How many animals do you take care of by yourself?

[Mikoh4792]

Without the help of other people, how many animals do you keep? When do you think it becomes overwhelming, taking time away from friends, family, job?

[Cmwells90]

I have 3, and I feel like it's well balanced currently. I couldn't imagine having more than 6, at least as far as reptiles are concerned, with the cleaning, and care, and feeding. But that's just me, I'm sure others can handle 12 better than I do 3. It's all what the person can manage.

[marvelfreak]

Without the help of other people, how many animals do you keep? When do you think it becomes overwhelming, taking time away from friends, family, job?
I keep 16 right now and hope to breed these year and have a ton of babies.
It really only takes me about 30 to 45 minutes to clean all cages. I am going back to using Reptile bark. It made cage cleaning a lot easier and faster.

[Mikoh4792]

I keep 16 right now and hope to breed these year and have a ton of babies.
It really only takes me about 30 to 45 minutes to clean all cages. I am going back to using Reptile bark. It made cage cleaning a lot easier and faster.

Compared to what, newspaper?

[KORBIN5895]

I currently have 10 snakes and 6 are large constrictors. I can clean all of the cages in 30 minutes.

[slowhite03]

I have two kingsnakes and a tree frog. The snakes are easy, the frog is high maintenance . Has to be fed every 2-3 days, talk about needy.

[Mikoh4792]

I have two kingsnakes and a tree frog. The snakes are easy, the frog is high maintenance . Has to be fed every 2-3 days, talk about needy.

One of the reason why I can't keep a lizard that eats every day.

[Terranaut]

12 total. Like Kevin all I need is 30-40 min to gut and refresh their cages.

[Mikoh4792]

12 total. Like Kevin all I need is 30-40 min to gut and refresh their cages.

I currently have 10 snakes and 6 are large constrictors. I can clean all of the cages in 30 minutes.

What do you use to make cleaning faster/convenient?

I use a mini vacuum to suck up the substrate.

[KORBIN5895]

I just scoop out my substrate and I don't worry about the left overs.

[Mikoh4792]

I just scoop out my substrate and I don't worry about the left overs.

Doesnt bacteria spread like that?(from poo and urine)

[KORBIN5895]

Maybe but I only change my substrate every six months anyway.....

[Mikoh4792]

Maybe but I only change my substrate every six months anyway.....

ohh bioactive?

[KORBIN5895]

No. I usually just use cocohusk.

[StudentoReptile]

All of them

[SnakeyJay]

8 at the moment for me :)

[CK SandBoas]

With my newest litter, i currently have 39 animals, but soon to be increased with a second litter due any day now. It usually takes me an hour or an hour and a half to thoroughly clean all tubs and enclosures. As for it taking time away from my job or family....i would honestly rather spend my time with my animals if i could, instead of dealing with rude, ignorant customers all day. I also would rather work with my animals instead of going to a family function.......

[Terranaut]

What do you use to make cleaning faster/convenient?

I use a mini vacuum to suck up the substrate.

I have a shop vac. I shovel out most of it. Spray a little home brew soap in there. Wipe it around and finish with a shop vac. Add new substrate and carry on. I also empty everyone into tubs before I start. This Saturday is big clean day here. I will time it.

[Starbuck]

i currently have 6 snakes, 1 gecko, an axolotl, 2 cats, and 2 tarantulas.

I got 3 of the snakes together; i think i probably would prefer 4 or 5, as i'd feel like i had more time to observe them individually, but 6 isnt too bad. the tarantulas and axolotl pretty much take care of themselves.

when i got my male cali king, it was from a pet owner at a small expo, she was rehoming 3 of her snakes (2 calis and a beauty snake). I asked her why she was rehoming them, and she said she just had too many... when i asked how many was too many, she replied with 6 lol.

eventually i'd like to get a dog, but i need to seriously make sure i have time in my life first.

[Will0W783]

I take care of 35 snakes, 3 parrots, 6 cats, and 4 lizards. My fiance helps with the dogs, and somewhat takes care of his ferrets, but he is not much help at all with the other animals. I've learned to really budget my time and follow a schedule when I get home so that I can get everyone taken care of and still have some time for myself.

