Acquired Over Your 1st Year?

[OctagonGecko729]

Bought my first breeding project of 1.4, then won a bumblebee from a contest, then purchased a gravid subsaharan which laid 11 eggs.

[NH93]

Woooow, I had no idea how common it is for people to GO BIG (rather than to "go home")

[AlexisFitzy]

Lol it took me six years to get my 2nd snake but I was waiting for the perfect one to come along and when he did I snatched him up! But this year I'll probably end up buying a lot more. I'm already planning on buying another when I just got one in April.


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[Shann]

I've had my boa for over three years and I haven't gotten another. It's not that I don't want more -- I do. But I'm in my fifth year of college, and I don't know where life is going to take me, and I like to plan ahead. I could easily afford to keep several more, and one day I know I will, but I want to make sure I don't get myself into a situation I could regret.

I'm not saying this of all keepers, because there are many who do just fine acquiring multiple snakes at a fast rate, but on the whole it bothers me a little (again, this isn't true for all people , there are many people on here who bought several snakes in their first year who are awesome keepers).

I have seen more people than I can count join a forum with their new baby snake and end up with several more in a matter of weeks. And then once they have a few dozen, they lose interest in them. Or just disappear completely, and while I hope for the best, I fear the worst. Another thing that irks me (and maybe this is less true of ball pythons, but more true of boas which is where my interest lies) is that people will get lots of snakes while they are cute and tiny, but have never handled an adult and have no clue what they are getting into. Both for their size and the cost of keeping them (feeding, housing, etc). I just wish people would think more about the long term commitment of these animals.

[AlexisFitzy]

I've had my boa for over three years and I haven't gotten another. It's not that I don't want more -- I do. But I'm in my fifth year of college, and I don't know where life is going to take me, and I like to plan ahead. I could easily afford to keep several more, and one day I know I will, but I want to make sure I don't get myself into a situation I could regret.

I'm not saying this of all keepers, because there are many who do just fine acquiring multiple snakes at a fast rate, but on the whole it bothers me a little (again, this isn't true for all people , there are many people on here who bought several snakes in their first year who are awesome keepers).

I have seen more people than I can count join a forum with their new baby snake and end up with several more in a matter of weeks. And then once they have a few dozen, they lose interest in them. Or just disappear completely, and while I hope for the best, I fear the worst. Another thing that irks me (and maybe this is less true of ball pythons, but more true of boas which is where my interest lies) is that people will get lots of snakes while they are cute and tiny, but have never handled an adult and have no clue what they are getting into. Both for their size and the cost of keeping them (feeding, housing, etc). I just wish people would think more about the long term commitment of these animals.

I agree with this 100%. I think a lot of people get sucked into the addiction and buy snakes impulsively instead of really thinking things through. I remember one member on another post said "There's a big difference between feeding 1 mouth and 5 mouths" or even more than that. I got my second snake when I knew I was ready and comfortable with getting him. Once my second snake had become well established in the home and was eating well, and was on a nice schedule i got my third snake a year later. She got comfy in her new home very fast and has never missed a meal so I know she is A-okay in her home so I feel I can take on my 4th snake. I only get knew animals when I know I can care for them 100% and all of my other animals are already taken care of & happy. Not saying that this is what all people do but I know of some that acquired them too fast and became overwhelmed. Then all the fun of caring for them is gone and that's when people start to disappear from the hobby. I honestly couldn't imagine going from 1 snake to 5-12 snakes in an instant like that. But if you can care for them all then that's great! Keep up the good work because I know it's a lot of it lol.

Edit: By the way I'm not saying if you acquire many snakes at once your a bad keeper or anything like that because I know everyone here cares for their animals while heartedly but there are always not so caring people that treat pets as toys and once they are bored with them they leave it behind and move on to the next thing.

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[Marrissa]

Got my first one January of 2013. I wasn't allowed to have another one while living at home (even though I had purchased a T8 and had it divided and all set up for two). As soon as the plan to move out with my boyfriend's best friends (the three of us all needed to be moved out due to home situations) was set in motion, I pulled the trigger on a leopard female. Since then it seems like I've gotten a snake about every month/every two months since I've been moved out. I'm on number nine right now with definite plans for two more males this season and probably a few more females (pinstripe het clown female, pastel het pied female, etc). This year should be my first breeding year. I should have two females coming of age and breeding size. I really can't do more than 2-3 clutches until my boyfriend and I get our house next year. Then I get a reptile room and my expansion really begins.

Every time I get another one my boyfriend just asks what I got and says cool. I usually show him the snake when I'm still in the "crushing over it faze". I live by the "One" principal with snakes. I never want to think of "the one that got away". If I see it and the quality of it says I have to have it, I make it happen.

[NH93]

I never want to think of "the one that got away". If I see it and the quality of it says I have to have it, I make it happen.

Interesting perspective! (*Ahem* See my signature *Ahem*) I definitely can't afford every animal I want, and I make damn sure I know my own limits as an owner/keeper/etc... but. I can see where you're coming from!

[decensored]

600....





Nah, I had 7 by the end of my first year, 28 by the end of my third.

[piedpython]

Just one so far. May get a enchi or fire het pied in the future to pair to my pied male but not until next year. I wish I could add to the addiction.


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[GoingPostal]

Just one and hadn't planned on buying him. Took me about eight years to add a second, added a third this year and hopefully one more soon. Have limited plans for additions in the future. Maybe three more snakes max. I wonder how many people still have their first snake...