Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Is anyone else besides me getting fed up with these newbies. Dont get me wrong, its great that so many people are getting into herpeculture. But it just pisses me off that people will buy a reptile and then ask later how to care for it. Do your research before you buy an animal people! Experienced herpers that feel the same as me, please post.
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I have: 1.0 veild chameleon, 1.1 corns, 0.1 az king, 1.2. tiger sals, 0.1 fox snakes, 0.1.18 thamnophis radix, 0.1 3-toe box turtle, 0.0.3 gray tree frogs, 1.1 Crotaphytus collaris, 1.1 Crotaphytus binctores

You did at one point too. How would you have felt if someone replied to you with "shut up and go do your research" whenever you asked a question that someone felt had an obvious answer if only you had read the right book?

Matt

I've been a part of MANY on-line forums through the years, about many different topics. This sort of post always comes up every few months, without fail. To this, I've learned to respond simply enough to try not to drag out a flame war.

This is a text forum. There are 3 things you can do in a text forum. Ask a question, answer a question, or make a statement. Think about it, those are the only options. If everyone just talked about their own snakes, it would get old fast. And no one can answer questions unless someone asks questions, so frankly, these boards NEED questions, or they are worthless.

Yes, people SHOULD have the sense of mind to research before getting a pet, for the animals snake, but people get excited, and pet store salemen can be very efficent. I say "At least they are asking. Better late then never."

My first snake was a 6ft red tail I pulled out of the dash board of a pontiac. I knew NOTHING about snakes. I was scared of it, I didn't know if it was healthy, I didn't know what to do with it, but I was STUCK with it at the time. THANKFULLY I asked questions many places, including kingsnake.com, and people were helpfull. Dash, as I've named him, is now VERY healthy, and my pride and joy. I got further into reptiles, and now own a business based entirely on reptiles.

I wish people in the world were more considerate when purchasing a pet- But I hold NO ONE in bad thoughts for trying to learn about it, and to better take care of it. ^_^

-=Dave

>>I've been a part of MANY on-line forums through the years, about many different topics. This sort of post always comes up every few months, without fail. To this, I've learned to respond simply enough to try not to drag out a flame war.
>>
>>This is a text forum. There are 3 things you can do in a text forum. Ask a question, answer a question, or make a statement. Think about it, those are the only options. If everyone just talked about their own snakes, it would get old fast. And no one can answer questions unless someone asks questions, so frankly, these boards NEED questions, or they are worthless.
>>
>>Yes, people SHOULD have the sense of mind to research before getting a pet, for the animals snake, but people get excited, and pet store salemen can be very efficent. I say "At least they are asking. Better late then never."
>>
>>My first snake was a 6ft red tail I pulled out of the dash board of a pontiac. I knew NOTHING about snakes. I was scared of it, I didn't know if it was healthy, I didn't know what to do with it, but I was STUCK with it at the time. THANKFULLY I asked questions many places, including kingsnake.com, and people were helpfull. Dash, as I've named him, is now VERY healthy, and my pride and joy. I got further into reptiles, and now own a business based entirely on reptiles.
>>
>>I wish people in the world were more considerate when purchasing a pet- But I hold NO ONE in bad thoughts for trying to learn about it, and to better take care of it. ^_^
>>
>>-=Dave

Yes, that is alright. But not all people are just STUCK with them as you were. Also, if someone sees a reptiles at the pet store that they absolutely need to have, atleast ask if they can hold the animal while you go home, do some research, and buy the supplies needed. then pick up the animal.

I am NOT trying to say people shouldn't ask questions about herps. I ask questions all the time and answer some too.

I think it is great that more and more people are getting into the hobby.
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I have: 1.0 veild chameleon, 1.1 corns, 0.1 az king, 1.2. tiger sals, 0.1 fox snakes, 0.1.18 thamnophis radix, 0.1 3-toe box turtle, 0.0.3 gray tree frogs, 1.1 Crotaphytus collaris, 1.1 Crotaphytus binctores

Yes, people can ask questions. But when someone says, "hi i just bought a ball python. how do i care for it?" it pisses me off! I have no problem helping people out. It is just if you are going to get an animal, know what you are getting into before you go out and buy it. Have atleast a general idea of how you are going to a care for the animal.

Mike
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I have: 1.0 veild chameleon, 1.1 corns, 0.1 az king, 1.2. tiger sals, 0.1 fox snakes, 0.1.18 thamnophis radix, 0.1 3-toe box turtle, 0.0.3 gray tree frogs, 1.1 Crotaphytus collaris, 1.1 Crotaphytus binctores

...but for the snakes sake (or whatever animal it may be), don't you think its better to reply with an answer and some guidance rather than saying "you should have done your research before you got the pet!"

