Journey Into the Reptile World

I have always been interested in reptiles. Growing up, it was my favorite part of going to the zoo and to the pet store- I grew up fascinated by these creatures. Fast forward to now, an adult in college, I figured it was time to delve into this world that I have always been on the outside looking into, longing to be apart of it.

As I am new to this, I decided that a ball python would be easy enough for me to take care of as a beginner. Sleepless nights on YouTube researching the products and care I would need to provide for my reptile started me off in the right direction, but I needed more.

My first step on this journey was to the nearest reptile expo. The Lone Star Reptile Expo had a two day showing in my hometown, so I figured it was the best option I had to talk to experienced reptile handlers.

I had a lot of neat interactions:

• Holding a baby ball python. It had been awhile since I personally have held a snake so feeling her moving around made me nervous and excited simultaneously.
• Exploring the types of hides and substrates available
• Seeing exotic animals such as
• Chameleons 
• Axolotls
• Iguanas
• Tortoises
• Boas
•  Observing different complex morphs of ball pythons.

Getting to explore this expo opened my eyes into the reptile world. I learned a lot about the care of ball python- people's opinions and experiences on substrates, hides, heat sources, food, tanks etc.

I also was just very accepted by this community and that was just very surprising to me- joining a community you know little about is either you're accepted or rejected. But these people were just so loving and accepting and they put up with my questions that were very basic and simple. I am excited to become apart of this world!