When is enough, enough? One more addition?

[EL-Ziggy]

This thread has shown me that I still have work to do and the struggle is real. The last few days I've been seriously thinking that a couple of king snakes wouldn't require much space or coin at all. What is wrong with me?

[Craiga 01453]

This thread has shown me that I still have work to do and the struggle is real. The last few days I've been seriously thinking that a couple of king snakes wouldn't require much space or coin at all. What is wrong with me?

oh Ziggy, hahahahaha. But hey, if you add a King it'll bring your critter collection full circle...just saying

[BallPythonWannaBe]

Whatever you choose to do, I wish you luck! And if you do add another slither you better be posting pictures

[EL-Ziggy]

oh Ziggy, hahahahaha. But hey, if you add a King it'll bring your critter collection full circle...just saying

The problem is I couldn't just add a king. My OCD with balance and numbers would compel me to get a pair. If I get a pair I'll have 13 critters which is a cool prime number. My GF and I were talking about me doing some educational events and I was saying I'd need some smaller snakes to display since some people may not be comfortable handling some of my larger critters. She was pretty cool with the idea of me getting two kings or other small snakes. I don't think she cares about me adding more critters now that we're in a bigger place. IF I do I'd wait til the beginning of next year and hopefully find a pair of juveniles or adults. No more baby snakes for me.

I can't believe I'm trying to talk myself 'into /out of' this. Slow down Ziggy. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. Nor does it mean you shouldn't. Either way we'll be ok.

[dakski]

The problem is I couldn't just add a king. My OCD with balance and numbers would compel me to get a pair. If I get a pair I'll have 13 critters which is a cool prime number. My GF and I were talking about me doing some educational events and I was saying I'd need some smaller snakes to display since some people may not be comfortable handling some of my larger critters. She was pretty cool with the idea of me getting two kings or other small snakes. I don't think she cares about me adding more critters now that we're in a bigger place. IF I do I'd wait til the beginning of next year and hopefully find a pair of juveniles or adults. No more baby snakes for me.

I can't believe I'm trying to talk myself 'into /out of' this. Slow down Ziggy. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. Nor does it mean you shouldn't. Either way we'll be ok.

"With Great Power, Comes Great Responsibility."

[EL-Ziggy]

Thanks for the perfect timing and words of wisdom D. You hit the nail on the head. I love the word responsibility. While it wouldn't be reckless of me to get more snakes I would be me giving in to my base impulses again. I told myself I would show more self control in this and other areas of my life. Temptations are ever present but we must stay the course. I'm happy with what I have and would only be adding more to feed an endless obsession. Seriously, thanks again.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

We all have different limits based on significant other (for some), space time and most importantly ability to care for all the animals properly without loosing passion of feeling like it's a burden.

As someone who breed my limit is around 60/65 animals in my collection (not counting those that are produced during breeding season) when I retire from breeding in 10 to 15 years I will have something like 10 snakes and 2 geckos.

[Godzilla78]

Lotta good points made here. My vote is no just wait since you’re on the fence don’t get one until you’re 100% sure it sounds like you are not

[PiperPython]

If you have the all the prerequisites (space, time, money, energy, commitment, etc.) there's no reason not to add another. That's my opinion. That being said, I am reaching my limit and may taper back some to focus on species I really want. I have had poor luck with my emerald tree boas, and so I want to taper back and really focus in on them.

[dakski]

UPDATE:

I want to be clear about where I stand now.

1. I am not getting a hognose because of health concerns should I get bitten.

2. I am still considering another snake. Somewhat jonesing actually. This thread convinced me that I can handle "one more."

I was considering a dwarf boa, but have heard mixed things on temperament and that they don't necessarily share their attitude with their puppy dog cousins, BCI's.

I have my eye on an Irian Jaya Carpet python.

Any thoughts on IJ Carpets? She is two and is calm and handleable and eats F/T like clockwork.

Here's the thing, a hognose would have meant using an existing small tank and putting it next to my desk in my office.

An IJ, although smaller carpets and max out about 6FT for the females, would still need a 4X2 tank. That means getting another tank and finding somewhere to put it.

It's not the cost that's catching me up, it's the disruption. The reptile area is full and I could make room down there, but not sure how wise that is. I have the same problem in my office now - finding a place for the tank.

Is that a sign that I should stop anyway?

Just throwing it out there.

I talk to the IJ's breeder today to get some more info.

Any thoughts on them would be helpful.

Thank you everyone for your thoughtful posts and anything you can add now.