What do you think of young people with herps?

[Beardedragon]

I agree, kids 12 + can take care of herps as long as they research. This pole to me is acting as if every adult takes great care of their reptiles... That is completely untrue. Take a look at some of the breeders out there, being dishonest, taking horrible care of their reptiles, and not giving a flip on their health. Adults can be just bad as kids in many ways. When i was 15 i got my first normal ball python, and never was told once to change my setup because i researched and did a great job with him. And once i starting coming to my first forum, i saw how so many OLDER people were making huge mistakes, i think there should be added to the pole ;adults are just as worst sometimes.

[reptile3]

I think it's ok, they need to learn responsibility, with a parent present to help out. My daughter is only 12.5 yrs old, we have had out bearded dragon for 6 yrs, she helps socialize with him, feed him, give him baths. As with the Iguanas I have owned, she has always been interested. She is very well with reptiles and animals. I think she got it from me...LOL If I am sick, she will make sure lights come on, change water, feed pets...

[Allie]

I think it depends on the child as it depends on the adult wanting the pet. My daughter is 9 and looks after our snake herself, almost entirely. I oversee what's going on and help her when she needs it but she is the one that looks after him. We were careful to do research before we got him and to set rules for his care so she doesn't make a newbie mistake. She did a huge amount of research herself and continues to do so. My 4 year old feeds our cats every morning most of the time without being reminded because she wants to and she loves them. Some PEOPLE are pet people and some aren't. Age is much less of a factor for me than responsibility and desire to care for an animal.

[BallPythonsRule]

I think it depends on the child as it depends on the adult wanting the pet. My daughter is 9 and looks after our snake herself, almost entirely. I oversee what's going on and help her when she needs it but she is the one that looks after him. We were careful to do research before we got him and to set rules for his care so she doesn't make a newbie mistake. She did a huge amount of research herself and continues to do so. My 4 year old feeds our cats every morning most of the time without being reminded because she wants to and she loves them. Some PEOPLE are pet people and some aren't. Age is much less of a factor for me than responsibility and desire to care for an animal.

So far the best post in this thread..
I'm surprised this thread is still going...

[MATT FISHER REPTILES]

i think it is fine as long as they are age apropriate(sp) nothing that would be able to over power the child. hell i am 23 and wont own a burm as i would have knowone else to help with care of the animal. except my wife but she dosnt like snakes bigger than ball pythons.

[serpents-prey]

maybe i'm biased but i'm a young person and as such think of it as being ok to own herps as a kids with permission of the parents. when selling my snakes i always told the neighborhood kids that if they wanted to buy a snake i needed to talk with both parents first

[softkiss]

What do you think of kids with herps? Do you think it's a bad or good thing?

I really feel that anyone that is interested in owning a snake should do some research and if the child isn't mature enough to process that information the parents might want to make it a joint effort so the child and the parent can share this experience and learn together and as well the snake has a better quality of life.

[NateDogg13]

It all depends on the person, I caught and kept my first snake when I was 7 or 8 and released it a few months later and did this every few months for years til my parents got me my first African Fat Tailed Gecko. My parents never once helped with caring for him and I had him for about a year when he died, his stomach was green. Im not sure what happened but I think he was sick. I never once took him to the vet (never thought it was necessary since I was young) and I didnt get another herp til after I graduated high school. Because of the one experience I know take all of my animals to the vet.

With good teachings anyone should be able to own a herp, it teaches responsibility and they become great friends. But there are alot of people that just dont know anything about the animals they get and they get poor care, I think if a child owns a pet it should be a must that the parents at least keep a watchful eye to be sure their kids are properly taking care of their animals.

[softkiss]

I think it's ok, they need to learn responsibility, with a parent present to help out. My daughter is only 12.5 yrs old, we have had out bearded dragon for 6 yrs, she helps socialize with him, feed him, give him baths. As with the Iguanas I have owned, she has always been interested. She is very well with reptiles and animals. I think she got it from me...LOL If I am sick, she will make sure lights come on, change water, feed pets...

I totally agree and I think it can be a shared responsibility and that makes it a family project as well.

There are, however just some people that refuse to get familiar with snakes or adjust to having them around, but handled with ease and patience, this too can break ground with so many people that have these fears and don't know why they do or don't understand the mechanics of raising a snake.

I really only have issues with some people and pet stores that sell a "Cute Little Snake" to a young teen without any information and then the small cute snake turns into a ten foot Boa like my Argentines and that's what is one of the main causes of concern with me that people unknowingly make a purchase with no idea what they are getting into or the responsibility it takes to handle and care for a large snake.

When the snake gets bigger than anticipated they are afraid to care for it and handle it and so many times these poor snakes become the victims of neglect and abuse. This is why I stress researching a snake before buying one, not only for the benefit of the person interested, but also for the long term best interest of that snake.

[rebeccam]

Know your child and what they are capable of and really want to do. As a parent, commit yourself to the responsibility as well. Do research and learn with your child before you make any decisions. Pets are living beings and need care; they are not toys--if your child knows that and is willing to give the time and effort to care for the pet, and you're willing to help out too, you're probably good to go! Remember knowledge is the key for happy pet owners and a happy pets (of any kind).