[Mikoh4792]

I take care of 35 snakes

Wow...your house must be like a zoo

[Kimmie]

When you say animals, you mean everything, that is gonna be a long list.
3 tegus, 2 geckos, 1 skink, 3 burms, 5 boas, 2 BRBs, 25 balls, 2 corns, 3 Kings, 2 carpets, 3 GTPs and 3 baby kings. then I have my 50 rats 50 mouse and 50 multi, the rodents take 40mins the snake 30mins so it is not so bad, but ofc I use extra time getting water etc.

I also have my 3 dogs and 2 cats :p.
I am more a animal person, but I love my friends and I seem to have time for them :) + I do also game alot.

[Hannibalcanibal]

I have two axolotls, a tiger salamander, a poor old rat, a bearded dragon, a uromastyx, two leopard geckos, a ball python, a sinaloan milk snake, a hognose snake, and a colony of vampire crabs...

.....and even though all of my animals are in tip-top shape, my mom still wants me to downsize....

[red ink]

I take care of one animal by myself... she then helps to take care of the rest.

[smy_749]

I take care of one animal by myself... she then helps to take care of the rest.

Why only that one? Have to ask lol

[Aaron_S]

A whole lot

[LadyWraith]

2 snakes, 2 rats, 1 dog, and temporarily a kitten (can't keep it due to rental agreement). My boyfriend is in charge of the 2 fish tanks which is way more work than all the others combined lol.

[exwizard]

I keep 37 snakes and they are a lot of fun to work with.

[BrittO10]

1 ball, 1 milk, 4ft green iguana, chinchilla, 5 dogs, 1 cat, 60 gallon freshwater tank, 50 gallon salwater tank. It's a toss up on the saltwater vs my ball pythons house because he lives in a 150 Gallon tank with live plants hunting poo is time consuming LOL oh and I raise my own feeder rats I dont even know how many I have of them

[Hurrok]

I have 10 snakes, 1 tarantula, and one Betta. Only takes me about 30 min to clean all of them, however the tarantula takes care of itself pretty well. She will actually reconstruct her enclosure weekly which is pretty cool. What takes the most time is taking them all out and letting them swim around the tub to get some exercise, plus I like spending time with them as much as I can :)

[rocknhorse76]

All of the pets listed in my signature, plus a red-ear slider that my nieces recently found in the backyard. I'll add that I'm single with no kids, so I don't have to worry about family time.

[KORBIN5895]

Why only that one? Have to ask lol

He is referring to his wife.

[smy_749]

He is referring to his wife.

Yea I feel stupid now. Read it wrong the first time. Woops!

[EL Ziggy]

What takes the most time is taking them all out and letting them swim around the tub to get some exercise, plus I like spending time with them as much as I can :)
Wow, I didn't know I could let my snakes swim in the tub for exercise. I'll have to try that sometime. I'm assuming it's just an inch or two of water you put in the tub. I read somewhere that MBK's are excellent swimmers. I wonder if this is true for all king snakes. BTW I care for (2) snakes and a cat. And even though humans are animals, I won't include my angelic/Tasmanian (4) year old son. He's my greatest accomplishment and top priority ;).

[Mikoh4792]

Wow, I didn't know I could let my snakes swim in the tub for exercise. I'll have to try that sometime. I'm assuming it's just an inch or two of water you put in the tub. I read somewhere that MBK's are excellent swimmers. I wonder if this is true for all king snakes. BTW I care for (2) snakes and a cat. And even though humans are animals, I won't include my angelic/Tasmanian (4) year old son. He's my greatest accomplishment and top priority ;).

If your snake doesn't mind it's pretty cool to watch, however some snakes will freak out

[rocknhorse76]

My snakes all hate the tub.

[marvelfreak]

Compared to what, newspaper?
Yeah newspaper. With the reptile bark i just use a cat litter scoop to clean poop. Then every 3 to 4 months i take it all out and clean it then put it back in once it dries. On the bag it tells how to bleach it so you can re use it.

[Arboreal]

No reptiles, but I take care of a bird and two dogs. The bird is a 24/7 hour job and it is VERY hard work, but rewarding. The dogs are alright, but they are destructive, and the one required surgery, so that took a good $10,000, be we are glad he's okay :)

[JGJones21]

I have 2 boa's now. I have a beautiful male sunglow and a very nice looking female hypo. I am disabled now, I wasn't when I got them so taking care of them has become a bigger issue for me but I can keep up with just the two of them. I had a small breeding project once with just one pair and had about 30 babies in the clutch, I don't enjoy having that many LOL. :rolleyes:

[TheZoo]

to many...

