thought this site was a place to share experiences and information or collect others information or experience that might provide the community of keepers/ fans a place to grow knowledge and understanding of herps. I do everything I can to ensure my animals are healthy and provided more than just basic care and quality of life. I do not nor will I ever seek your approval on what I collect in any way. Helpful advice on husbandry, healthcare, or other requested information is always welcome from any source if it helps me be better at improving my animals care of quality of life. Please focus on that over beating someone up with your feelings on weather they should collect, have, or keep. This does not help the community.

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It's not bullying, it's calling you out on EXACTLY what you say shouldn't be done. You STILL have barely two years of experience. Now you're breeding multiple species because a local store needs animals? Months after your whole to breed or not to breed thread.... It just makes no sense. And surprise surprise, rookie mistakes on the first clutch...

You go against so many standards of practice and pat yourself on the back every chance you get. Don't even get me started on your "educational shows".

Yup, you're right, this is an educational place. Hence calling out people who think they're more experienced than they are and giving conflicting, inconsistent info. You say you're here to learn, yet go against almost everything experienced keepers advise.

You can call me a bully all you want. I'm tough enough to handle it. But I call it like I see it, and I see so much wrong in your threads, from day one. You conflict yourself constantly. You follow questionable practices and act like you're the greatest thing to happen to snakes since rodents.
But hey, you do you. Just be prepared to be called out when it's justified if you're going to share on a public forum.

I have 11 snakes and it's pretty easy to care for them. I change water twice a week, spot clean daily, and deep clean every 2 months. I feed them biweekly on average but my female bullsnake eats every 10 days or so. I spend roughly $800 annually on feeding them and another $500 on bedding. My biggest expense is definitely housing them. I'm waiting on two more 4ft enclosures from AP but next year I'll have to get a couple of 6 or 8 ft enclosures for my larger snakes. I don't plan on getting any more snakes until I get caught up on caging but that is subject to change. :)

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Originally Posted by EL-Ziggy

I have 11 snakes and it's pretty easy to care for them. I change water twice a week, spot clean daily, and deep clean every 2 months. I feed them biweekly on average but my female bullsnake eats every 10 days or so. I spend roughly $800 annually on feeding them and another $500 on bedding. My biggest expense is definitely housing them. I'm waiting on two more 4ft enclosures from AP but next year I'll have to get a couple of 6 or 8 ft enclosures for my larger snakes. I don't plan on getting any more snakes until I get caught up on caging but that is subject to change. :)

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Thank you for sharing.

Can we please not make this a thread I need to close or move to quarantine?

I know everyone is just giving their opinion but every now and again it has a habit ( from previous threads ) of getting way too close to this TOS;

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Originally Posted by T.O.S

3. No Hate Speak. This includes, but is not limited to: cursing; threats of violence; racial, gender, religious, or sexual slurs; personal attacks; and speech intended to cause or further a "flame war" or personal vendetta. This includes vindictive use of the Reputation System and Private Messages. Ultimately, it will be up to the staff (the mods and ultimately the admins) to determine if any given post or thread has crossed these lines.

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This thread has obviously not reached that level - and I would really like it to stay that way.

del