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Debate: How young is too young to be caring for herps?

Posted by Joseph Jenkins at 9/2/2010 12:14:21 AM



I was reading a blog post from a day or two ago and a topic sparked my interest(and has always bugged me).

What age should someone be before they are entrusted with reptile keeping?

Unfortuanetly, many adults believe that untill someone is an adult, they just don't have the maturity/wisdom/brain power to be reponsible for certain things.

I couldn't disagree more.

I am a senior in high school and work at a petshop, therefore I know many high school and middle school students and many adults who keep reptiles.  I have come to find that the students i know give a higher quality of care than most the adults do. 

Why is this?
 I think it may stem from the same reason why kids love stuffed animals and play with them as if they were equals, but once they are older, they mean less to them.  Where some adults veiw their pets as investments, breeding projects, or just cool animals, teens often see the animals as almost an equal or a friend. Therefore, they often give a higher quality of care despite their "lack of wisdom."

This is evident in many people including a kid I met in Daytona who had a moderate condro collection payed for and cared for by himself.
I also know multiple teens who have not only kept reptiles, but successfully bred species.


I'll take it a step further in that I feel that older teens with the right interest, knowledge, and with parental permission are capable of safely keeping the big 5 and even hots.

So... what do you think?




 Comments: View Oldest First  


Pope of iHerp and Bread, 		Posted At: 9/2/2010 12:31:15 AM  
The biggins' and hots should be treated like alcohol; with an age restriction. And since most places do, or will very soon, require permitting, if it even remains legal at all, it basically set that age restriction down for us.

I too started keeping herps in high school, around age 15 i think. And while there were other people in my class who kept them as well, we were few and far between. And the people with only a feigned interest in herps, going so far as to take classroom pets home for holidays, often ended up proving how much suck they could expell from their bodies. I watched quite a few animals become sick or die at the hands of these people.

Sadly, i think you and i, and the small group of people you briefly made mention of, Nick included, are the exception and not the rule. Teens, for the most part, have the attention span of a goldfish.

Master Gator, 		Posted At: 9/2/2010 1:13:05 AM  
I'm going to have to go ahead and agree with Nate on this.  I've been keeping herps since 12 (or earlier if you include all the frogs and salamanders I've had) and even by the age of 15, had a formidable collection for such an age.  I however, took very good care into all the animals. 

Teens really do have ridiculously short attention spans.  There are exceptions, but I'm going to have to say the majority just won't have it in 'em to stick with it...especially once the big "C" comes around.
College.
Let's say a teen is taking great care of their animals, but then have to leave home for college...then what?  It seems that once life settles and you're not going to be moving back and forth every few months due to school or something else...is when you're ready to take on a collection and properly taking care of the animals. 

I just think there is too much hazard for most young people to take this hobby seriously.  Though the educated seem to be growing, especially in the teenage category, which is a great sign. 
Now as far as anything hot or the "Big 5"...that is an adult situation I feel, period.  As far as owning.  I don't even think 18 should be the limit, but 21. 
I think before that age, you have to get experience with those animals as well, hands on.  Isn't always the easiest but I feel it's the best way to know how to care for the animal without having the responsibility of owning it.  That way when you're truly ready for such animals, you will have no problems and will responsibly keep them.
Again, I think there may be a slim few exceptions to every rule, but I think that sums up my thoughts haha.

Dawn Switzer, 		Posted At: 9/2/2010 1:32:42 AM  
i think it depends on the maturity of the child , teen and what have you. my friend speedy told me he gave a 10 year old little girl a chondro ( cuz i had this same talk with speedy ) he said he saw the chondro bite her and she didn't even flinch or pull her hand away.  any ways he told me she was cable of caring for it and gtp require alot of care . 

but i agree with nate on he age restriction on hots and big ones. my daughter wants a snake (she is 10) but i am making her resreach the snake she wants and write me a care sheet and i will let her take care of my corns frist so she can prove to me she can take care of the snake. then i will decide if she will get one or not:) 

i don't want her thinking its a toy she can forget about and not play with for a while this is a living breathing being ! 

i also agree with nate that the attention span of some teens and and even of some adults and kids are of a goldfish. 

but can't wait to read what other ppls response to this is. great topic. 

i have always love herps or animals period but couldn't own snakes until i was out of dads house. lol

Tasia Larsen, 		Posted At: 9/2/2010 1:37:58 AM  
It really takes a special person to love and care about an animal to the fullest. It is so easy to get animals, and not take care of them.

