Why?

[gtm]

I've always liked tortoises & as soon as I got a house with a garden I got myself some. I admire (& to some extent envy) the simplicity of their lives & I find it very relaxing to watch them going about their business. I also enjoy the challenge of keeping them healthy.

As SiuK says the general state of the hobby is a more complicated issue. I am concerned about animals being taken out of the wild for the trade - IMO this is wrong. I also think that some people take it too far but ultimately that is their problem not mine. I am encouraged by the recent proliferation of specialist shops - it gives the owners & more importantly the animals a better chance.

[MrMike]

As a child, my cousin and Aunty both kept various reptiles (corns, CWD, Leos, Beardies) and this is what initially sparked my interest. We bought our first pair of Leos about 3 months ago, and have to say was the best decision of our lives, we now have 5 (with more to come) and a Beardie.
It is amazing to handle these creatures, and watching theminterect with each other and you is really relaxing (much better than a fish tank imo).

[Barney_M]

Originally Posted by Ellie

Hello, i am doing an assignment on exotics pets and thought what better place to go for information than a reptile forum
I just want your opinions really if its ok
Why do you keep exotic pets and waht attracted you to them?
What do you think about them as a hobby, conservation and commercial, the good and bad side,
Thanks

I keep reptiles becuase they are fascinating in everyway. they also in my opinion male you feel more elite. they are harder to look after than say a hamster or a mouse and I like the challenge. I like the idea of possibly getting bitten. I like how they wont listen to you and i like their interesting habits.
I cant remember how i got interested in reptiles all i know is it started with lizards and is now mainly snakes though i do keep some lizards. I guess the fact reptiles are different and so 'specialist' makes keeping them more appealing. People at college find it interesting and cool that you keep snakes instead of a rabbit for example.

as a hobby i tihnk it is good if the right people do it - there are any irresponsible owners for example. Conservationwise i think providing you get a captive bred animal you do a good job. obviously wild caught animals are bad in all respects and i do my utmost to avoid them. Conservation wise again I also think it is important to educate people about them and let them have a hans on experience. Every child has seen or stroked a dog so its a whole new experience. even older people have a great time when holding a snake or a lizard for the first time.

[twinklu]

I never had any thoughts on reptiles until 2 years ago when a young Royal Python was brought into work to be rehomed, it wasn't love at 1st sight it was more of a "the more i see of this snake the more i enjoy interacting with him", then it was full blown LOVE, my Oscar is my stress reliever after a crap day at work, just holding him relaxes me, i won't say their a cheap pet to own as set ups can be expensive depending on what you get, just because they don't bark or purr dosen't mean they can't communicate with you either they just do it on a different level, my Oscar will happily sit with me at the computer for hours if he's not in the mood he'll move around alot and not settle this tells me (rightly or wrongly) that he wants to go back to his viv which i comply with, if he settles down for a snuggle then (again rightly or wrongly) i'll keep him out longer, while they have different requirements they are worth it and i wouldn't be without my 3 Royals