What do you consider an experienced herp keeper?

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I don't think I've ever met an "expert" on anything. To be honest I don't think they exist. I've been keeping and breeding various reptile species for over 20 years now and there's always more to learn. Just when you think you got something down BAM, they throw you a curve ball.
 
Anyone who claims to be an 'expert' at keeping reptiles, probably isn't. The hobby is about learning, understanding, and trying our best for the animals, it's not a title or an excuse for bragging rights.

Do your research, get hands on experience first before undertaking care for anything commonly regarded as "advanced", and enjoy the hobby.

Paul
 
I don't think there is a right or wrong answer here or an all encompassing rule of thumb. I just wanted to share my standard answer that I give when new herpers ask the question, "How do I know when I am ready for _______?" The answer changes of course depending on the ______. But I do think it is important for senior herpers are able to mentor new herpers and be able to give them more than just the answer, "I don't know, you will know when you are ready."
 
when do U think i would be ready for a caiman?

:D
 
awww come on! he was new i didnt think he knew my build. i just wanted to see his responce
 
Lepisosteus platyrhincus;4367490; said:
awww come on! he was new i didnt think he knew my build. i just wanted to see his responce
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It is obvious from the responses that you already have caimens and have the experience. So, I pose the question back to you as the experienced crocodilian keeper. Supposing all things being equal and legal, is a person who has owned a single dwarf caimen for a few months ready to jump to niles, salties, or cubans? As we gain experience, what is our responsibility to the hobby? The subject of crocodilians is part of the reason I brought this up. Recently I have had to get a 5' american alligator out of a guys garage after he had raised it and the animal became very food aggressive and scared him. And, I had to find, catch, and remove a black mamba from a man's house because he thought it looked cool on the internet and had owned other snakes in the past. By the way, she was a beautiful 4.5 foot female snake.
 
RMorrow;4368447; said:
...And, I had to find, catch, and remove a black mamba from a man's house because he thought it looked cool on the internet and had owned other snakes in the past. By the way, she was a beautiful 4.5 foot female snake.
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:eek: wow...
 
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