Taking the plunge…

Today was a big day.  I lodged my application for keeping a reptile that is not exempt from licensing.  Our Dragons are a Class A species and are therefore I don’t require a license.  For a very long time (since I was a kid), I’ve wanted to own a snake.  With the experience I have gained in keeping our Dragons, I think I am ready.

Something that I have yet not really detailed that demonstrates my commitment to keeping reptiles in general, but, more specifically the snake that I hope to acquire is the deal I have going in relation to my health.  I had an arrangement with my beautiful wife last year that if I lost 25 kgs, I could bring home the Bearded Dragons that we now have.  Obviously I met that goal.  Problem being, I put a lot of that back on.  This time, rather than just get back to where I was, I agreed to lose 35 kgs in order to earn the privilege of bringing a snake into our home.  Well, I am just about there.  I’ve lost just over 30 kgs to date.  So, as an incentive to drop those last few kilos, I lodged the license application with the hope of being as ready as possible for the day when I break that weight barrier.

I included links and information contained in this blog in my application to demonstrate the care and experience that I have in relation to reptile keeping.  So if by any chance you are reading this and you are assessing my application, please be nice, I really want this and have worked hard to get in a position to have it.

I’ve also started getting ready for if I am successful both in my application and the remainder of my weight loss.

  I have started setting up what was originally the hospital tank when Booster was injured, ready to hold what I hope will be our new family member.  As you can see, I have put it on a nice cabinet, that was also a weight loss incentive along the way.  It won’t be on the window as it is pictured here as direct sunlight is a no no for maintaining a consistent and manageable temperature.  We’re just setting up our lounge after the arrival of our new couch and this location is temporary.

I had originally intended this to be the final enclosure for a sub species of Antaresia, which would happily live in an enclosure of this size throughout their life.  However, after doing a lot of homework, I have decided to go with a Diamond Python as my first snake due to its superior hardiness and overall nature of the species.  What that does mean though is that this enclosure will only be suitable for the next 2-3 years depending on the size of the individual.  At that time I will need to look at acquiring a larger enclosure.  I have some designs in mind and am looking forward to either building it myself, of having it made for me.

All this of course hangs on two things.  My continued weight loss and being successful in my license application.  I’m working hard for one and crossing my fingers for the other.

A quick final note about our Dragons.  Both are sleeping happily through all this cold weather.  I have checked on them regularly, ensuring that they are still alive, if not really kicking.  I have also set up the thermostat on a ceramic bulb to ensure that no matter how cold it gets during the night, they will be at least warm enough to make it through until morning.  I am a bit of a Nervous Nelly about it and probably being overly cautious as a result, but, it is our first Brumation together.