Do Not Get A Pet Because You “Want One”
A lot of people get pets because they see them or see other people with them and decide that they want one. Usually, unless they do a LOT of research into it, they end up completely mistreating the animal. Animals are not cheap, animals are not because “they look cool”, animals are not because your friend had one so you wanted one, too.
Pets are hundreds of dollars of commitment. Even fish. The basic proper setup for a betta is around 5 gallons or more, with a filter, a heater, proper substrate, proper cleaner, water testers, food, a net, and enrichment. Even at its cheapest, this can total to over $100.
Reptiles are becoming more popular these days, and there are a lot of people that don’t realize bearded dragons can get two feet long, ball pythons and corn snakes can get four or five feet long, and that tiny cute little boa can get up to 12 feet long. Snakes, lizards, and frogs can easily reach into the thousands when it comes to proper care for them, not to mention that you need to have a vet that can work with reptiles.
What many people also don’t understand is lifespan. Especially when you have reptiles, they can last anywhere from ten to thirty years. I got my bearded dragon at six months old. He’s now ten and he’s still going strong.
Don’t get a reptile if you can’t handle the commitment and responsibility of caring for an animal that long.
Don’t get a fish because they’re “easy” and “replacable”. Fish are actually some of the most difficult animals to take care of. What most people mean by “easy” is sticking a betta in a vase with a plant. That isn’t easy, that’s animal abuse.
Don’t get a pet without looking into everything it needs, how long it will live, what it eats, the temperature and humidity it needs, and how much it will cost you. I’m fully aware that when I get a boa, it will grow to be large and need to eat mice and rats, which can get around $10 each for large rat. I acknowledge that since it will be so big, I might have to buy or make a custom vivarium just to house it. Do your research from people who are professionals or experienced with handling and caring for said animals.
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