Teenagers grow up... I do not feel that the difference between care is an age group. It is entirely a difference simply in who you are.

I am an "adult" at 24, so I am still young. I have a large collection that is soon to become a business. But just because I plan on selling babies, or even adults does not mean I do not take care of my animals any less than I did when I only had one. I love all of my animals, and the care shows it. I agree that if I become a "large scale" breeder, I might not be able to give all the attention I can now, but the care will be the same.

This is a good question, but will most likely continue to be controversial. Some kids have the motivation and the maturity to do it, and they should be allowed with parental supervision, but some kids definitely are not mature enough, and should not be trusted with the life of an animal.

Brandon , 		Posted At: 9/2/2010 6:13:02 AM  
it all depends on the person but i think after college is probly the best time to start just because that when your mature and usaly have the time to give them the proper care

if you look at cregs list or kajjii or any of those sites you always see at least 5or 6 people selling animals because there going to college and cant take care of them anymore

AAS, 		Posted At: 9/2/2010 8:08:44 AM  
If I were King I'd restrict pet reptile ownership but not by age. I'd figure some way to restrict it to mature, responsible people and order the beheading of anyone who mistreats reptiles or collects wild animals for trade.  Okay, I'll allow wild collection by a few select breeders.  HA!  Long live the King!

I don't look too closely at age when counseling people about reptile pet ownership.  I figure maturity and intellect are necessary to care for a captive animal responsibly, which implies not acquiring animals impulsively and being able to learn and maintain proper husbandry.  A small subset of youngsters can do that, lot's of adults cannot.  

I have strong opinions about this, and I know we're in a mess with irresponsible collection, breeding, ownership in herpetoculture, but I take the attitude, "It's happening whether I grouse about it or not, so let's help people do it better, do it right."

Here's the stuff I share with prospective new reptile owners...

https://acrobat.com/#d=qRGkpMYtfNhMfdUNGJsmfg

https://acrobat.com/#d=hE9IBPMwWIuoqX*W6-smJQ

https://acrobat.com/#d=pwh75HyJSO7QwDvnI4s6ZA

John , 		Posted At: 9/2/2010 8:41:57 AM  
Every teenager, like every adult, is different.  Some are responsible, some are downright exceptional, and some are complete idiots. 

Lillie , 		Posted At: 9/2/2010 12:24:15 PM  
I completely agree with Nate and Dan. I highly recommend that if a kid or a teen gets a herp or any other pet that the parents are also involved so that a game plan is in place when the time for college or moving away from home comes around. Most college dorms or apartments are not going to allow pet(s) or have adequate space to keep them. Many herps have the potential to outlive the average dog or cat and that needs to be taken into account. The process of "growing up" comes with a lot of life changes and pets cannot be discarded like an old toy. Unfortunately, even many adults are not mature enough to care for another life.

Starwild , 		Posted At: 9/2/2010 1:14:46 PM  
The big problem I have with teens keeping herps is that when the teen grows up and goes to college -- and many colleges 1.) require freshmen to live on campus and 2.) do not allow pets -- what happens to the reptile?

If a teenager has parents willing and able to care for pets while they're at school, or has a friend who will take the animal, or is willing to sell/give them away to a responsible home, that's fine.

But I see SO many animals on craigslist who are getting dumped in a "I'm going to college" situation, because of the lack of forethought, and so many animals who are left in the care of non-herping parents who end up neglected. Is it right to expect your parents to take care of YOUR animal? Especially if they were not too keen on the idea to start with. That's just not fair to them or the animal(s).

I was guilty of this with my parakeet and deeply regret it, because my mother made a simple mistake that got my parakeet killed when I was at college. I still feel guilty over it and wish I'd made a wiser decision. I got my keets when I was 10, long before I ever started thinking of college.

Basically I don't have a problem with responsible young'uns having reptiles, but they need to understand that that responsibility doesn't stop when their own lives change. Pets are forever no matter what your situation, they don't just go away when it's inconvenient. If teen keepers can handle that, heck yeah go for it.

shellboa, 		Posted At: 9/2/2010 1:31:35 PM  
I agree that the level of responsibility and commitment should far out weigh the level of age. I hav loaned many animals out under the guise of "fostering" so that a kid or even a couple adults can get the idea of what they are in for. With every one that has come back I get a similar story, they didn't realise how much time it took, how much commitment it involved, or what kind of effort was really involved or they simply lost interest after a while.

