Why are ball pythons (and other snakes/reptiles) so addictive?

[Marzipan]

I have been both read and been told numerous times that ball pythons (and indeed snakes/reptiles in general) are extremely addictive as pets, and once you have one, you will want another. I also know many people here who I imagine are a living testament to being addicted to reptiles, and in fact I am starting to feel it a little bit myself.

What do you think it is about keeping reptiles that is so addictive - and why? I am very curious to hear some thoughts about this!

[AntTheDestroyer]

I think it is more the work for numerous snakes is not much more than it is for one, and in many ways they are a part time pet. It is all comes down to what you are capable of handling work wise. For example two dogs really, to me, is no more work than one. The second a third dog is added it is complete chaos, so I have two dogs. In the case of snakes I have found that right around 12 snakes is the point where I don't feel I am spending an exorbitant time on the work part of care. Before someone jumps on me for the "part time" comment, I will quantify it to mean that snakes can and should not be handled frequently. As too much interaction can actually be harmful to them, having as many as you are comfortable keep actually is best for them as you can spread the "love" around. Also it is nice when 90% of your collection is in blue or was just fed, you can still find someone to hang out with.

[JodanOrNoDan]

I think it is more the work for numerous snakes is not much more than it is for one, and in many ways they are a part time pet. It is all comes down to what you are capable of handling work wise. For example two dogs really, to me, is no more work than one. The second a third dog is added it is complete chaos, so I have two dogs. In the case of snakes I have found that right around 12 snakes is the point where I don't feel I am spending an exorbitant time on the work part of care. Before someone jumps on me for the "part time" comment, I will quantify it to mean that snakes can and should not be handled frequently. As too much interaction can actually be harmful to them, having as many as you are comfortable keep actually is best for them as you can spread the "love" around. Also it is nice when 90% of your collection is in blue or was just fed, you can still find someone to hang out with.

This is dead on. Especially the part about three dogs. LOL

[Marzipan]

I think it is more the work for numerous snakes is not much more than it is for one, and in many ways they are a part time pet. It is all comes down to what you are capable of handling work wise. For example two dogs really, to me, is no more work than one. The second a third dog is added it is complete chaos, so I have two dogs. In the case of snakes I have found that right around 12 snakes is the point where I don't feel I am spending an exorbitant time on the work part of care. Before someone jumps on me for the "part time" comment, I will quantify it to mean that snakes can and should not be handled frequently. As too much interaction can actually be harmful to them, having as many as you are comfortable keep actually is best for them as you can spread the "love" around. Also it is nice when 90% of your collection is in blue or was just fed, you can still find someone to hang out with.

I definitely thought this too (in regards to the number of reptiles one can comfortably keep versus other, more high maintenance animals). I still wonder if there is something especially addictive about reptiles though in comparison to other animals...

For instance, you can progress from beginner snakes, to intermediate and then advanced, plus the amout of morphs and different care needs are both fascinating and staggering in variety. I just feel there is just something mysteriously addictive about them and I can't seem to put my finger on what it is - although that could just be my personal preference speaking.

[zina10]

To me, snakes are "living art". They are so unique and so beautiful.

We as humans like to "collect" art. That they are alive and can be interacted with, is a big draw as well.

Plus, keeping 10 snakes is a lot easier then 10 dogs, or cats or horses

[cletus]

I think they are just like anything else. If one is good, 3 is better. Throw an addictive personality in there and it grows and it can get out of hand. These animals are pretty easy to take care of and if you use a rack system, the footprint can be very small. The problem comes when one get's bored. It's easy to get passionate about something and jump in with both feet and a credit card only to grow out of it in a relatively short amount of time. You are left with animals that you don't want or care about anymore. It's a lot more responsibility than you think. I have to be really careful because I have a wicked addictive personality. When I got back into snakes I had visions of rooms full of racks and I had to take a step back and think about it before it got out of hand. I'm glad that the older me is able to do that better than the younger me was. lol Having said all that, I get it. Snakes are fun. Growing your collection is fun and I didn't mean to put a negative spin on it. If you have the means to care for lots of animals and give them the care they deserve, more power to you. When my wishlist is complete I will have about 10 snakes.. And to clarify, I'm not pointing fingers at anyone. Especially the members that are breeders.

[JodanOrNoDan]

To me, snakes are "living art". They are so unique and so beautiful.

We as humans like to "collect" art. That they are alive and can be interacted with, is a big draw as well.

Plus, keeping 10 snakes is a lot easier then 10 dogs, or cats or horses

Horses..... Ball python "addiction" does not even come close to horses. Those things are like crack cocaine to me. On one side of my family I was heavily involved with american saddlebreds, and thouroughbreds on the other side. I was lucky to get away with some money and just a few scars. It is disgusting I know, but I love the smell of their poop and their sweat. There is not a single thing I don't love about horses. I don't allow myself anywhere near them now or i will start spending loads of money. I promised myself I would not get involved again until I retired.

[cletus]

Horses..... Ball python "addiction" does not even come close to horses. Those things are like crack cocaine to me. On one side of my family I was heavily involved with american saddlebreds, and thouroughbreds on the other side. I was lucky to get away with some money and just a few scars. It is disgusting I know, but I love the smell of their poop and their sweat. There is not a single thing I don't love about horses. I don't allow myself anywhere near them now or i will start spending loads of money. I promised myself I would not get involved again until I retired.

It's hard to find people more passionate about their animals than horse people.

[JodanOrNoDan]

It's hard to find people more passionate about their animals than horse people.

I can't disagree with that. Your whole life ends up revolving around the animals. At least with the snakes I can get away for a couple days without worrying too much.

[cletus]

I can't disagree with that. Your whole life ends up revolving around the animals. At least with the snakes I can get away for a couple days without worrying too much.

Yeah. It's a whole culture when it comes to horses. A lifestyle. You can totally be a casual reptile keeper but horses are a way of life. Nobody has their horse thing "on the side" unless they are rich and have people caring for them and they just show up every so often to take a ride.