What reptile should I get NEXT!?!?!

[RobbiesCornField]

You know, I would have assumed you have a more mature way to request a different species.

If you want a new lizard this is by far the wrong reason to get one. There are many lizards out there that will fit what you want but you may not have the experience to work with the animals.

This is the first actually appropriate response I've seen.

I would recommend actually researching an animal you MAY be interested in before you even THINK about purchasing it. Not just assume that those of us on here are going to be at your beck and call when you don't have any idea what's going on, or what to feed it, etc.

Baller, nothing against you, but you ask more questions than someone who has done their research has any business asking. I don't think you should be taking on any more reptiles until you actually know more about what you HAVE.

 

[measley]

This is the first actually appropriate response I've seen.

I would recommend actually researching an animal you MAY be interested in before you even THINK about purchasing it. Not just assume that those of us on here are going to be at your beck and call when you don't have any idea what's going on, or what to feed it, etc.

Baller, nothing against you, but you ask more questions than someone who has done their research has any business asking. I don't think you should be taking on any more reptiles until you actually know more about what you HAVE.

I would have to agree- (and I'm really not trying to attack you- I just want the best for the animals...)

Every thread I've seen you post is about simple questions that could be answered with a simple search...

Baller, for the sake of the animals, please do your research first- or get another corn that you already have a basic idea of how to care for...

 

[starsevol]

I have to agree with Robbie and Measley here.
You don't choose ANY pet by looks alone.

That is why certain high energy dog breeds die in shelters more than other breeds.
That is why most huge pythons, tortoises and alligators sold in pet shops NEVER reach old age.

People get animals they are totally unprepared to keep, solely based on an animal's appearance, with absolutely no clue as to the animals needs.

 

[danielle]

I would get used to careing for your new corn and then doing a lot of research. With a new snake and other reptiles around that sound new as well waiting a few months to ensure they are healthy is best. If you go out and buy a bunch of different stuff too fast with too little experience you risk an entire collection's health as proper quarantine procedures need to be taken before introducing new animals anyway. If you like the looks of a larger species that is fine but understand lizard care varies soooooo much so you need to research your perticular interests and the care they need carefully first. Then lurk on forums, ask questions, and think hard about whether you CAN give the animal the exact care it needs. Rhacodactylus species are relatively easy to care for and most are tame as adults. Do you like Leachies or chahouas? Both are in the 1-3 foot group, but require both good height and width in a cage as adults, eat a powdered diet you can easily mix, and crickets and roaches which are easy to provide. Rhacs are great starter geckos, but can be mean, lol!!

 

[Baller99k]

1. My roommate and I are not trying to pick a new reptile based on looks alone. However, looks AND size are the first thing that need to satisfy us, and once we find the ones that fit the description, we will obviously do all the necessary research and only pick one if we could care for it properly. Is there anything wrong with that?
Some of you on the forum are so quick to judge people, it's ridiculous. I normally wouldn't take the time to respond....but too many of you seemed to have the same impression.

2. I don't see what the big problem is with asking a lot of questions, normally that’s a
good thing, aka I CARE AND WORRY ABOUT MY CORN. I WANT TO MAKE SURE EVERY DETAIL IS RIGHT. I thought this was the place I could go to ask about anything. Almost everything that I come to you guys about is things that only someone who has ALREADY got a corn would think to ask. I did more than enough research prior to getting my corn. And somehow even with my seemingly perfect cleanliness and care I have had a minor case of mites (literally two bugs), and a tiny piece of shed left on his tip that I couldn't get off. After having a baby corn, I definitely have a respect for the amount of work and care that it takes for even the simplest reptiles.

And to whoever is bothered by things that I have asked that could have been found using the search function…SORRY, it’s not the end of the world, you act like it’s a crime, the fact that you bring it up is sad. That being said, I do agree that on sometimes I forget about using it, after all it is much quicker than waiting for a response.…and in my defense, some things I have asked about are more specifically related to my situation. Okay, that’s over.