[Mikoh4792]

to many...

Wow that's a lot!

[drumcrush]

I have one mexican black kingsnake, one eastern garter snake, an albino checkered garter snake, and a leopard gecko with a mealworm colony and many mice in the freezer :D

[Lickeypie]

I have two cats, five snakes, a rabbit, a hamster, and I'm getting a ferret this weekend. I think 10 is reasonable. I think the snakes require less time and attention in conparison to the furrys.

[gonesnakee]

Around 40-50 snakes soon to become around 100ish depending on how many hatch this week & in the past when I bred alot more Corns etc. as many as 500-1000.
It takes all day to feed 500 neonate CS like a 15 hour day, plus the lil suckers spill or crap in their water multiple times a week as well.
Don't miss feeding babies for 15 hours straight that is for sure LOL plus I used to have mice as well back then & the fish tanks etc. too Mark

[Mikoh4792]

Around 40-50 snakes soon to become around 100ish depending on how many hatch this week & in the past when I bred alot more Corns etc. as many as 500-1000.
It takes all day to feed 500 neonate CS like a 15 hour day, plus the lil suckers spill or crap in their water multiple times a week as well.
Don't miss feeding babies for 15 hours straight that is for sure LOL plus I used to have mice as well back then & the fish tanks etc. too Mark

15 hours?!? Do you even have time to sleep and eat?

[gonesnakee]

Yes taking care of 500+ babies is definitely a full time job.
I used to work the oil patch though & quite often worked 17+ hours a day for months on end so taking care of babies at home was much easier than that LOL
I no longer keep/breed that many animals as its nice to "have a life" in the summer time LOL
Cheers Mark

[TheZoo]

Wow that's a lot!

It truly is

[Kimmie]

It truly is

not enought if I look in ur signature ;p

[Pareeeee]

BP, Rosy Boa, Crested Gecko, and my big freshwater aquarium. My hubby and I both look after the small fish tank in the reptile room and he also has a betta which is his and his alone. I don't do anything with the betta, unless hubby makes a deal with me to do the dishes if I clean its tank haha

[TheZoo]

not enought if I look in ur signature ;p

I didn't add the farm animals as they come and go and Im getting out of avian breeding so im reducing my numbers and dont have them listed

[Mikoh4792]

I didn't add the farm animals as they come and go and Im getting out of avian breeding so im reducing my numbers and dont have them listed

What kind of birds? Do you have any parrots?(amazons, macaws in particular)

[Mikoh4792]

BP, Rosy Boa, Crested Gecko, and my big freshwater aquarium. My hubby and I both look after the small fish tank in the reptile room and he also has a betta which is his and his alone. I don't do anything with the betta, unless hubby makes a deal with me to do the dishes if I clean its tank haha

Is taking care of geckos more time consuming then taking care of snakes? I've always wanted to raise leopard geckos and bearded dragons but I can't breed roaches/crickets so I wouldn't want to make a trip the store every few days.

[smy_749]

Is taking care of geckos more time consuming then taking care of snakes? I've always wanted to raise leopard geckos and bearded dragons but I can't breed roaches/crickets so I wouldn't want to make a trip the store every few days.

Geckos are easy...however being that they eat more/poop more I guess you could say they take more time since you have to feed them more frequently.

[sharthun]

I take care of 35 snakes, 3 parrots, 6 cats, and 4 lizards. My fiance helps with the dogs, and somewhat takes care of his ferrets, but he is not much help at all with the other animals. I've learned to really budget my time and follow a schedule when I get home so that I can get everyone taken care of and still have some time for myself.


Wow impressive :cool:!

[Pareeeee]

Is taking care of geckos more time consuming then taking care of snakes? I've always wanted to raise leopard geckos and bearded dragons but I can't breed roaches/crickets so I wouldn't want to make a trip the store every few days.

CRESTED Geckos are very easy to care for, you most likely wouldn't even need a heat mat for it unless your house gets unreasonably cold. They do best on Repashy's Crested Gecko Diet, which makes feeding time SUPER easy. I would have to say my Crestie is probably one of the easiest pets I've ever owned. Beardies are high maintenance by the way.

[Mikoh4792]

CRESTED Geckos are very easy to care for, you most likely wouldn't even need a heat mat for it unless your house gets unreasonably cold. They do best on Repashy's Crested Gecko Diet, which makes feeding time SUPER easy. I would have to say my Crestie is probably one of the easiest pets I've ever owned. Beardies are high maintenance by the way.

