Owning a Ball python at 40?

I'm currently in the military. I was thinking of staying 20 years and retire. But I'll be 45 when I'm done. I know snakes live for a long time. My concern is that my pet will outlive me.

It's not about how long you or the animal will live it's about having a plan and know who will take care of your animal(s) when something happen.

There is no guarantee in life, people die at 20,30,40 50,60,70,80,90,100

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Originally Posted by SnakeKisses

I'm currently in the military. I was thinking of staying 20 years and retire. But I'll be 45 when I'm done. I know snakes live for a long time. My concern is that my pet will outlive me.

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I agree with Deborah's post above, & when you finally do get to have your own reptiles, you'll no doubt make some contacts that are also enthused keepers, so you'll want to make & keep an updated list of those you'd like contacted (including reptile rescues) just "in case". None of us know the future but you can't let that stop you from enjoying things in life as long as you're here.

:welcome: And meanwhile, you can live vicariously thru the rest of us...

I don't see the issue. I'm almost 40 and I'm sure I'll buy a few more snakes over the years.

I use OneNote that my wife and I share. It has all the passwords, vehicle info, guns, and my snakes info. I put the cost of most things in there so if I go she will have a guide and idea of what's what. I add pictures in each snake's tab to make it even easier.

I've had some close calls over the years as a police officer but came really close to being killed Oct of 2016 on the job so like mentioned above you just never know so have a plan.

Thank you for your service.

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Originally Posted by KMG

...I've had some close calls over the years as a police officer but came really close to being killed Oct of 2016 on the job so like mentioned above you just never know so have a plan.

Thank you for your service.

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And thank you for YOUR service too. :salute: Please stay safe...that's a rough job.

I'm 62 and recently bought my first snake last fall. Now I have a wish list and no fear that I'm too old to be able to love and handle my reptiles as long as they need it. My youngest daughter is also a reptophile and in line to inherit if something happens to me. It's just a matter of being prepared, as others have pointed out. Best wishes to you and your future babies!

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Originally Posted by KMG

I don't see the issue. I'm almost 40 and I'm sure I'll buy a few more snakes over the years.

I use OneNote that my wife and I share. It has all the passwords, vehicle info, guns, and my snakes info. I put the cost of most things in there so if I go she will have a guide and idea of what's what. I add pictures in each snake's tab to make it even easier.

I've had some close calls over the years as a police officer but came really close to being killed Oct of 2016 on the job so like mentioned above you just never know so have a plan.

Thank you for your service.

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That what also concerns me. Dying on the job and never getting to buy my first snake. But I know it would be more trouble getting a snake while in service because then I would have to find someone to watch it.

Snakes are easy. Try being a new Dad at over fifty after 23+ years in the Army:O Chasing a toddler will show your old.

With snakes it's like any pet or collection. You'll want a will an care plan. Somethings don't go to family. I hate that I lost an old friend, but I have his Sulcata. His kids would have sold it on Craigslist.

Don't overthink it.

Good luck!

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Originally Posted by SnakeKisses

That what also concerns me. Dying on the job and never getting to buy my first snake. But I know it would be more trouble getting a snake while in service because then I would have to find someone to watch it.

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I'm with ya!

So many officers I know wait until retirement to do this or that. I have a boat, two motorcycles, and a Jeep TJ as toys. I may not make retirement so I might as well do some things I want now while I can.

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Originally Posted by KMG

I'm with ya!

So many officers I know wait until retirement to do this or that. I have a boat, two motorcycles, and a Jeep TJ as toys. I may not make retirement so I might as well do some things I want now while I can.

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Even when you make it to retirement, other issues (like injuries) sometimes make it so some things that were fun at 45 are just not fun years later. Snake-keeping is pretty good in retirement though, assuming you're not wrestling anacondas. :D