Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I see this mentioned many times when it comes to someone wanting a monitor of one type or another. But I don't agree that if the intial cost of purchase is too much that someone shouldn't have any kind of monitor. Why? Because, the cost or purchasing is one lump sum all at once... while the cost of caring for and providing diet and everything is spread out over a longer term. Even vet expenses can be worked out to be paid for in installaments. Yes, it might end up a larger expense.. (Unless you breed your own food for your animals.. like I do) but its also spread out over time.. Saving up for the animal is a viable option and one I'd suggest before I'd say someone shouldn't have a monitor if they can't afford that cost right out of pocket at that moment. But then, I'm just new to this... but to me its the same with any animal of any type...If you want something.. work to get it.. don't take shortcuts and get something you might not be happy with in the long run. Save for it... get what you want.. and you'll take care of it much better because you had to work to get it. Just some thoughts. I get a bit tired of people saying someone shouldn't have something if they can't afford the out of pocket expense to purchase it at that moment..just because the cost of caring for it over time will outstrip the initial purchase cost.
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Lucien

1.1 Columbian Redtail Boa (BCI)(Sutekh and Isis)
2.2 Leopard geckos (2 Blizzards (Caine and Goliath), 1 het Blizzard (Lilith) and 1 Tangerine Albino (Tequila Sunrise ...Tiki for short))
0.1 Savannah Monitor (Kiros)
13 rats
5 Gerbils
2 Dogs (Loki and Storm)
2 cats (Sahara and Hercules)

A bosc or nile monitor with no realism as to what they are in for as well as having to rely on mom and dads rules, money, house, etc. Also the other considerstion with that group of people concerns keeping raising an feeding insects and rodents etc which the animals need to survive as well as electric bills etc. Its the same story thats been expressed by those who really care about green iguanas to those impulse buyers and kids who think thats cool Ill get one to impress and scare people.

I know the story there and I in no way support impulse buying... but, in my opinion, if they're willing to save and work for it then they pretty much don't get a chance to impulse buy. However, I'm not speaking of teenagers or kids. I'm more speaking along the line of adults. Take for instance me... I couldn't afford an expensive monitor... but I can afford to feed an inexpensive one.. mainly because I breed and raise all my own feeders. I've found it much less expensive in the long run than to buy feeders from pet shops or online frozen sources. Plus I know whats going into my animals. So, with that line of thought I purchased a Bosc.. fully aware of what I was getting myself into. I know I'm probably one of the minority that take good care of an inexpensive animal. I supppose I get peeved about this subject because there are many people out there, that would have the comittment to work towards a goal.. but that get discouraged by people telling them they shouldn't get a monitor (or insert whatever animal here) if they can't afford a high price for it initially. Personally, I want a trio of ackies... but can't afford to shell out $200 to $300 per animal right now. I eventually might be able to if I can manage to save the money from my gecko hatchlings this season.

Anyway, I was merely voicing an opinion.. it might not be the best one but it is just an opinion.
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Lucien

1.1 Columbian Redtail Boa (BCI)(Sutekh and Isis)
2.2 Leopard geckos (2 Blizzards (Caine and Goliath), 1 het Blizzard (Lilith) and 1 Tangerine Albino (Tequila Sunrise ...Tiki for short))
0.1 Savannah Monitor (Kiros)
13 rats
5 Gerbils
2 Dogs (Loki and Storm)
2 cats (Sahara and Hercules)

When doing my educational displays regarding iguanas I have a sheet. It outlines the first year costs of owning an iguana PROPERLY. Not the 20 dollar cost of the iguana. I have a cheap end and a high end. I think the high end total price is near 1200. It has shocked many people past the 20$ iguana price tag. I ranted and raved about how much it cost, but until I had it on paper where people could SEE it, they never really cared.
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Cindy
PHFaust

Email Cindy

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