|
Do Herps make
Good Pets
I
have been asked this question more than any other over
the past 40 some years that I have been collecting,
keeping, breeding, buying, & selling animals. Do
herps really make good pets? Too answer this
question I usually ask them what is a good pet?
They will not meet you at the door, will not fetch a
stick nor wag their tail with excitement (unless you get
a rattle snake) just because you are there.
However, they will not chew your shoes or sofa, will not
lift their leg on your house plants, bite the mailman
nor hump the neighbor kids leg. They are quite
content to be left alone in their cage and don't whine
to get out. If you forget to feed them for a day
or so it's no big deal as some species only eat every 10
to 14 days anyway and most herps do not require a rigid
feeding schedule. Do you have to work a lot and
don't have time for a dog or cat but would like to have
a pet? A herp could be a perfect pet for you, with
their very flexible feeding, cleaning, and exercise
schedule. Some things to remember when
considering a herp as a pet are: Just because a
herp requires little attn. to maintain does not give one
justification for neglecting its needs. The key to
a positive pet herp experience is knowledge before you
obtain a herp or any animal for that manner. Know
what you expect from the pet and what the pets
capabilities are. Know what the pet needs to
sustain a long and healthy life, some herps can live
over 100's of years if cared for properly. Know
what you can afford financially and time wise. How
much room do you have? Always remember that those
cute little babies grow (some up to 30 ft. long) Which
posses a whole new question:
Are herps dangerous as pets?
|