Snakes and the Military

[Himitsu]

I got into snakes just over 2 years ago, from someone I met online. Half a year later I got a ball python (pinstripe) named Yuki, and just a month ago (August 17) I got a cute little 50% Super Dwarf Retic male (so he will stay 8-9 feet max which is a size I am quite comfortable handling) that I named Loki because I wasn't supposed to get any more snakes. At the time, though, I planned on staying in the area and continuing to try and get on at the local paper mills, which would allow me to move out and get more snakes. Eventually, I would like to get into breeding ball pythons.

Over the last couple weeks, though, things have changed. My hours have been cut back even more from the dismal that they previously were and it has led me to seriously consider something that has been floating around in the back of my mind for a year now: Air Force. At this point, there really isn't much that could change my mind from joining (I haven't taken the ASVAB yet, but I am not worried about being unable to pass it). If possible, I don't want to get rid of my snakes, but I also understand that it could be in excess of 2 years before I am able to take them back. Currently the plan is to show my little sister (13) how to take care of them. One of my mom's concerns is that she isn't sure if she will catch if there happens to be something wrong with them, and me, well, they're my babies, so of course I will worry over their care. As much as I don't want to, I'm really starting to think that it might be in the best interest of the animals to find them new homes (I will most likely be able to return the Retic to his breeder), but I wanted the online herp community's opinion on the matter. If at all possible I would like to keep my Pinstripe at least (and would love if it is possible to keep Loki as well). I got her January 2012, so I've had her a year and a half now, but do understand if you guys don't think it is in her best interest. In the end, I have to think of her over me.

I do have one other question, and this is mostly out of curiosity. As stated above, I would like to eventually breed ball pythons. Not sure at this point if I will make Military a career or just join for 4 years, but if I do stay in how many people have had success with such a hobby while in the armed forces? By success I don't mean "how much do you make off of it?" (I understand most people only break even or are in the red), but "have you managed to balance military career and snake hobby?"

And now, since I'm sure you want to see them, here are some pictures of my two babies:

Loki:
[IMG][/IMG]
Picture taken at the time I first got him home. Last time I weighed and measured him he was two inches shy of four feet and 458 grams (about 3 weeks ago). He is a 2011 baby she had been thinking of holding back.

Yuki:




I got her January 21, 2012 at 94 grams and about 16 inches long. Now she is about 3.5 feet and weighed 1300 grams last I checked (also about 3 weeks ago)