When is it too much?

Jrich · 05-27-15, 12:45 PM

Right now I have 7 snakes and some say "Woah that's a lot!" but as you can see in the picture below they really don't take up that much space. All the snakes have proper heating, food, water and clean enclosures with sufficient space. Please forgive the few items I have sitting on the metal screen tops of the last two enclosures (cage clips are on their way). The set up isn't as fancy and sophisticated as I want it to be but I have been upgrading slowly. I have the funds to feed, house, take snakes to the vet when necessary and upgrade enclosures to accommodate my few growing babies. There is a reptile show coming up on Sunday and I have been thinking about purchasing another scaly family member. This would put me at 8 snakes total. I have no plans to breed the animals. I just want to hear some opinions on what reptile owners have to say about the amount of reptiles an individual may keep. Am I getting in over my head?

eminart · 05-27-15, 12:53 PM

It's too much when you can't or don't want to take care of them. Otherwise, it's your time and money. Do what you like. As long as you're having fun, and taking care of the animals, knock yourself out. Just don't lead with "I have 7 snakes!" when meeting new people and you'll be fine.

**millertime89** · 05-27-15, 12:55 PM

As long as you're able to care for all of them properly and do so you're ok. It's when the quality of care starts slipping that you've got too much. For me more than 12 was too much and I was at 18 so I downsized, I'm at 10 now.

LiL Zap · 05-27-15, 12:56 PM

As long as you have the finances to keep these snakes with the best possible care, then it's ok. I rather see animals set up comfortably versus a bunch of snakes crammed in rack set ups that are too small.

Sasha2 · 05-27-15, 12:59 PM

I have ten and thats my limit. Ive always pretty much set my limit of adults at ten.I can handle ten myself, have time to keep them clean, handle them, feed them.

Jrich · 05-27-15, 01:46 PM

Thanks for the input everyone. I liked hearing about your personal experiences. So far I think taking care of 7 snakes is relatively low key and fun. I also use some to educate people that were once very frightened by snakes. I've become very attached to them as well. I'll keep your thoughts in mind before purchasing another snake.

Jrich · 05-27-15, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eminart

It's too much when you can't or don't want to take care of them. Otherwise, it's your time and money. Do what you like. As long as you're having fun, and taking care of the animals, knock yourself out. Just don't lead with "I have 7 snakes!" when meeting new people and you'll be fine.

Haha I learned that lesson! It's like they forget your name, what you do and where you're from once they hear that you keep snakes in your home! You're no longer so and so, you're that "crazy snake person".

pet_snake_78 · 05-27-15, 09:25 PM

It really doesn't take me that much more time to take care of the 30 or so adults I have now than it did when I only had a few pairs. I have a routine now and the water changes are on the a schedule unless someone poos in a water bowl. Feeding I do kind of by gut somewhat because sometimes I see animals eating a lot more than other times, but I just keep a log book and review it regularly. I check every tub daily but you're talking like 3 minutes to pull a tub out, look around, check for unusual smells, glance at humidity and temps, and close it back up. It's certainly a little more work than it was 3 weeks ago because with the warmer temps virtually all are in a feeding frenzy but still doesn't take super long either.

**Minkness** · 05-27-15, 09:31 PM

Eh...I get that about my geckos alot...let's see....I have about 20 with eggs incubating and more on the way. As for snakes....hmmm....I don't know my limit yet, but It will probably be around 10 some day in the future. I have 3 now and know for a fact that I want 3-4 more and possibly dabble into breeding in a few years like I have with my geckos. So, as eminart syated...it's inly too much if uou can't or don't want to take care of them.

=)

Pirarucu · 05-28-15, 06:48 AM

As said, as long as you are properly caring for all of them (and yourself) then go for it. My collection is sitting at almost fifty animals right now, with some more day gecko eggs incubating.

**Aaron_S** · 05-28-15, 09:03 AM

I think aslong as my life isn't revolving around my snakes then I'm okay. Number isn't as important as quality of care and ensuring I can still do what I want in my life.

SSSSnakes · 05-28-15, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

I think aslong as my life isn't revolving around my snakes then I'm okay. Number isn't as important as quality of care and ensuring I can still do what I want in my life.

I have to agree with Aaron.