i got into herps in a wierd way to be honest. i was actually in a local pet store (not petco/smart) picking up a mouse for my ex wifes ball python (we were married at the time lol) and i was actually afraid of snakes, i hated her python but i was doing her a favor. i saw a really pretty pastel redtail boa when i walked in and the guy asked if i wanted to hold her. i of course said no that i was afraid of the damn things. well after about 5 mins of talking to me he talked me into holding her. as soon as i held her i was sold. i bought her right there on the spot lol. now i have an albino male, pastel female, jungle male, laddertail male, and a hypo het for albino waiting for me in aug at daytona and im hopefully picking up a jungle female and 5 boaphile cages tomorrow and i have to admit i am glad that i did hold her that day because i love this hobby and everything about it! but to be honest i am still not a fan of ball pythons, i tihnk they are pet rocks lol well thats how i get into this hobby