Just a question...

[ladywhipple02]

Hasn't it been BEEEEEAUTIFUL outside? Today is absolutely gorgeous. So, I had a question: I haven't been able to spend as much time as I would like with the snakes lately, and I haven't been able to enjoy the weather much, either. I'd like to take them out, let them have a little sun, crawl in the grass, get some fresh air, while I do the same and get some nice true-light shots.

My problem? I live in an apartment complex and I'm scared to take them outside here. So many people are afraid of snakes, I'm scared that if someone truly doesn't like them, someone will make me get rid of them. So, I thought to take them to a park. But I kinda have the same issues. I don't want to freak people out.

Should I just give it up until I get my own yard? Or should I say screw it, I can use the park, too? I guess I'm just looking for opinions.

Hopefully, I will be able to get the geckos out today and get some nice shots of them. I have a couple new boys here (thanks Wendy!) whom I haven't introduced yet.

Also, a side note: my interent was hit and miss for a few weeks, then down completely for a couple more, which is why I haven't been participating as much as I used to... Got it fixed today, though, so, hopefullly, I'll be back on here a bit more!

Thanks!

[Danielle(THM)]

Don't even worry, unless your landlord (Or whoever) has a problem with you having ANY pets. If not, go for it, Bauhamat is going to come with me everywhere in the summer.

[Wild Bill]

I personally lean to the side of caution, I would rather keep my snake owning secretive. The number of people that are scared of snakes far outweigh the number of ones who are not. I live in a town that has banned pit bulls, rottweilers and bull dogs. This town has never had an incident with these breeds, but fear has caused them to pass the ban. I for one don't want them to include my snakes!! It only takes a couple of people to complain to your landlord to cause a problem for you.

[Melicious]

Actually. I live in an apartment complex and I honestly don't care. People start out shaking in fear and then I turn it into a learning experience. They usually end up asking me if there are any places to pick a ball up at. I'm always willing to point them in the right direction, and the kids love getting out...or so it seems.

[Ironhead]

I wouldnt worry about it like Danielle said. I take mine to the park evey now and then and have never had a problem. I do though, call the local Sheriff just to let them know Im out there incase they get call's about me. lol

[Melicious]

Offtopic: Ironhead, I love your signature about the troops. AMEN!

[4theSNAKElady]

Lady, I would be careful. Some people totally freak when they see a wild snake, nonetheless someone's pet. And some states, owning a snake or taking it out in public is illegal. You wouldn't want to deal with the law. If you just want to snap a few pics, this is what I would do......go to a park on an "off" day so you have less people there, and more privacy. slect a slightly more secluded area, and bring your snakes in a cooler to conceal them. Take em' out, snap your pics, and just keep lookin around for people. When someone is in the distance, yoink! just put em' back in the cooler. They don't know that's not your picnic lunch!!! Another option is to find a friend with a yard so, you can snap pics and let your babies roam without worrying about bothering anyone.Good luck!!! If you lived closer, I'd let ya use my yard!!

[frankykeno]

Just a couple of things to think about. A lot of public parks and shared green areas of apartment complexes are sprayed this time of year for weed control, pest control type things. Be really careful as they don't always mark the area properly so your snake could be exposed to some pretty awful chemicals. There is also of course the issue of escape in a public place to consider.

As far as taking the snakes out and freaking out the neighbours I'm very careful of that. I try to educate folks but I also respect that many people do not like snakes, will never like snakes or are outright fearful of them. Just because I love snakes doesn't mean I can shove my hobby in their faces and expect acceptance. I also try to remember that my actions in public with our snakes can affect every other snake owner in my county. If I mess up, folks get upset, call the law makers and bingo...new and yet more stupid snake laws.

I'm not being mean or trying to say never take your snake outside. What I am saying is do so very responsibly and consider whether taking the snake out in public is really for the snake's benefit or is it more about how much attention you are getting.

[rabernet]

I'm also in an apartment and I'm very careful about who knows I have the snakes. The last thing I want is a neighbor calling the office and complaining.


I'm sure to someone who is truly terrified of snakes, knowing that there are 8 ball pythons (hey Adam - I have 8 ball pythons right now! anyway, I regress! LOL) in my apartment surely conjures up visions of them escaping and making their way into their apartment. I even make sure no one is around when I bring home a Kritter Keeper full of mice - that just begs for more questions too.

[Melicious]

I usually let the office know either ahead of time or when I purchase a new kid. The girl who works there thinks they're absolutely adorable and loves coming by to see them. The people I live around are curious about them and they end up coming to the conclusion that they're going to get one some time.