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New to herps but seriously looking to own, but what?

bokuza

bokuza

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To start, I really don't know much about herps but I am more than willing to educate myself and I do have a great vet already. If I have to wait another year to prepare, so be it. However I am unaware of what would suit me best.
I've been leaning towards Bearded Dragons, Monitors and Skinks.
I like the intractability and I am really attracted to these particular herps becuase I spend lots of time at home and I can see myself carrying them everywhere.

Since I am new what should I be considering? Is a monitor out of the question?
I really like larger herps. I like snakes too but I have no expereince with them, with lizards I at least have some way to relate to them.
 
I just recently purchased my first snake, I did a lot of research but I learned a lot more through first hand experience, as problems and questions arose and through this forum than any book I read. My first reptile was a blue tongued skink, he was gentle and very manageable but IMO he wasn't as interactive as a bearded or a monitor. I prefer monitors. I don't know your budget or anything else but ackies are really cool and stay small. They are a bit more pricey than the skink or the bearded. Bearded dragons are awesome for first time reptiles. They come in several colors to suit your taste and fairly inexpensive. They are really laid back and will most adults will just chill on your shoulder.

Snakes are awesome as well. I chose to get back into the reptile hobby but didn't have too much time due to school. I like the fact I can feed my snake 1 to 2 meals a week with minimum cleanings (both cuts down on $ always a positive for a graduate student :) ).

My best advice for you is set a budget. Say you have X amount of money and look for animals that you can accommodate with your budget. Do your research, read as much as you can, use books and different forums to search and ask your questions, and be patient. Also buy from a reputable breeder.
 
Well there are a few factors to consider first I guess. Cost, both initially and to maintain, and how much room you have available are a few factors.

If your preference is for the legged critters then I would research those which you mentioned and see if they are within reason for you and your situation.

If you have any questions about any of those mentioned feel free to ask, there are a number of folks here that will chime in to give you information, opinions and suggestions.
 
Thanks for the reply Payara!
What kind of snake do you have? :)

I don't know where to go to get the herps though, how do I spot rip-offs?
Has anyone ever heard of The Arizona Reptile Center here? I like them a lot but I've never bought anything from them.
 
I have hypo tangerine milksnake which I bought from Joe @ Thorough Bred.
http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/forums/showthread.php?t=144853&page=2

Best place to research a vendor is Board of Inquiry. Just search the store or breeder's name something will pop up otherwise, make an inquiry. Before you look for a breeder decide on what you can afford, like, and can keep, then look for a breeder.

I have no personal experience with ARC you might want post in Board of Inquiry forum.
 
Ah ok thank you. :)

I have a question on dusting cricket for bearded dragons, can you buy calcium tablets from the store that? Or should you only dust with store bought pet products?
 
Ok, sorry about the spelling. What I mean is, can I buy drugstore tablets and crush them or should I buy special made items for dusting?
 
Hey there,
As far as store bought calcium powder I have never bought the tablet form. I just bought the reptile vitamins with calcium in it. Some have vit d3 which you can use with a flourecent tube and others do not if your using a mercury vapor bulb.
This is a great place to start researching. Welcome aboard.
 
Thanks for the answer Wolfman! I know the store I asked about earlier sell those items and just about everything under the sun. Im going to try to visit them tomorrow and ask them a HUGE amount of questions.

I found this ad just now: http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/pet/1440989724.html
With an ad like this (example) what are the questions I should I be asking them?
I notice they have a light and a night light but thats it...the tank is very bare.
I Imagine the monitor doesn't feel so great with out hiding spots.
 
Another consideration is the availability and cost of food items.

Young bearded dragons are inexpensive to purchase. The lighting, larger enclosures, and for young ones high number of feeders consumed can get pricey.

Check out all of those factors when mulling over your decision.
 
Please be aware that many pet store employees know very little about proper set-ups for many reptiles,including bearded dragons.I can tell you 2 things they sell that you will NEVER need..a red or blue basking bulb.I've owned beardies for 16 years,bred them for 14 and vend at many shows and I cringe at what people tell me about the info they get from pet stores.They sell all types of harmful substrate as well.If you want good info,go to a reputable breeder like Rainbow b.d or Dachiu,I personally don't have a website b/c I have monthly shows where I've sold since the 90's but feel free to ask me any questions if beardies are your choice.Also,excellent info in the Bearded dragon manual by Bob Mailloux+ Phillipe de Vosjoli.It's worth the few $$
 
@angie.h Thanks of the warning, I read a lot online but from my last visit to the store they seem really great. I know not to take everything to heart and Im not making any decisions until I feel comfortable, im a slow person so it be for a while. >_>;;;

Oh I wasn't considering buying the Monitor, he does look bad. Hes been being fed lizards from the backyard and has never seen a cricket or goldfish. Kind of sad actually. What I was asking was what questions should always be asked for purchasing regardless and one questions should be asked when buying from a home seller?
 
I agree in one of the pics that monitor doesn't look very healthy. It looks really skinny, i'm not sure if its just the angle or thats what it realy looks like. Dragons are great pets i have plenty of them as well, like others have said take into consideration your budget, and time to spend on them if you want more then one or two. Dragons can consume a great deal of food, both live and vegitation. Space is another thing to consider dragons need room to grow, as babies and room to stretch out in as adults. If you keep live food for them then you need to consider space for the food and feed the insects, and how to keep them alive. I'm not trying to scare yo away from them but its just something to consider. Despite all this I started with one and now have 20, and love keeping them, of course now i breed and raise all my own feaders.
 
It's only fair for you to warn me, you wouldnt be very nice if you didn't!
I was thinking since I have it anyway a Bearded could be housed in 60 gallon breeder?
That's sounds right but is that too small?
 
A 60 breeder would be fine...and if you end up getting a beardie and prefer a young one I would recommend 7 inches and up.They are well established,hearty eaters at that age and still have the cuteness and comical antics of a baby[which they are] Older +larger juvies can be more settled but they all have different personalities and some are more calm from the start.Once you find a good cricket supplier you can set the crix up in plastic bin+keep them for a long time.There is a thread on keeping crickets in the "feeding+supplies"[ I think that's the name] forum.
 
Yes a 60 would be good. Like angie said there are threads to read up on, on how to care for crickets, and other feeders. I posted on one or two of those about how to raise and breed crickets and superworms. on another thread we discussed how to raise silkworms.
 
:) Ive handled crickets before, I just never dusted myself. I found quite a few guides for it though, Fauna is a great place!
 
Im off too the Arizona Re3ptile Center to trade in male feeders for females. WOO!
Question time. I love the thrill of seeing herps. <3
 
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