Herp and other animal "addiction" - please read

[Cyberlizard]

Hi everybody,

I noticed in the last 2-3 weeks a couple of posts being made about the "addiction" of reptile and other animal keeping.

While I'm sure that most if not all people on here are responsible keepers, I'd like everyone to have a look at this article I put up some years ago here: LARGE COLLECTIONS - THE PITFALLS

I am saying this because due to a change in my circumstances a few years ago I had to find new homes for 9 of my lizards. Although I did manage to find 2 good herp keepers for them, it was a rather painful process that I wouldn't wish on anyone. Other posters here have testified to the same sort of emotional stress that having to downsize or sell up induces in them.

Thanks for listening/reading!

[Dungbug]

Good post, I can see how this can be an addictive hobby but I've managed to keep it in check.

[diamondlil]

Great article, thought-provoking and well-written

[Cyberlizard]

Thanks guys! I know I've been somewhat guilty of it in the past myself, so I'm not pointing fingers.

[White_raven666]

Wow that is a very important post that i think everyone with the "oo i want that lizard then that lizard and more after" feeling should read. I got like that with mantis. I just got bug after bug and more so and tarantulas too. I cant bear the thought of selling any of my mantis and so they have been with me thier whole lives. And yes it does after a while with the ever growing collection get strenuous and becomes a chore not something i enjoy.

I thought to myslef, this is wrong that ive got all these animals and im not enjoying them, theyre just here and existing and im not enjoying them or observing them cus i need to clean or feed the next tank.

kelly

[Fangio]

Yeah I'm guilty of most of that. I don't miss the days of having large collections. It's nice now to just have a few animals (11 including furries)and actually be able to spend time with them rather than just feed/water them.

[Andy b 1]

i would only buy what i can afford/ be able to keep

i dont just buy reptiles if i like the look of them

[Durhamchance]

Good article. I'm worried my OH is developing an addiction, he seems to "want" everything. At the moment we are in rented accomodation, so our pet allowance is limited- but I fear that when we get our own place, I may struggle to stop him.

We are already suffering "empty cage syndrome" after upgrading our beardies viv. But I am as guilty as him of not wanting to sell the old viv, but fill it instead.

I'm going to get him to read your article, hopefully it should help and I wont be so much of a "bad guy" for saying "No"

[gwinni]

I've done it in the past with some of my animals but not so much now. Coz i'm in a council house and they don't know i've got geckos or ma spider i have to keep it to a bare minimum so if they come for visit i can either move them out the way or stash them at ma mums. I've started to seriously think about each thing i think ooh i'd like one of them. Do i have space, can i afford it (food, electric and time). There's a few things i'd like to get at the moment like 3 more leos for breeding, Beardie and few more T's and EVENTUALLY a bosc but i know that won't happen for a good while. Tho i have to admit i'm getting REALLY into T's their fasinating and the more i watch charlotte the more beautiful and amazing i find her. So i'd love more T's but i'm gonna plan it and find out which i'd really really like to keep and watch before buying any more. I know that if anything happened and i had to leave ma house ma mum would take the leos in and ma pal would take charlotte till i got maself sorted out but i also know if i had loads they wouldn't do that.