I think I am gona research agamas, bearded dragons, frilled lizards, horned lizards, dwarf monitors, mountain horned dragon (but I heard healthy ones are hard to find), plated lizards, and water dragons…

Keep in mind these are choices that fit my “want”, but I haven’t done any serious research on them yet. Some might end up needing too big for me to home.

This vent was not for those who actually game me helpful advice.

 

[Hypancistrus]

FWIW people are just trying to encourage you to be cautious. As a moderator for two large fish forums, one of which is devoted exclusively to predatory fish, I can't tell you how many times I have seen and had to respond to threads that start "I want the biggest, meanest fish I can keep in a *insert tank size here*" and more often than not those people turn out to be complete and utter imbeciles whose only interest is their own personal satisfaction in having that "cool factor" predatory animal. I know that the people here have likely seen the same thing, so when you start off with a statement like that it makes people assume that you are like all the rest who are just in it for "cool factor." People here look out for the animals best interest, and there's nothing wrong with that.

The animals needs should be first and foremost in your mind at all times. You need to make sure that you provide them with an appropriate home and appropriate heat, food and light. You should personally be satisfied with the appearence of the animal, but keep in mind that every species will have distinct needs that need to be met.

Try to balance aesthetic appeal with an animal whose needs you can most easily meet. Some of the animals you have listed I would not reccomend to beginners or people who may end up strapped for space. Bearded dragons, while not "mean" have an exotic look and would be an animal that could be handled by your friends and yourself with utter safety. There is something to be said for that.

Just as a personal example... on one of the predatory fish forums I frequent, I posted about being interested in purchasing and maintaining a black piranha (Serrasalmus rhombeus) at some point in the future. I was grilled pretty hard by people in the piranha forum about my choice. Most, if not all, of the things they said I already knew from prior research, but some were new. All in all, they were simply assuming that I was a novice keeper looking to get a black piranha for the "cool factor," as most people do. It was an incorrect assessment, but I took no offense, instead, offering my thoughts and providing some background info on why I was interested in keeping a Rhom. Once I did that, people were incredibly helpful-- they're just looking out for the animals!

 

[RobbiesCornField]

1. My roommate and I are not trying to pick a new reptile based on looks alone. However, looks AND size are the first thing that need to satisfy us, and once we find the ones that fit the description, we will obviously do all the necessary research and only pick one if we could care for it properly. Is there anything wrong with that?
Some of you on the forum are so quick to judge people, it's ridiculous. I normally wouldn't take the time to respond....but too many of you seemed to have the same impression.

2. I don't see what the big problem is with asking a lot of questions, normally that’s a
good thing, aka I CARE AND WORRY ABOUT MY CORN. I WANT TO MAKE SURE EVERY DETAIL IS RIGHT. I thought this was the place I could go to ask about anything. Almost everything that I come to you guys about is things that only someone who has ALREADY got a corn would think to ask. I did more than enough research prior to getting my corn. And somehow even with my seemingly perfect cleanliness and care I have had a minor case of mites (literally two bugs), and a tiny piece of shed left on his tip that I couldn't get off. After having a baby corn, I definitely have a respect for the amount of work and care that it takes for even the simplest reptiles.

And to whoever is bothered by things that I have asked that could have been found using the search function…SORRY, it’s not the end of the world, you act like it’s a crime, the fact that you bring it up is sad. That being said, I do agree that on sometimes I forget about using it, after all it is much quicker than waiting for a response.…and in my defense, some things I have asked about are more specifically related to my situation. Okay, that’s over.

I think I am gona research agamas, bearded dragons, frilled lizards, horned lizards, dwarf monitors, mountain horned dragon (but I heard healthy ones are hard to find), plated lizards, and water dragons…

Keep in mind these are choices that fit my “want”, but I haven’t done any serious research on them yet. Some might end up needing too big for me to home.

