It was a hell of a run... but it is now time for me to bow out.

[Mike Cavanaugh]

It all started with a petco normal ball python. I went online after buying it to find out how to take care of it. I ran into what I thought was a sassy group of girls on a forum that were pretty hard on me because I was doing everything wrong... I tried to argue with them, but in the end I learned that they were right and I was wrong... I believe these two on this forum are called Rabernet and Deborah.

Well after a few years, thousands of hours spend on BP.NET and a couple hundred snakes later, here I am. With a total investment of about $1,200, I grew my collection over the years to a true work of art. All along the way I made GOOD MONEY. When I add everything up, it is quite amazing to see that I have made over 30k. Not bad for a $1,200 investment.

Now that I have my own business buying and selling diamonds and gold, my life has simply changed. I no longer have the drive to care for so many animals. I have made arrangements to sell the rest of my collection by consignment at a reptile shop... (this is not an advertisment... I will post info on the store selling them in a couple days in the for sale section). I have gone from over a hundred snakes, down to 4. Yep, only keeping 4. 1 boy and 3 girls. The procedes of these final sales will be enough to fund my new business venture for several months to come.

What other hobby is this great? Don't let the nay sayers tell you any different kids... there is plenty of money to be made in this business... and that isn't going to change any time soon. You just have to make smart decisions... and be disciplined with holdbacks.

So yeah, I will still be lurking around these forums stirring up trouble every chance I get... but I am now officially a small timer again. LOL All of a sudden I like spending time with my snakes again.

Thank you BP.NET and all my previous customers for a wild ride, and a good time... and lots of money!

Mike Cavanaugh
Gold Swap
www.goldswapjax.com

[DooLittle]

Aww, thats kinda sad. But I understand there is a time for everyone to move on. Good luck on your new venture.

[Slim]

Mike,

I certainly understand how life situations can change, but I'll miss your regular insight, especially in the Breeding Forum.

When I started here in 2008 with my PETCO Normal, you were already a wise old head on the Forum.

Hope you check in regularly and good luck with your new venture!

[Mike41793]

Good luck with your new business. Which 4 snakes did you keep?

[python_addict]

I was wondering which ones you kept too. Its surprising to see that with only a few snakes you spend a heck of a lot more time with them. I just sold my collection too but only had 12. The hobby is still very wide spread but quite a few have gotten out of it and its quite sad to see amazing successful people like you get out of it. But I know how it is to get into other things. Wish you luck with everything

[RobNJ]

Hey Mike, I've enjoyed your posts in my short time here. Just know that from now on, whenever I see spiders doing their thing, I'll definitely think of you...good luck on your new endeavor!

[KatStoverReptiles]

This kinda made me sad...but I wish you all the luck!!

[ReptilesK2]

Which 4 did you end up keeping? Goodluck to you on whatever you choose to do

[snake lab]

Damnit cavanaugh who am i gonna argue with now? Good luck with the new buisness bro. Gold is where the money is right now so chase the paper trail.

[Crazy4Herps]

I think there's certainly something to be said about keeping only a few snakes; it seems they become pets instead of charges. Though I am not one to talk; I too am down to four snakes though I never had very many more than that to begin with.

I wish you the best of luck in your new endeavors, and I hope you will stop by here every now and then to share your wisdom and insights.