So you can use repashys as a staple? Would it be okay to keep a gecko on repashys and give it just a few insects a week? ( I'm a complete noob when it comes to four legged creatures)

[Starbuck]

So you can use repashys as a staple? Would it be okay to keep a gecko on repashys and give it just a few insects a week? ( I'm a complete noob when it comes to four legged creatures)

it deoends on the gecko; my leopards wouldnt touch the stuff, but my day gecko ate it up like candy. My friend's mourning geckos ate almost exclusively repashy, some fruit flys when they were babies.

[Mikoh4792]

it deoends on the gecko; my leopards wouldnt touch the stuff, but my day gecko ate it up like candy. My friend's mourning geckos ate almost exclusively repashy, some fruit flys when they were babies.

So if the gecko is willing to eat it, it could thrive on just the diet? ( I would feed it live prey but I just want to know if this Cgd could be used alone or if its just a mrp for when you can't get crickets/roaches)

[Starbuck]

i honesty dont know; but i dont like just offering a human's idea of a 'complete diet'... nutritional science has certainly come a long way from banana flavored baby food, but i would still offer insect prey at least once/week, or as often as they will take it.

My day gecko seemed to self regulate; if i fed him crix several days in a row, he would eventually start to leave them in his tank uneaten, until i gave him the repashy. too many days of rep ashy, and he would go absolutely bananas when i gave him crix again.
dont know how prey-motivated a crestie would be, i feel like they are a little more fructivorous than day geckos, but not sure 100%

[Mikoh4792]

i honesty dont know; but i dont like just offering a human's idea of a 'complete diet'... nutritional science has certainly come a long way from banana flavored baby food, but i would still offer insect prey at least once/week, or as often as they will take it.

My day gecko seemed to self regulate; if i fed him crix several days in a row, he would eventually start to leave them in his tank uneaten, until i gave him the repashy. too many days of rep ashy, and he would go absolutely bananas when i gave him crix again.
dont know how prey-motivated a crestie would be, i feel like they are a little more fructivorous than day geckos, but not sure 100%

oh I see. Another thing that would worry me is that I heard cresteds die when temperatures go over 82F.

[Starbuck]

i know most people just dont use a heat source with them... again, i've never kept them :P

though all this talk about em is making me consider... :)

[Mikoh4792]

i know most people just dont use a heat source with them... again, i've never kept them :P

though all this talk about em is making me consider... :)

Me too. Cresteds look so cool and seem to be low maintenance.

Would a leopord gecko thrive on the repashy leopard gecko diet and less insects or are they a whole different story?

[Starbuck]

i dont feel my leopard geckos anything but live insects, i wasnt aware repashy made a leopard diet... but tbh i probably wouldnt use it... though i have used the day gecko diet as cricket food, and then fed those crix to my geckos.

[TheZoo]

What kind of birds? Do you have any parrots?(amazons, macaws in particular)

I used to have a mini macaw he was my little boy he was great he passed away last year but no mostly little birds finches, canaries, parakeets, cockatiels, lovebirds

however when im older and have my own home and stuff Id love to take in a full size macaw/ amazon/ cockatoo I love the big birds there just not in the cards right now

[Arboreal]

I used to have a mini macaw he was my little boy he was great he passed away last year but no mostly little birds finches, canaries, parakeets, cockatiels, lovebirds

however when im older and have my own home and stuff Id love to take in a full size macaw/ amazon/ cockatoo I love the big birds there just not in the cards right now


We have an umbrella 'too. She is the most loving bird, but EXTREMLY demanding. She has to be out of her cage almost 24/7, or she will pluck her feathers, mutilate her body, and scream an ungodly scream. (can get as loud as 135 decibels!). If you want a big bird, say no to cockatoos. Resist temptation! Now we love her, but again very demanding. :eek:....Lecture over ;)

[TheZoo]

We have an umbrella 'too. She is the most loving bird, but EXTREMLY demanding. She has to be out of her cage almost 24/7, or she will pluck her feathers, mutilate her body, and scream an ungodly scream. (can get as loud as 135 decibels!). If you want a big bird, say no to cockatoos. Resist temptation! Now we love her, but again very demanding. :eek:....Lecture over ;)

Yes I know they can be horrible with noise It would have to be the right one I have fallen in love with one before but she and I were not meant to be. I also used to work with large birds and know I can handle the noise. Thank you though I understand where youre coming from

[Robin.M]

I keep 13 snakes, and no other animals. (Wish I could keep cats though, damn allergies!)