This vent was not for those who actually game me helpful advice.

Since I know quite a bit of that was directed at me, let me clear a few things up. On the forums, we see quite a few people come and go. I, personally, have seen several people come in, and behave in a manner very similar to yours (lots and lots and lots of questions that people have answered hundreds of times over), and their new snake would be dead within a month because they didn't do the proper research ahead of time. People have posted "Uh-oh, I have eggs! How did this happen, and what do I do?" Now while you haven't posted anything like that, I just want to let you know what we're trying to avoid. You have to understand that the people on this forum really do care for our animals, and the animals of others we haven't even met.
You really can ask just about anything on here, but if it's a question that's been answered so many times, people get sick of answering it, don't expect many responses other than "Try using the search function". Starting a new thread should always be the last measure you go to. The process should go something like this:
1) Identify problem.
2) Read through caresheets, books, etc. to see if they make any references to a similar issue.
3) Use search function.
4) Talk to local breeder.
5) Start new thread.
After the question is answered, there's no need to continue on to the next step, unless you still have doubts. Then, by all means move on to the next step. But don't come here expecting us to all answer you in a moments notice because you ask a question. I looked at the threads you've started, and in the first 2 pages, I counted over 18 threads containing questions that could have been answered if you would have simply used the search function, or picked up a book. You claim that some of the questions you ask are more specific to your case, yet if you would actually read some of the posts in the search, you would find that many people have already had some of the same issues/questions as you.

 

[measley]

Baller, We are not trying to say you don't care for your corn and it's really not that we're trying to attack you. We just want to encourage you to 1) look at all aspects of the animal- not just what it looks like and 2) know as much as you can about it and prepare for it before you get a new animal.

In your posts, you come across (at least to me as I can only speak for myself) as somebody who uses this site not to read up on an animal you love and to contribute to the cornsnake community, but as somebody who just uses this site as your own personal help group for ONLY when you have an issue.

Yes, you are right, your problems may be specific to your animal but there are so many other posts with problems that are pretty similar and if you spent more time browsing through the site, reading other new posts, old posts and using the search function, it's more likely that you'd be prepared for the issues you are having when they happen instead of hurrying to the "start a new thread" button and waiting for answers.

That's just my two cents.

Regards,

McK

 

[Baller99k]

FWIW people are just trying to encourage you to be cautious. As a moderator for two large fish forums, one of which is devoted exclusively to predatory fish, I can't tell you how many times I have seen and had to respond to threads that start "I want the biggest, meanest fish I can keep in a *insert tank size here*" and more often than not those people turn out to be complete and utter imbeciles whose only interest is their own personal satisfaction in having that "cool factor" predatory animal. I know that the people here have likely seen the same thing, so when you start off with a statement like that it makes people assume that you are like all the rest who are just in it for "cool factor." People here look out for the animals best interest, and there's nothing wrong with that.

The animals needs should be first and foremost in your mind at all times. You need to make sure that you provide them with an appropriate home and appropriate heat, food and light. You should personally be satisfied with the appearence of the animal, but keep in mind that every species will have distinct needs that need to be met.

Try to balance aesthetic appeal with an animal whose needs you can most easily meet. Some of the animals you have listed I would not reccomend to beginners or people who may end up strapped for space. Bearded dragons, while not "mean" have an exotic look and would be an animal that could be handled by your friends and yourself with utter safety. There is something to be said for that.

Just as a personal example... on one of the predatory fish forums I frequent, I posted about being interested in purchasing and maintaining a black piranha (Serrasalmus rhombeus) at some point in the future. I was grilled pretty hard by people in the piranha forum about my choice. Most, if not all, of the things they said I already knew from prior research, but some were new. All in all, they were simply assuming that I was a novice keeper looking to get a black piranha for the "cool factor," as most people do. It was an incorrect assessment, but I took no offense, instead, offering my thoughts and providing some background info on why I was interested in keeping a Rhom. Once I did that, people were incredibly helpful-- they're just looking out for the animals!