I'm not saying thats how you do or have responded to such questions, I'm just saying that sometimes its better to bite your tongue sometimes and help someone out rather than ignore their questions.

I just try to remember that not everyone is willing or able to find out the proper information on their own. I'm sure some people here are doing great just to find this site, and would be completely lost if trying to find other information on the internet.

However, with all of that said, I know how you feel. I get tired of the same easy/obvious questions over and over again as well (when it comes to my other interests, that is, because I'm far from an expert about anything to do with herps).

Matt

Most of these were probably impulse buys. They see the thing in the pet store and gotta have it right now. The salesman in the store says "This is the last one we have. I don't know when we'll get more in. They've been selling like hotcakes. To tell you the truth, I was thinking about buying this one for myself."

Then the person gets home with a snake, an aquarium, a screen top and a water bowl and realizes they have absolutely no idea what to do next. So, they get online. and ask questions.

It would seem to me that they could sit down first and think about it, frame their questions, find the appropriate forum and do a search, but normally they don't.

Most of them don't really bother me that much. I may suggest that they do a search first, then come back and ask questions, but usually the questions are simple and quick enough to just reply. At least theya re asking the questions instead of just letting the animal waste away. The ones that really tick me off are the ones that get venomous animals, then start asking questions.

To me, the only stupid question is the one that didn't get asked.

For the record, and if this was indeed about my previous post, I did research this animal thoroughly, and made sure I had the proper habitat setup before I bought it. As far as "interesting" things go, I meant as far as unusual behavior such as collared lizards will run on their hind legs when threatened or chameleons will rock back and forth when walking along a branch to simulate a leaf blowing when they hunt. By no means did I purchase this snake blindly and am asking how to care for it. Personally, I thought it was a rather unusual find, first time I had seen one at a pet store. Granted, I have never really heard much spoken of these beautiful little herps. As far as being a newbie, just because I don't post on this site religiously, it's fun to occasionally get online to get some insight from people. I own three snakes and twelve lizards, so I am pretty experienced in the field. If I knew getting online and attempting to have a mild discussion with fellow collectors would get me attacked, them maybe I shouldn't post in this area until I have at least ten years experience posting on other forums. I apologize for any inconvenience to you asking for a few fun facts about my reptile.

.

Well i do agree that before you buy any pet you should know as much about it as possible. But if people do impulse buy like most of us do sometimes, then i would rather them ask late than not at all!

Forums are to help each other, not to critise people, its good people are showing interest in this subject, its not to everyones liking. Maybe it will help our hobby and some peoples livelyhood to keep going strong!

5:4 Dumerils,
2:1 Burmese pythons
7:3 hermanns
1:0 iguana
1:0 Retic
2:0 western hognose
3:2 corns
2:1 Boaconstrictor

In my post I just wanted to see other peoples point of view on this matter, since it just aggrevates me. It was not directed towards you at all. I'm sorry for anyone that felt the same.
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I have:
1.0 veild chameleon
1.1 corns
0.1 az king
1.2. tiger sals
0.1.11 fox snakes
0.1.10 thamnophis radix
0.1 3-toe box turtle
0.0.1 gray tree frogs
1.1 Crotaphytus collaris
1.1 Crotaphytus binctores

I love talking to anyone interested in keeping any animal...Newbie or Pro. However I understand your concern and agree people should educate themselves before attemting to keep any animal. My first snake was captured near a swamp in Norhetn Michigan when I was 7 years old, I kept it in a jar at camp under the supervision of a Naturalist. He taught me how to care for the animal while I was at camp but nformed me that I had to release the snake before leaving for home. That is how I got started. When I got home I immediately went to the local swamp and caught me another snake to keep at home, I kept it over a year before letting it go. I even bred mice to feed my snakes and disected fogs and toads that I anesthetized with alcohol so I could see the organs work. This was the beginning of my career in medicine.I was only 8. No....I don't get pissed off. Many people just don't understand the specal needs when they purchase an animal and it is the Pet Supplier's responsibility to teach them how to care for the animals they sell. Those are the people that piss me off!

No, it doesn't piss me off. I'm glad when people seek knowledge no matter when they do. Too many don't, and too many pets end up flushed. We cannot change the impulsiveness of human nature, but we can save some snakes, and in the process, further the common goal of appreciating herps.
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"You have insulted my footwear; my sandals do not like to be laughed at." --Samauri Jack

They are the same people that leave large pythons and boas on our door step. Because they were so cute and they did not know they get 20 ft. They are impulse buyers which we dont need as he said DO RESEARCH. just my thoughts! scott