Many teens also lack that sense of responsibility towards any thing other than them selves (some not even that) but hell so do way to many adults or we wouldn't have jail. The idea of having a pet tortoise that could outlive you is not always a concept people can grasp, especially with the short term world view that children inherently have.

So basically yeah, a sense of resposibility and commitment are more important than what the calender says about you.

Lillie , 		Posted At: 9/2/2010 2:33:00 PM  
I have to add that wisdom, maturity, and experience are things that only come with age while personal responsibility can be learned at any age. Responsible kids and teens with responsible parents should be encouraged to have herp pets. Parents need to realize that their children will have to go through a stage where their lives will be unsettled and be prepared to step up at that time or step in and not allow their children to have pets that are considered owned by the child rather than the family. The majority of kids and teens are afterall minors under the care of an adult.

Izzy, 		Posted At: 9/2/2010 2:59:16 PM  
I think the point that has been mentioned, but sort of glossed over is the role a family has in raising and caring for a pet, regardless of whether it has four legs, fur, or scales or no legs... 

I think if a child can get a puppy for (insert appropriate gift giving holiday here) then why shouldn't they be allowed to get a reptile?  The important thing to remember is that once an animal is brought into a house, it's a whole family committment.  Kids go to summer camp, they spend weekends at their friends/cousins/etc and just as if they had a dog or cat, the rest of the family steps up and cares for the pet while they're gone.

As a parent, it is our responsibility to educate our kids on how to care for animals, to pass that sense of respect for the life you've chosen to care for, on to our kids so they can teach it to their children.  As a parent, I won't allow my daughter (now 12) to get a pet or bring home anything I wouldn't be willing to care for as long as it lives in my house and should my life have major altering incidents, to treat  EVERYTHING in the house as a family.  It is my responsibility to ensure that I have my act together enough to be able to plan if I have to leave the house I'm in, that I have enough time to find a place that will take my growing menagerie.  

I understand circumstances change and emergencies happen quickly, but I don't think that's really the question at hand... the question at hand is can childen take care of a 20+ year committment that is involved with snakes and 80+ year with tortoises?

I think the answer is yes.

Sony Raju, 		Posted At: 9/2/2010 4:31:31 PM  
great thread.

Aurora , 		Posted At: 9/2/2010 7:50:41 PM  
Story time!

I'm currently 24. I got my first herp, a corn snake, in 2004 (18 yrs old) during my first year of college. My mom ended up taking care of her when I moved to another college where I couldn't keep her (first college let me keep her in the science room on campus - how cool is that?).

I don't like that I had to rely on someone to take of my animal when I was unable to take her with me. It happens ALL THE TIME though. Like Izzy said, think about the dogs and cats parents get for their kids. It's usually a family affair. I had gotten a cat right before my senior year of high school, and my mom got it knowing it would stay with the family while I went to college. I think reptiles should be treated the same way, and there should be family discussion and agreements about such situations.

As far as teenages caring for reptiles, I'm in agreement with most of you here. It's by far an individual thing. I know a lot of young folks, and some are responsible and some are not.

, 		Posted At: 9/2/2010 9:25:18 PM  
I reckon you are referencing my post.

I do not believe anyone who still has college in their future ought to be solely responsible for the welfare of ANY pet... be it reptile, mammal, bird or otherwise.

Reason being that as a teenager you literally haven't a clue just how disruptive college will be to what you can do with regards to your pets. You don't want to put yourself into a position where you are forced to forgo opportunities (such as study abroad) because you have a pet snake (or five) you really love and can't find anyone to care for it for half a year or more.

It's got nothing to do with age and everything to do with stage of life. The teenage years and early 20's are a tumultuous enough time without having to worry about pets.

If a parent purchases a pet for his or her child, they should always recognize the fact that there may come a time in that child's life where the parent will have to be the primary care giver for said pet. Too many parents are unable or unwilling to do this, hence why I refuse to allow my class to be the "stick" with which teenagers batter their parents for the potentially long-lived animals they've always wanted.

Joseph Jenkins, 		Posted At: 9/3/2010 12:20:05 AM  
I will be going to college, and I have a large collection of reptiles and amphibians, and I will be taking my pets with me.  In fact, with a little luck, they will help pay for my college and possibly open doors for me. I have always been soley responsible for my animals.