I know what your saying, and I DID start a thread with a phrase that may have made me seem like that.

BUT, those were indeed "assumptions". And according to them, they apparently seem to follow things i have said in other threads, so they should not have to assume, they should know that I am a caring owner who does put the safety and health of their pet first.

And about my list of choices, I am not surprised that some of them may be terrible choices, and when I start doing research I am sure I'll realize that.

Bearded dragons were our original thought, but we just just to explore other options before we decide. And after all, we arent even sure if were gona get another reptile.

I personally wanna wait for the SD reptile show this summer if we end up wanted something..

 

[Baller99k]

Since I know quite a bit of that was directed at me, let me clear a few things up. On the forums, we see quite a few people come and go. I, personally, have seen several people come in, and behave in a manner very similar to yours (lots and lots and lots of questions that people have answered hundreds of times over), and their new snake would be dead within a month because they didn't do the proper research ahead of time. People have posted "Uh-oh, I have eggs! How did this happen, and what do I do?" Now while you haven't posted anything like that, I just want to let you know what we're trying to avoid. You have to understand that the people on this forum really do care for our animals, and the animals of others we haven't even met.
You really can ask just about anything on here, but if it's a question that's been answered so many times, people get sick of answering it, don't expect many responses other than "Try using the search function". Starting a new thread should always be the last measure you go to. The process should go something like this:
1) Identify problem.
2) Read through caresheets, books, etc. to see if they make any references to a similar issue.
3) Use search function.
4) Talk to local breeder.
5) Start new thread.
After the question is answered, there's no need to continue on to the next step, unless you still have doubts. Then, by all means move on to the next step. But don't come here expecting us to all answer you in a moments notice because you ask a question. I looked at the threads you've started, and in the first 2 pages, I counted over 18 threads containing questions that could have been answered if you would have simply used the search function, or picked up a book. You claim that some of the questions you ask are more specific to your case, yet if you would actually read some of the posts in the search, you would find that many people have already had some of the same issues/questions as you.

Okay, well you just gave a response focusing on the posting common threads problem...And like i just said, if that's one of your biggest problems in life (dealing with people like me), then you have a pretty good life. It's not that hard to type "use the search function, and you'll find what you need quick". And even better, if you don't want to, you don't have to respond at all!! How awesome is that, the beauty of these internet forums. I am sure if I still use this site in the future when I have more experience, I'll have no problem dealing with noobs like me. after all, we were all noobs at one point, so lay off a little..

I did admit to forgetting to use the search feature at times.
I did admit that using the search feature is much more efficient.
What else do you want me to say..?

 

[Baller99k]

Baller, We are not trying to say you don't care for your corn and it's really not that we're trying to attack you. We just want to encourage you to 1) look at all aspects of the animal- not just what it looks like and 2) know as much as you can about it and prepare for it before you get a new animal.

In your posts, you come across (at least to me as I can only speak for myself) as somebody who uses this site not to read up on an animal you love and to contribute to the cornsnake community, but as somebody who just uses this site as your own personal help group for ONLY when you have an issue.

Yes, you are right, your problems may be specific to your animal but there are so many other posts with problems that are pretty similar and if you spent more time browsing through the site, reading other new posts, old posts and using the search function, it's more likely that you'd be prepared for the issues you are having when they happen instead of hurrying to the "start a new thread" button and waiting for answers.

That's just my two cents.

Regards,

McK

I've already responded to these posts enough, so read those..

You also said (In a nicer way) that I abuse this site. I don't know what you expect me to do in terms of contributions. I am still a beginner, I shouldn't/can't answer most questions on here..

The little I can do is post pictures of my snake and enclosure, which i have lol.

Sorry if I am not making this corn snake site a better place for everyone. I must be deserving of these minor attacks. I wonder how many other people on here are bothered by me as much as you all?