My Collection is Complete: I am done acquiring reptiles

[dakski]

I think you’ve brought up some excellent points, and something all of us as keepers need to consider. There needs to be balance between what we want, what we can responsibly care for, and the other commitments in our lives...present and future. These beautiful animals are completely dependent on us for their quality...and quantity...of life. Below is some of my soul searching as I decide just what I want to commit to and can comfortably handle.

Prior to April 2018, I had the love of my life. The 9 animals I had for the last few years was my limit due to work hours and wanting to spend more time with him. And there were times he felt like he was in third place after work and animals when I came home after a 10-11 hour day and spent 2 hours feeding and/or cleaning cages. I wasn’t willing to add anything else, no matter how much I wanted it, because it wasn’t fair to us as a couple or him as my partner to add additional commitments. Losing him last year was the hardest thing I’ve ever endured. I know he’s in a better place, and have no doubt he’ll be waiting at the pearly gates to meet me when my time comes. 💕 Until then, I’m looking to what makes me happy and fulfilled.

In the last year since he’s been gone, I have gone a bit hog wild on new additions, getting some long time wish list animals as well as some newly discovered morphs. Even after losing a couple of the original 9, I currently have 15. Number 16 is waiting for temperatures to get warm enough to ship. Every time I think the weather has improved and I can start looking to ship, we get another cold snap...supposed to be in the teens by the end of the week. To say the least, I am tired of winter.

Before adding my banana pied this past weekend, I looked at how I want my reptile room to look and the room available. I can comfortably house 16 without adding another stack of cages, keeping the current footprint the same when I revamp my cages to the Reptile Basics cages. This will reuse existing heat panels and thermostats, only adding a couple of rhp’s and thermostats to account for recent additions. The cage revamp is because it is difficult to clean the back of a 30” deep cage that is only 12” high. The new cages are easier to clean and I can easily reach every part of a 24” deep cage. I want to get set ups now that will still be manageable as I get older. Only Duncan will remain in her current 8’ cage which is tall enough I can easily clean the back by leaning into the cage. I may look to add additional animals as some of my older animals pass, but I’m in no hurry for that to happen.

First, Dianne, I am terribly sorry for your loss. That sounds so painful. I know he's waiting too and you will be together again.

Secondly, excellent point I think many people do not get. Reptiles are more like fish than dogs. They rely on us for everything! They cannot adapt or learn to live with our schedules, etc.

Finally, thank you for sharing. I hope it helped you as much as it was meaningful to us.