I also have people who can care for my collection should an opportunity arise that i can't take my animals with me.

I know a couple people who have taken large collections to college and have been fine.

Many students take their pets to college and are fine. It can be done as long as one is prepared.

Starwild , 		Posted At: 9/3/2010 12:42:39 AM  
It's great that you feel that way. It might limit your college choices, because you'll either have to find a college that allows pets in dorms (not many, unfortunately) or a college that allows freshmen to live off-campus (you'll probably have better luck with that one). If that's a sacrifice you're willing to make, then I admire you for your dedication.

Starwild , 		Posted At: 9/3/2010 12:47:35 AM  
Here's a couple colleges that allow pets in dorms. Though they're not reptile-specific, it might be a place to start looking if that's your goal:

http://ezinearticles.com/?Finding-Pet-Friendly-Colleges-and-Universities&id=769198

, 		Posted At: 9/3/2010 7:13:14 AM  

You are still limiting your choices of programs. If it were my child, it's not something I'd allow, but that is an individual parenting decision. I'm glad you and your parents are okay with limiting yourself that way. I wish you luck with college and your collection, and using your collection to fund college.



Still doesn't change the way I feel about the situation with my classroom, or teens/college kids in general.

Ed , 		Posted At: 9/3/2010 8:52:08 AM  
I'm with AAS. In fact, I think his post was so succinct, eloquent, and right-on-the-money, I'm going to re-post it below!

-----------------
If I were King I'd restrict pet reptile ownership but not by age. I'd figure some way to restrict it to mature, responsible people and order the beheading of anyone who mistreats reptiles or collects wild animals for trade. Okay, I'll allow wild collection by a few select breeders. HA! Long live the King!

I don't look too closely at age when counseling people about reptile pet ownership. I figure maturity and intellect are necessary to care for a captive animal responsibly, which implies not acquiring animals impulsively and being able to learn and maintain proper husbandry. A small subset of youngsters can do that, lot's of adults cannot.

I have strong opinions about this, and I know we're in a mess with irresponsible collection, breeding, ownership in herpetoculture, but I take the attitude, "It's happening whether I grouse about it or not, so let's help people do it better, do it right."

Here's the stuff I share with prospective new reptile owners...

https://acrobat.com/#d=qRGkpMYtfNhMfdUNGJsmfg

https://acrobat.com/#d=hE9IBPMwWIuoqX*W6-smJQ

https://acrobat.com/#d=pwh75HyJSO7QwDvnI4s6ZA

Shannon , 		Posted At: 9/3/2010 10:00:34 AM  
Good post, Joseph. I dig it.

Personally, as a youngin' I know I wasn't capable of caring for any animal properly. Luckily, that didn't stop my parents from letting me try. They were aware that I might forget to feed the hamster, dump the litter box, clean the bird cage, or even lose interest. It helped me. I had/have a love for animals that you wouldn't believe. I was never allowed to keep herps growing up though, so when I moved out, I did it all on my own. As I got older, I took better care of the animals around the house. Granted at that point I had grown out of the hamsters and whatnot and all we had were cats and my brother's dog, but they were well taken care of and I did try to take them with me when I moved out, but they weren't having it. Them having faith in me and being understanding parents helped me in the long run. Had they not allowed me to try at a young age, I wouldn't have the slightest clue what I was getting myself in to as an adult. I agree with age restrictions for certain species, hots and the larger constrictors of course, but I do know a few younger herpers that take exceptional care of their collection and are far more knowledgable than I am. There are some children/young adults that have a real passion for this hobby, and there are those that want a snake or lizard because it's cool and different. I think it's really up to the parents to judge. Every child is different, and as long as the parents know there is a chance the pet will end up in their care, I don't see a problem with them giving it a shot. There is no absolute way to be sure. Just my .02.

George H. Wessel VII, 		Posted At: 9/3/2010 11:28:31 AM  
Intelligence and common sense outweigh age. Joseph has neither.

Leonard + Nikki , 		Posted At: 9/3/2010 4:39:38 PM  
I honestly dont think age matters at all, I got my first snake when I was 15 in V.A. and I still have her now years latter in S.C. I have moved a few times since then and added a few more animals to my collection. I always made sure there was room for my pets and every thing has worked out fine.

