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Bomshell/Dilemma
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by Frawgg on February 7, 2006
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My girlfriend dropped a bomb in my lap today and claimed she was pregnant. She showed me the positive EPT results and I'll have to wait until next week for the Dr.'s confirmation. Since these tests are unerringly accurate, it looks as if I'm going to be a parent. My mind has been racing all day about the "What Ifs?" Which leads me to my next question, but first I'll start with a statement. I've kept venomous for 23 years and I'm reluctant to give up my trio of Aspidelaps l. lubricus. At the moment, they are being kept in a spare bedroom under lock and key. My house is small so I'll have to give that room up for the child. I have a dilapitated shed in the backyard but it is not suitable for storing my beloved Aspidelaps...(metal shed that leaks rainwater, no lock and key, and simply too hot in summer even for this species.) The only way I could swing it would be to build a new insulated shed with air conditioning. With a baby on the way, common sense tells me that my finances should be placed in other arenas. But I spent so much money and time acquiring these snakes in the first place. Any SINCERE opinions would be appreciated although I think I know what must be done. Michael
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RE: Bomshell/Dilemma
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by BobH on February 7, 2006
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I vote to keep them in your bedroom. With three samll snakes you can easily set up a cage locked within a cage locked system and they should be fine. Remember its going to be what? 10 years or more before the little one can be left "all alone" even for a short period of time. The problem becomes much more complex with 25 or 50 individuals.............
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RE: Bomshell/Dilemma
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by bush_viper17 on February 8, 2006
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Yes, I would either keep them where you have them or let an experienced keeper hold them for you. You can also buy a good storage building from Home Depot or Lowes and pay payments on it.
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RE: Bomshell/Dilemma
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by earthguy on February 8, 2006
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It's tough to be a parent. You have to give a lot up. However, if you're a good parent it will be a joy. You don't really have to "give up" your hobby, but you should put it on hold for a while. Children and venomous snakes are not a good combination. When my first was born I got rid of my classic bronco (along with a few other things). I don't miss them a bit. Later, when my kids are older, I'll probably get another one. The next one will be better because I'll rebuild it with my kids. Likewise, when yours is old enough, you can rebuild your collection ever better (this time as a learning experience with your kid). One more point is that kids are time consuming. It wouldn't be fair to your snakes to keep them. I promise you that every waking moment that you have will be spent doing something for your kid (and your waking moments will increase exponentially). Just my thought on the matter, Hope it helps. Trust me, though. No experience is as wonderful as raising a child. One of my happiest moments was when my oldest caught her first snake. We were walking in the woods (which she loves to do with me) when she was 18 months. She saw a snake, pointed, and said "snake". I put her down, and she proceeded to catch a small O. aestivus. I was amazed. For her second birthday she wanted a snake, so I got her a healthy corn snake. But I digress. Best wishes, and congratulations.
Josh
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RE: Bomshell/Dilemma
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by keyz on February 8, 2006
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Hey Mike hope that this is good news, How does your other half feel about the snakes, is there any possibility she would consider letting you keep them but only in accordance with rules that you can both agree on, Hope your child to be is in good health and that you manage to come to some comprimise if possible, women while pregnant are a funny lot! probably best to wait a few days before you mention it as she may feel you are worrying about the snakes and not enough about you soon to be family! all the best. Keyz.
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RE: Bomshell/Dilemma
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by rickyduckworth on February 8, 2006
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i've had hots ever since my first girl was born, and now i have 2 girls, zero incidents and no problem with it at all
people say it's "risky" but what isn't? getting in a car is risky isn't it?
"well, the kid may get into the cages blah blah" but c'mon, if your kid is dumb then it won't figure out how to pick the lock, and if it's smart and finds the key, then you should have taught it not to in the first place
my little girl knows that she NEVER goes into the snake room (only an area of my bedroom at one time) without me and should just stay out of sight of them.....people don't give their children enough credit or attention.....i've yet to teach my child a concept she couldn't grasp......she's 4 and is reading, writing, doing basic math, uses words most 18 year olds can't comprehend and all this while having cerebral palsy
it's all up to what you and the mrs. are comfortable with...........there is no reason to NOT be comfy with keeping the snakes....only ridiculous fears that the worst will happen....how many own guns? how many simply have horrible driving skills? how many have questionable acquaintances around their children? there are so many other things to actually worry about that people don't because they're commonplace.....
mine have never gotten out and never will, the laws of physics apply to them too........
as long as their area is somewhat distinct and out of the main pathway of everyone, there should be no qualms about it at all.........
i did have to give up my 94 rx7, but not my snakes.....
good luck, but the fact that you considered this means you're probably very responsible and have nothing to fear
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RE: Bomshell/Dilemma
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by petra on February 8, 2006
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I agree with rickyduckworth 100%.
As long as you can keep the snakes in different room and have locks there is nothing to worry about. Besides little kids tend to listen to you better than any teenager. When your child will start bringing friends home is time to start worry and make sure the room is always locked.
When my son was born I didn't have venomous but, I did have pets (turtle, fish, cat, dog, guinea pig)which I find more dangerous because they were not locked and could bite and scratch...and all it took was explaining not to touch and keep them away from his reach - I had never had a problem. Besides he loved it when he could feed them or look at them (now he wants to be a herpetologist when he grows up)
By the way congratulation on the good news!
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RE: Bomshell/Dilemma
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by earthguy on February 9, 2006
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I agree with Ricky too, to a degree. Don't you agree that you should "use 100% of your attention span when dealing with these animals" (i.e. venomous reptiles-Ricky's own words from his profile)? I just don't think keeping hots with young children is good because somebody looses. Either the snakes don't get the attention that they deserve or the kid doesn't. Newborns/toddlers are fragile and needy. I just personally feel that need 100% of our attention. Others will disagree and say that they can spend the time necessary on both. If you honestly can, then more power to you. I personally wouldn't. Aditionally, no one should feel that the have to give anything up for their child. Anything that you "give up" to make your child's life a little better is a small price to pay for vast dividends that come back later. And for those of you who doubt that teenagers listen to their parents, just listen to the teens talk when their parents aren't around. A well raised child loves and respects his/her parents. In the end you have to make the decision yourself. I wish you the best of luck. And congratulations again.
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RE: Bomshell/Dilemma
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by petra on February 9, 2006
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Earthguy I have the feeling that by that 100% he meant 100% while you are handling the snake so you don't get bitten. Besides little babies sleep a lot - I don't know your child and I know they are all different but, mine used to sleep a lot. I was a single mom and had no help from no one. And I had a lot of spare time while my son was asleep. I had time to clean, cook, take care of the pets, work and still gave my son all the attention he ever needed. I cannot see how is he not going to have time to take care of his snakes.
About the giving up part yes I had to give up a lot - never went out any more, reading books, watching TV...those are the time consuming things - pets are easy to keep.
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RE: Bomshell/Dilemma
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by MoccasinMan on February 9, 2006
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I agree with Josh... unless you can work out a seperate sealed building. Babies and hots in the same house just isn't a good idea. Your new "hobby" will be quite rewarding.
Andrew
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