I feel rude just jumping in without an intro, so here's from the newbie

[AnOceanSpirit]

Hi all,

This seems like a very tight-knit community, so I felt funny just jumping in on threads without throwing an introduction out. I am a very new BP owner--bought my first one (a normal) the week following Thanksgiving after giving it lots and lots of thought! I've always been an animal lover, and I've always been drawn to "stranger" animals. Although I love puppies and kittens, I have also always had an affinity for rats, mice, turtles, frogs, lizards, and snakes. While my father never had a problem with my rodents and turtles (he actually LIKED my turtles!), he was never okay with my keeping a snake. I remember going out the family farm, gathering up garter snakes, and bringing them home. He would let me keep them a night in an aquarium, then the next day they were to be released. Snakes were just not his thing. Truth be known, it was best for those garter snakes--I had NO idea what I was doing back then, at 10 years old, no internet at the time and no library nearby, and those poor little guys would have been dead in no time, I'm sure.

For a long time the fact that mice and rats were the snakes' prey bothered me--not for any morale or ethical reasons, but because I saw them as pets. I didn't know about frozen rodents, otherwise I probably would have jumped in on BPs a long time ago. My last rat Gizmo died a few months back and my husband is always on the road. I wanted an animal I can sit on the couch and "cuddle" with while I read or watch TV. I wanted one that had a lifespan longer than a rat's three years, that doesn't pee and poo all over the place all the time, and doesn't wake me up at midnight. I decided on a Ball Python because I believe it truly is a beautiful snake--the best disposition, absolutely gorgeous, and I have to admit, the cutest faces.

I have found this forum to be a true fount of knowledge, and it seems as if there is a great sense of camaraderie which I really do look forward to. It is hard to find fellow snake owners/lovers in my neck of the woods. I guarantee I will ask some amateur questions, and I will do my best to make sure I don't break the rules of forum etiquette by repeating questions that have been answered ten different times in 20 different threads. Can't promise I'll succeed, but I'll do my best! All the basic stuff about me: I live in a small house on 8.5 acres in a small town in southern TX not too far from Houston. We share our house and property with one Ball Python (normal), four horses, and our wonderful dog. My husband is not the most supportive of my interest in snakes, but I hope to draw him to the dark side yet...

Look forward to meeting y'all!
Tiffany

[Skittles1101]

Welcome to the forum! Looking forward to pictures of your little guy

[Vypyrz]

Hello Tiffany, and to BP.net. Enjoy your time here.

[Emily Hubbard]

Welcome! I was like you, I was never allowed to have a snake growing up. Got one two months after I moved into my first apartment. I am new too, I have had my girl around a month. I probably researched for two years and looked with longing at what online breeders had every season. Some people will just never get our love of snakes. Yes, furry things are great comfort too, but when I sit on the couch and just let my snake crawl over my hands a burrow in my blanket, there is just something soothing and realizing about it. It's not like having a domestic animal that loves you unconditionally. It's a wild animal that has accepted you as non-threatening and tolerates your presence. There is something very primal and fascinating about it. We can't all explain it, and we don't have to!!! On this forum, we all just get it.

[Tarawr88]

Welcome! I'm relatively new here as well! You truly did a great thing by bringing a Ball Python into the family-- they make the best of friends, my male can vouch for that, but then again I'm probably a silly novice with that belief! lol

[mpkeelee]

Welcome Tiffany, I lived in el paso for four years and have family in killeen. Hope u enjoy it here and bring on those questions, we r always happy to help.

[DellaF]

Welcome to the forum. This is a great place to get knowledge about owning BP's I have been a member here for quite a while. Most forums I join I may visit on occasion. The BP.net is something I look forward to visiting everyday I especially love the picture section. Enjoy your BP and don't forget they are addicting

[ball python 22]

to the forum and dont be afraid to ask any questions the people on this forum are very helpful

[SlitherinSisters]

Welcome to the site and the family!

[mkeller13]

Welcome Tiffany!