Gladys O. , 		Posted At: 9/3/2010 4:41:33 PM  
I don't think it's necessarily an age thing, it's more of a maturity thing, which varies from individual to individual.

C J, 		Posted At: 9/3/2010 4:49:53 PM  
i think it depends on the individual person, you can be 35 and not be responsible enough to take another life into your hands or you can be 8years old and be responsible enough. in general though i would say 10-12years with an adult that will make sure the child keeps up on cleaning/feeding etc. i started caring for my first box turtle when i was 10years old (2000) and shes still doing great. i have been keeping herps of my own since i was about 5 (garters/tree frogs/salamanders/skinks i would catch), but always had them around my entire life as my older sister had them.

Megan Boucher, 		Posted At: 9/3/2010 11:58:45 PM  
I believe it goes with maturity and how much knowledge you have.  I had my first snake when I was 15 not knowing how to care for them but I did good.  I just kept a wild caught garter snake for a couple months...should have kept that bad boy, he ate well on gold fish lol.  But yeah, I think it more or less goes with maturity, knowledge, passion and dedication like any other hobby.  Now the kids that can simply walk in to an expo and buy a baby burmese for 20 dollars is just rediculous.  I think there should be some sort of stipulations for the breeder to be able to sell large constrictors like that.  So aside from what the herp owner's age or knowledge level is it also goes for the breeders.  I believe any person at any age over the age of 8 or 10 could handle a snake or any reptile for that matter along certain lines.  For instance a leopard gecko versus a gargoyle gecko or a corn snake versus a redtail boa or burmese, etc.  In my opinion it's not about age, it's about maturity level, knowledge and the people that sell you the snake.

Joe Farah, 		Posted At: 9/4/2010 12:47:17 AM  
Great topic.  Most of my thoughts on it have been expressed at least once already.

Joseph Jenkins, 		Posted At: 9/4/2010 12:49:43 AM  
I will be attending Auburn University, they don't require freshman to live in the dorms, in fact it being the biggest school in the state, they don't even have enough dorms for that.
There are also many partments there that allow pets.

This has never limited my college choices, my second choice was fine also.


@MDR, I aggree with you about your desicion in the classroom, it just sparked what i thought would be an interesting debate

Joseph Jenkins, 		Posted At: 9/4/2010 12:50:25 AM  
btw, how are those tarantulas doin George? You get bit yet?

Jeremys reptiles, 		Posted At: 9/4/2010 8:04:36 AM  
I'm 14 I care for 50 snakes so it's not about age it's about will... I only show MY snakes on my profile that I payed for but the truth is I own about 50 snakes.

Jeremys reptiles, 		Posted At: 9/4/2010 8:07:20 AM  
All of the 50 snakes are fat, and healthy .. I'd like to say all docile but I do have a couple meanies.. And I'm doing it on my own..

Abbo , 		Posted At: 9/5/2010 8:18:53 AM  
I've been keeping reptiles since I was 8 or 9. I've had them ever since. I really don't get the argument of "Well, you'll go to college or move so you shouldn't have them till after." People sell reptiles all the time for other reasons, I don't see why it matters if someone decides to sell them because they are going to college. It's okay to breed them just to sell them.... I'm sure you get my drift.

I think all that matters is maturity/responsibility. I've been keeping and breeding various animals since I was very young and have always been fully responsible for my animals. My parents would help me if I needed help of course, but they never had to look at or interact with my animals.

Tasia Larsen, 		Posted At: 9/6/2010 4:58:05 PM  
Abi... you are just a genius so you don't count! HAHA... :)

shadowtheblacklab, 		Posted At: 9/6/2010 10:00:57 PM  
I'm currently 15 and have been keeping reptiles since the age of 7, when I got my first leopard gecko. I now have 7 leopard geckos, a tokay, a red eared slider and a bearded dragon. I agree that it is all about the maturity of the individual, and the responsibility they can handle. My brother just turned 18 and I would never trust a living creature in his care. I have a 12 year old friend who is amazingly mature and responsible. She could keep double the amount of animals I have, and still have them in prisitine conditions.

In my opinion, age really is just a number.

