A Little Understanding Would Be Good...

[deranged chipmunk]

^^^^ here here!! while admittedly, i can not relate to having a controlling parent, i do get the "why" question all the time. "why frogs?" "why shrimp?". i just tell people, it's what "I" enjoy, and that is all that matters. people to need accept you for who you are, the complete package, frogs and all. if they can't, well then, that is their issue that they need to work out. to paraphrase and old Billy Joel song, "don't go changin', to try and please" ANYONE!!!

[Pluke]

Why is it of any concern to him what animals you keep if he doesn't even live there..? That really irks me and it's not even my problem. Just tell him you enjoy having them and in actuality there is a good chance your prolonging their lifespan, because of the lack of threats from predators and disease. He obviously has no idea what he's talking about.

The Cubans are dangerous? Only way they could be dangerous is if you let them go, you know, since they're an invasive species. From the sounds of it, that's what he's suggesting you do. Let them go... yeah, that makes sense. I'd just tell him to mind his own business. You're not under his roof anymore, sounds like he needs to come to terms with that. You have these animals because you like them and they make you happy, whats the problem with that? As long as you take good care of them, there should be no issue. I could see him being bothered if you were a terrible keeper, but I don't think that's the case.