I have often wondered if I would still be interested in the snakes and lizards if my dad had been an engineer instead of a junior high science teacher. Growing up in the 50s and 60s. Going to grandpa and grandmas farm lookng for bullsnakes, hognose, horned toads, catching kangaroo rats, tiger salamanders, bullfrogs, etc. Kids were always bringing dad their catch of the day...most got released, some were "pickled" in formaldehyde for future students to study. We even had a 2 foot caimen that lived in the bathtub. Mom was very tolerant.
Even today, Dad is still my "resident expert."
I began keeping reptiles when my children were young. Hearing them laugh when dad got bit by the racer. Who caught who. The black ratsnake found in the haybarn that would probably eaten from my hand had I not been chicken holding the mouse. There was a lot of information from the petshops, mostly wrong, and trial and error prevailed.
Don Soderberg, when he was in Wichita was the "expert" I came to know and trust. His advise always got me on the right track. He was patient and allowed me to trade up from time to time. Now there are two pet stores in the Wichita that have ties to Don and they are very good. I trust them and shop there.
The internet Kingsnake forums have allowed me to ask questions, answer questions, get advise. What a great source. I regularly "surf" the Tegu and the Pine, Bull, Gopher snake forums. I learn from you all daily, whether it is a new way to thaw mice, build tanks, or one of the many other questions that get answered.
Back to the concept of experts. I'm not sure about the concept of "snake years." Is the keeper of one or two snakes for 15 years any less of a expert than the keeper that goes out and buys 30 snakes and keeps them for a year? The keeper with two will know lots more about the lifecycle of his/her snakes. The keeper with 30 will know more about how to keep many snakes.
This long enough. Thanks for letting me share. And thank you for being my "experts."
Mike B