9 BCI's, 1 Woma Python, 1 Dwarf Tiger Reticulated Python, and 1 Green Anaconda.

IMO, they become a problem when they cause you financial strain to keep them, when you can't afford to care for them medically, can't afford to feed them adequate meals, or can't afford proper enclosures for them.

Rob

[Pareeeee]

I wish, for my husband's sake, that I wasn't allergic to cats. I get to have the animals I love as pets and he doesn't. I just know how badly he wants a cat and it makes me feel bad :(

I know there are meds you can take but I'm on so many meds for my age to begin with I don't want to add more to the pile...plus I would have to take my puffers all the time with a kitteh.

[KORBIN5895]

Buy a hairless cat and shampoo it everyday.

[thinkbig317]

I currently have 10 reptiles (or so) and time management is extremely important in order for me to make it work. Waking up a little earlier in the mornings and staying up a tad later at night.

[Deva]

I think I have reached capacity with 6 terrarium and two fish tanks. The salamanders don't eat much. Once a month to the bait store for worms. The fire bellied toads require twice a week feeding of crickets. They are by far the most demanding. To the pet store for crickets once a week.

The fish tanks are high maintenance for one and rather low for the other. I have a self sustaining coloney of Brichardi chichlids for 10 years. They breed and replenish themselves. I still have at least two of the original fish. They are impressive at this age. Nothing like the Brichardis you see in the pet stores. They take a long time to mature. I do occasional water changes. It really doesn't take long.

The salamander tanks I clean every few months, one is self sustaining since I have plants rooted in there and there are little insects in there, probably springtails. I have replaced the substrata (a mix of coconut fibre and topsoil) twice in three years. Of course I do have to tend to the water dishes.

I really miss my snake that died a couple weeks ago. But I really don't know if I can afford the vet bills at this time in considering getting another. Maybe I will get a raise in November and I would be able to. Going to a reptile show in September to talk to some breeders.

I also have a cat which factors into this as well.

[Pareeeee]

Buy a hairless cat and shampoo it everyday.

Thanks but I don't really want a cat who sits around the house looking like a naked old man.
http://cdn.twentytwowords.com/wp-content/uploads/Fat-bald-cat-03-634x673.jpg

PS: Hairless cats are not hypoallergenic, people are allergic to dander, not the hair.

[marvelfreak]

Thanks but I don't really want a cat who sits around the house looking like a naked old man.
http://cdn.twentytwowords.com/wp-content/uploads/Fat-bald-cat-03-634x673.jpg

PS: Hairless cats are not hypoallergenic, people are allergic to dander, not the hair.
Wow MR. Biggles Worth as real let himself go. lol

[KORBIN5895]

Thanks but I don't really want a cat who sits around the house looking like a naked old man.
http://cdn.twentytwowords.com/wp-content/uploads/Fat-bald-cat-03-634x673.jpg

PS: Hairless cats are not hypoallergenic, people are allergic to dander, not the hair.

I understand that people are allergic to dander hence why I said shampoo him every day. The lack of hair would keep dander from being caught in the coat.

[Mikoh4792]

Instead of a cat, get a monkey! Or a bird

[marvelfreak]

Instead of a cat, get a monkey! Or a bird
Because they are so cute.
http://www.stewpig.com/wp-content/gallery/chrisluy/hairlessmonkey1.jpg


http://www.pxleyes.com/images/contests/hairless/fullsize/Hairless-Monkey-4d306435d9c06_hires.jpg


Or how about a hairless bear?

http://s2.buzzfeed.com/static/enhanced/terminal01/2009/11/5/15/enhanced-buzz-10890-1257452303-2.jpg


Or hairless puppy.


http://www.jonco48.com/blog/sphynx4.jpg

[fuzzhc]

I have 1 bosc and 2 chameleons.

The bosc is in a bio active substrate so only cleaning is occasionally picking out some undigested mouse hair lol. I spot clean the chams every day but once a month I give them a full clean out which can take over an hour by the time ive took all the plants and vines out and replaced them again after cleaning.

[dogcharmer]

Or hairless puppy.



Gets my vote! Nothing like a naked dog! I <3 my American Hairless Terrier. :)