Dad doesn't like snakes.

[rainbowballpython211]

My Dad doesn't like snakes, but I love them, I need some ideas to help convince him to let me get one.I would be getting a Ball Python or a Brazilian Rainbow Boa. I already have a cage with a locking screen top, from my old Bearded Dragon who died, it is 40 gallons. I have already done my research, also if you could suggest any other breeds of snakes that would be great (I do not want a colubrid). Thanks.

[dragonmoon]

honestly someone who doesn't like snakes probably won't be convinced to allow one in the house ..... I know not what you want to hear but fact.....

[JLC]

Ohhh, I don't think it's a "fact" that you can't convince a snake-hater to allow once in the house. But it IS more difficult to do. My husband doesn't like snakes either....but now I have five.

It takes a great deal of time, patience, and RESPECT for the other person's point of view. But it can be done.

Without any whining or other immature attitudes....explain to him how quiet and unobtrusive a snake is as a pet. Explain that he will NEVER even see the snake if he doesn't want to. Demonstrate your ability to keep it secured, and your ability to financially care for it without causing him any grief about it. If you have to ask him for money to buy rodents...well....that wouldn't go over too well.

Again, be patient and mature about the whole thing. You may not get a "yes" answer anytime soon...but over time, if you can show that your interest is sincere and steadfast (without pestering him!)...he may decide that it's ok to have one.

[dragonmoon]

I said probably lol its taken my wife 8 years of refusing , and a couple of agreeing then changing mind again to get to the point where we will get one ... you could always try bringing up the subject of tarantulas... Once I did that she said NO we will have a snake before then haha... I also dvr every reptile show for my ten year old daughter and she usually watches them when my wife is in the room so she is coming around.... she isnt going to ever want to hold one but as long as its in a lockable enclosure she is going to tolerate it .... but like I said 8 years is a long time to persuade someone

[LP.]

My father was the same way. It took a few tries to get him to even let me get a pet, but now I have 2 snakes and 5 geckos, and he even gets excited about going to reptile expos.

As JLC said, don't be whiney and don't complain if he doesn't go for it or listen to you right away. I can almost guarantee he won't do either. It took me at least 4 talk-overs with my dad to get my first snake.

Also explain how a ball python is NOTHING like any usual house pet; No noise, no smell unless you personally let it get to that point, no mess, etc. Show him you have the proper set up, the set up is secured, and that you HAVE done your research on the species.

The one reason I got my dad to agree, I told him my future career(s) had to do with reptiles, and that I have a real passion for them. As long as you're reasonable and mature about it, he should eventually let you get it.

[rainbowballpython211]

Ohhh, I don't think it's a "fact" that you can't convince a snake-hater to allow once in the house. But it IS more difficult to do. My husband doesn't like snakes either....but now I have five.

It takes a great deal of time, patience, and RESPECT for the other person's point of view. But it can be done.

Without any whining or other immature attitudes....explain to him how quiet and unobtrusive a snake is as a pet. Explain that he will NEVER even see the snake if he doesn't want to. Demonstrate your ability to keep it secured, and your ability to financially care for it without causing him any grief about it. If you have to ask him for money to buy rodents...well....that wouldn't go over too well.

Again, be patient and mature about the whole thing. You may not get a "yes" answer anytime soon...but over time, if you can show that your interest is sincere and steadfast (without pestering him!)...he may decide that it's ok to have one.

Thanks, that helped I will try all the stuff you suggested, also do you have any good beginner snakes(not colubrids)

[LP.]

Thanks, that helped I will try all the stuff you suggested, also do you have any good beginner snakes(not colubrids)

Personally my first and only snakes have been ball pythons. If you're worried about a snake being worked up and aggressive, ball pythons would be the easiest species I think. If its husbandry that you're worried about, just do the research, and the rest is very easy to maintain.

[dragonmoon]

Could always go with Childrens Pythons they stay nice and small too

[SpartaDog]

Keeping the cage secure will be a big issue. Also, dispel any misconceptions he has about snakes (they're not slimy, not all venomous, not all aggressive etc). You could even show him some reptile stats (such as the fact that you're more likely to be struck by lighting, hit by an asteroid, or be blown up in a fireworks accident than killed by a reptile. Really, look it up).

Tell him all the positives to owning a snake as opposed to another animal. They're totally silent, rarely smell, hide and sleep most of the day, only eat once or twice every week or two, keep their mess contained, and the species you want is relatively slow-moving so escape is highly unlikely. Snakes are without a doubt the easiest and CHEAPEST pets I have ever owned, lol.

Or, if you're really really determined, do a full-out powerpoint presentation on the species you want (or even on snakes in general) and present it to your dad. My friend did that to get her chameleon, and it worked. It shows how passionate you are about getting one, that you're hard-working and diligent, and that you know everything there is to know about the animal and its needs, so you're not getting into more than you can handle.

As for species, go with the ball. BRBs are beautiful, but not usually recommended for beginners because they have very high humidity requirements and have a bit of a reputation for being nippy. Children's and spotted pythons could also be good starter constrictors, but most other starter snakes are colubrids.

[DennisB]

my mom hates snakes and would never let me get one...

So one day I went to the store and bought one without her knowing...