So you want to aquire a new animal. Now what? Food for though.

[Skyrivers]

This is something I think that people who are interested in herps should think about before acquiring an animal of any kind. Yes I have learned a lot and grown a collection rather quickly. Some of this is learning the hard way and with that said, I hope this helps you not make the same.

1. Decide what species you want. Take the time to look at the morphs, prices, and husbandry requirements. READ, READ, and READ more. Check out multiple care sheets. Read forums. Talk to pet owners that have them already. The more education you have the better quality of care you will be able to provide. You might even change your mind or get redirected to another species that meets your desires better. Spend time with the species you have picked out. Get to know their habits and ways of communication.

2. Budget? Can you afford on going care? Can you afford to feed as an adult as well as the age you acquire it? Do you have the time to care for it?

3. Housing requirements. Your new pet is going to need a place to live. Some people look at minimal requirements. That is good to know but no always what is best for the animal's quality of life. What kind of exercise does the animal need? What kind of water source does it need? Substrate requirements? Temperature control for hot and cold? Food source? Acquire what you need and work out all the Temp and Humidity issues before you get the animal. This will also allow any live plants to get adjusted and start growing if you plan on using them.

4. Picking out your animal. So your setup is all ready to go. You are educated in care and life needs of your animal. Time to go after what you want. Don't settle! If you do you will eventually be looking to purchase the animal you truly desire. Trust me, I know! Talk to the breeder. Talk to people who have done business with them? Spend time with the animal if you can before purchasing. What are your goals with the animal? Breeding? Pet only? Shows?


Now I am sure I have forgotten some things here and the experts are sure to chime in with their suggestions. I hope this helps you and wish you and your animal a long and happy life.

[fluffykitten]

Unfortunately most people won't listen to this advice they will see just a cute little reptile at the store or expo and will buy it not knowing anything about it. The animal will get bigger and they may lose interest as as time goes by. Then the animal will probably be become neglected.
One of the things that make me mad is when people take in an animal and a year or two later they don't want anything to do with them any more. I have taken in a few animals over the years from people who didn't want them anymore. One was a ball python that the people at first thought was a boa. When I went to go see him they took me to the closet, we're they kept him. There he was on the floor of the closet in a poo caked tank behind a bunch of stuff.
It's our responsibility when we decide to take home a new animal that you can care for it for its whole life. That means doing the research and making sure that you have the space and time to care for them for the next 20 or 30 years.

[Skyrivers]

I would have taken photos and reported them after I left with the animal.

Unfortunately most people won't listen to this advice they will see just a cute little reptile at the store or expo and will buy it not knowing anything about it. The animal will get bigger and they may lose interest as as time goes by. Then the animal will probably be become neglected.
One of the things that make me mad is when people take in an animal and a year or two later they don't want anything to do with them any more. I have taken in a few animals over the years from people who didn't want them anymore. One was a ball python that the people at first thought was a boa. When I went to go see him they took me to the closet, we're they kept him. There he was on the floor of the closet in a poo caked tank behind a bunch of stuff.
It's our responsibility when we decide to take home a new animal that you can care for it for its whole life. That means doing the research and making sure that you have the space and time to care for them for the next 20 or 30 years.