Mryan1994, 		Posted At: 9/6/2010 10:13:42 PM  
I agree with allot of what has been posted. I am only 16, I have had my snakes since I was about 10 or 1. I started out with my ballpython stryker and my dad helped me with him teaching me how to take care of him. I moved out to Ohio and my snake had to stay with my dad until he moved out here and I sent money out to him to pay for strykers stuff. My dad got out here in 06 and he had got me another bp and boa I had no idea about but I was excited. I still have all 3 of them and had added another bp into my collection. It all comes down to responsibility and commitment. With college I am majoring in herpentology and they are allowing me to take my collection with me :). I help out at pet stores and have talked allot of people out of buying animals.I ask them questions and explain how complicated it can sometimes be. And I always get thanked after. The petstores out here you have to be 18, but they all know me and  and let me buy herps and whatnot from them because they know I can take care of them.And at the begining of the month I take by new bp to visit the store I got him from

Abbo , 		Posted At: 9/6/2010 11:33:26 PM  
LOL, thanks Tasia! :)

Melanie Bernal , 		Posted At: 9/7/2010 11:47:46 AM  
I can pretty well agree with the majority here. Age isn't the issue, maturity and responsibility are. And a passion. It makes all the difference in the world. But with minors, I still feel parental guidance is a must. I know 30 year olds that shouldn't be responsible for a pet rock and 13 year olds that could handle a good sized collection. It all depends on the individual. I can also attest to the maturity, responsibility, and intelligence of Joseph(I know, weird, huh?). He's one of your exceptions to the rule. I've worked with him since he was 14 and have always been impressed by what he knows and how much his passion shows through. I'd trust him with my animals if ever needed.

Great thread, Joseph!

Nitram G., 		Posted At: 9/7/2010 4:17:59 PM  
i used to catch wild boas when i was a child, and frogs, different birds, even bats!
i suppose there's a subtle difference between herping, collecting & releasing than actually keeping, but i think it is a good example of what a child is capable of.
now, thinking outside of myself, ive seen young bucks keeping giants successfully, and still do. the one example off the top of my head is this 21 yr old dude with a 5 year old burmese he's kept since it was a neonate! thats awesome!
while as adults, ive witnessed the same, it's kind of shameful to see a full grown man with a snake maintained poorly, manourished and/or emaciated, totally neglected.
age variant definately is not a good (or fair!) characteristic of an ideal reptile keeper.
i believe, like dawn switzer implied she is excersizing, there should be proof of some kind of knowledge on the care and risks of these animals. some kind of test maybe?
but i think this should be taken a step further... i think breeders & petstores should do followups on the animals they release into general population. of course, this is kind of a pipe dream, still makes sense to me. if i ever sold a snake to someone, and found out they cared for it poorly, id black ball them as much as possible so i know they'd never acquire a quality animal from anyone i relay the news to.
then there's permits, sounds good, maybe random screenings of anyone permitted could be used, and having your permit revoked for failing to maintain optimal conditions.
good thread everyone, but i agree with those that say age is not a factor, it most definately is not.
ps not everyone goes to college!

Starwild , 		Posted At: 9/7/2010 5:15:49 PM  
I will also add that money is an issue as vet visits are expensive and crazy things happen with animals. If parents are willing to provide money for vet care then great. But it does underline the need for parents to be willing to go along with the addition of an animal, especially if the owner is too young to legally have a job. Of course, that's a given with any animal with an underage owner.

And I don't see a problem if you plan to sell the animal when you leave home, I just hate seeing irresponsible people dumping animals on craigslist at the last minute or just letting them rot or worse, turning them loose, when it becomes inconvenient. That is NOT relegated to only teens by any means. If you're gonna be responsible and have the means, like I said, go for it.

I am for responsible pet ownership no matter your age or the kind of animal. But it IS a problem, look at the number of "my kid lost interest" and "going to college can't take the animal" listings on craigslist. It's a real problem for all kinds of animals, not just herps. No it's not the only issue, but again, it speaks to a need for responsiblity. I will always, always advocate on behalf of the animal's welfare over what an owner or potential owner wants regardless of the owner's age.

Jeremys reptiles, 		Posted At: 9/7/2010 6:02:44 PM  
Pish Posh money ! I work my a*s off I'm 14 and pull in $300 a week doing it... I help my dads friend with tyling! That's not an excuse.. There's money to be made everywhere ..

Pope of iHerp and Bread, 		Posted At: 9/7/2010 10:10:48 PM  
Jeremy, not all children are allowed to work at 14, either by law or by lack of parental consent. If working at 14 makes you happy, awesome, but most kids wouldnt count themselves so lucky as you.

