ball pythons in public?

[dar1eney]

hi i recently got 3 new pythons and i was wondering if it was okay to bring them out in public? like to the park or just holding them while walking around?

[Immy]

I always thought that would be a really cool idea to do, but I'd be afraid of it getting too stressed out If there are groups of people walking around everywhere..

[wilomn]

Hmmmm, first time poster and a hot button topic.

Is that tuna I smell?

[Spaniard]

Generally not a good idea. Most people are usually scared of them. Unfortunately for us and our hobby we are constantly under attack by such people, this makes it extremely important to consider the image you give our hobby by walking about in public with your snake. You may not see it as a big deal but someone who is not into snakes can view it as a irresponsible aspect of our ownership. If I want to take my snakes outside I will just bring them out in the backyard. No need for me to go out in public when I know 95% of the population is irrationally fearful of them and probably don't want to be forced into close proximity with them.

[dar1eney]

yeah i thought it would stress them out too, but sometimes i just wanna show them to a few friends while being out. i guess keeping them in is the best.

[rocky88]

You definitely shouldn't try it if you walk around the house and when someone in your house walks by the snake jumps or curls in a ball. Get them used to people. I would say a few months before they are almost completely comfortable in your house. But then outside is a different story. I would start off just around your house where if you believe they get stressed, you can take them back inside. And as for the weather, if you have to put on a sweater/jacket, it's too cold for the snake. But when it is warm out I've noticed taking my normal outside under the sun he seems to like the warmth.

[dar1eney]

Generally not a good idea. Most people are usually scared of them. Unfortunately for us and our hobby we are constantly under attack by such people, this makes it extremely important to consider the image you give our hobby by walking about in public with your snake. You may not see it as a big deal but someone who is not into snakes can view it as a irresponsible aspect of our ownership. If I want to take my snakes outside I will just bring them out in the backyard. No need for me to go out in public when I know 95% of the population is irrationally fearful of them and probably don't want to be forced into close proximity with them.

thanks. that was very helpful

[gothkenny]

If you're just going to a park where there aren't TOO many people then I think its fine. Lots of people will actually come up to me and ask me about my reptiles. But as for a busy area or into town? UHHH. Noooo.

[waltah!]

I saw a guy walking around with a bp around his neck in a local mall.....in December! I actually stopped and asked the guy if he knew the kind of stress he was putting on the snake. He said "he loves being out with me". My parting words were "enjoy your vet bill from the RI he's going to have"...that's assuming he would bother.
Some people have a major fear of snakes, and I would not take mine out in public areas like that. I take them out in my own yard for some outdoor time, but that's about it.

[Corvid]

I live in a townhouse, so my "backyard" is a semi-public area. When I know that certain neighbors won't be around I'll take one out for some fresh air, but am VERY cautious of who is around.
But for the most part your snake will be happier in its home or wrapped around your wrist where there is no risk of people with fears or parasites.