What it takes to care for a medium size collection.

[Skyrivers]

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.

[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.

[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.

[Skyrivers]

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.

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.

[Craiga 01453]

So many people collect like they are Pokémon.

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

[Skyrivers]

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

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.

[Skyrivers]

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

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

[Craiga 01453]

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.

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

[Skyrivers]

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

Sigh. I take great care of my animals.

Sent from my LG-Q710PL using Tapatalk

[Skyrivers]

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

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

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.