Joseph Jenkins, 		Posted At: 9/8/2010 12:12:02 AM  
hearing Nate say that makes it that much funnier

I agree with Jeremy, most kids can make money if they aren't lazy about it

Pope of iHerp and Bread, 		Posted At: 9/8/2010 12:27:00 AM  
Having said that, i obtained my first job at 14, and i worked steadily through high school. However i cant remember for the life of me where the money went....

Abby , 		Posted At: 9/8/2010 2:29:57 PM  
I've been putting off reading this thread after seeing 43 f'ing responses, but I was shocked to see ZERO flame warz! I'm proud of you guys :)

<RANT>

As for the topic at hand, I agree it's about maturity, responsibility, and competence to own herps- NOT age. I've been keeping herps since I was in the 8th grade and out of all the people I met and my family,  I was the ONLY one who did. I had ZERO support from anyone, even when I started breeding them freshman year high school. In fact, my mom threatened to kill my herps on several occassions, but instead of giving up, I found every excuse to bring them with me to school so I can educate others about herps. All before age 16.

That being said, the only thing I would have to agree about on the age argument is a restriction for owning the big 5 and hots. NOT because I don't think younger keepers aren't mentally capable, but certain animals are just too dangerous for kids & teens. At the very least, an 21 age restriction on these species can prevent impulsive buys from teens who "want it because it's SOOO cool" or even someone who THOUGHT they were completely prepared for a Giant before it started to outmass them. I, personally, see it very difficult for anyone under the age of 18 to own these species without the help of someone else for cleaning, handling, spotting, etc. Hell, I'm 23 and I STILL wouldn't do it unless I had some sort of help- I respect their abilities and I acknowledge my weaknesses too much. And while I understand there are many exceptions to this rule, anyone who is serious (aka not an impulse buy) about owning these animals would respect whatever age restriction is placed on them. I had to wait until I was 21 before I could own my first snake (personal choice), but I'm glad I did. I took the time to research and prepare and made ABSOLUTELY certain that it's something I wanted/could handle (had to actually measure out 8ft of rope to get a real perspective on a fully grown BCC). I approached it much like I approached getting a tattoo "If you're set on getting it, wait a year and look at it again. If you still feel the same way you did a year ago, do it. Get something you can be proud of, not just something you can show off to say you got one."

</RANT>

Pope of iHerp and Bread, 		Posted At: 9/8/2010 3:41:19 PM  
You might be a kid if...

you think that in this economy that there is money to be had everywhere.

, 		Posted At: 9/8/2010 4:13:50 PM  
I agree with everyone that it's not about age, but maturity, responsibility, and passion.

But I will say that it's incredibly frustrating that most kids are NOT mature, responsible, or passionate enough.  The majority of the reptiles my rescue takes in are due to kids growing tired of the animal, going away to college, or in one case, drug rehab.

It depends on the animal too though.  I would say that a kid having something like an iguana before going away to college, it's pretty definite that it's not going to be going to school with them.  A smaller lizard, like a leopard gecko (also that doesn't need as much daily care), would be a better choice.

Also, while a lot of apartments allow pets, you need to look into the specifics.  In my area, a lot will allow one small dog OR cat, but nothing exotic.  The apartments where I used to live specifically disallowed snakes and ferrets, but anything else inside a cage was fine.  I've heard of other apartments charging a pet deposit PER ANIMAL, even if the animals were in enclosures instead of loose.  Trust me, when I moved recently, I had a lot of trouble finding a place to rent that would even return my phonecall after I mentioned that I had a bunch of reptiles.  The only reason I have a place to live now is that friends of my family have a rent house and they trust me because they know me personally.

shadowtheblacklab, 		Posted At: 9/8/2010 5:22:10 PM  
I believe that if you don't have a job, you shouldn't have pets. Any pets. I also believe in having a vet fund. I have both. At 15.

shadowtheblacklab, 		Posted At: 9/8/2010 5:22:50 PM  
*I have both, at 15.

Michael Rico , 		Posted At: 9/9/2010 6:51:03 AM  
I'm in favor of, with adult supervison and as long as the child has interest, a child starting as young as 10-12 (each kid is different) 

i had my wild caught garter at 12 and had my first BP at 13 he lasted all through high school and beyond.

i think lessons like these will end up benefiting a child from a young age teaching responsibility
  
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