Reactions in social circle

After I adopted my first BP over the weekend, most people in my social network seem to think I am [absolutely] crazy to adopt a snake. One guy even went as far to say that my pictures of Noodles on Facebook were too gross. Have you also had to face such criticisms?

Shortly after getting my BP, was at a family dinner. Someone must have told my sister-in-law and from across the room she called out, "Is this true? Why did you get a snake?!"
After a moment to think about a response I shot back with, "I'm allergic to cats".

Just this week there was a news story about a pet rescue / reptile store in Ohio that had a break-in and some snakes were stolen. Here's a paragraph from the story, which is being repeated in many online news sites:

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The stolen stakes include: three Motley pythons, two Burmese pythons, one Bumblebee python and one Ball python. The snakes are all juveniles, about six months old or younger, Everley said. Some can grow to about 30 feet long.

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http://www.cleveland.com/akron/index.ssf/2015/06/seven_rare_pythons_stolen_from.html

Really, a good thing to do is take some photos and video clips with your snake so they can see its actual size and how calm it is when being handled. And that it isn't a 30 feet long killing machine...yet.

I did not. At least not with my friends or family. My mom wont hold them but she has no issues taking their pictures (she is a professional photographer). If I go out to a store and I talk to people about my snakes, I very often get "eww" or "why?" remarks. I do not let it bother me though and I simply explain my passion.

No, I don't have facebook.

I don't get the attraction.

Most of my family thinks I'm crazy but they don't say to much anymore because in doing something That I love. Unless I put pics up of feeder rabbits or chickens

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I actually have a lot of friends who love my tiny snake, but I have some very odd friends sometimes. :D Some people don't understand why I look at so many pictures or why I want to go to reptile shops when I travel, but these few rarely say much about it. :gj: The worst reaction I have had is my father-in-law and his mom, who are terrified of snakes but don't really say much about it. Father-in-law informed me that he stopped trying to hit them while mowing the grass, just for me. I consider that an improvement. :weirdface

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Originally Posted by The Golem

Shortly after getting my BP, was at a family dinner. Someone must have told my sister-in-law and from across the room she called out, "Is this true? Why did you get a snake?!"
After a moment to think about a response I shot back with, "I'm allergic to cats".

Just this week there was a news story about a pet rescue / reptile store in Ohio that had a break-in and some snakes were stolen. Here's a paragraph from the story, which is being repeated in many online news sites:


[/FONT][/COLOR]http://www.cleveland.com/akron/index.ssf/2015/06/seven_rare_pythons_stolen_from.html

Really, a good thing to do is take some photos and video clips with your snake so they can see its actual size and how calm it is when being handled. And that it isn't a 30 feet long killing machine...yet.

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It's not 30' now and won't ever be. If any snake were to reach 30', with actual verifiable proof and not hearsay or forced perspective, I'd hand over my next 3 pay checks. There have been no verified recorded cases of snakes reaching or exceeding 30' of any species, just tales of such snakes.

I have gotten so "ews" and "but whys?" but even the people who used to be disgusted by them have begun to like snakes after all the pictures I post on my FB. Even my grandmother, who used to fear for my safety with my 6' BCI has slowly become more used to them and doesn't worry so much now that she knows a 6' boa poses little danger and she knows I'll take precautions with my retic. Overall, I've had fairly positive feedback.

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Originally Posted by CloudtheBoa

It's not 30' now and won't ever be. If any snake were to reach 30', with actual verifiable proof and not hearsay or forced perspective, I'd hand over my next 3 pay checks. There have been no verified recorded cases of snakes reaching or exceeding 30' of any species, just tales of such snakes.
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I completely agree! But that line was included in the article at legit news sites. It's very irresponsible reporting and just seems to be inserted for shock value; it is irrelevant to the story.

http://wgntv.com/2015/06/16/7-rare-p...ohio-pet-shop/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/0...n_7593972.html

It's like saying, "A 4 month old jack russell terrier has been stolen. Some dogs can grow to 44" paw to shoulder and weigh up to 130 pounds".

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Originally Posted by The Golem

I completely agree! But that line was included in the article at legit news sites. It's very irresponsible reporting and just seems to be inserted for shock value; it is irrelevant to the story.

http://wgntv.com/2015/06/16/7-rare-p...ohio-pet-shop/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/0...n_7593972.html

It's like saying, "A 4 month old jack russell terrier has been stolen. Some dogs can grow to 44" paw to shoulder and weigh up to 130 pounds".

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Whenever a snake story is reported or snakes are involved in a TV show, etc. they will insert as much shock value as they can squeeze in. Anything snake or reptile related that is geared towards the general public will be filled with fear-mongering and misinformation. It's just like anything else in a culture, it's included to cement values.
In this case it's the fear of snakes.


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Originally Posted by CloudtheBoa

Whenever a snake story is reported or snakes are involved in a TV show, etc. they will insert as much shock value as they can squeeze in. Anything snake or reptile related that is geared towards the general public will be filled with fear-mongering and misinformation. It's just like anything else in a culture, it's included to cement values.
In this case it's the fear of snakes.


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True. Animals are to be respected not feared. Most animals only attack when their personal space is invaded or they are afraid of us and they want to defend themselves.

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I get the same thing from friends, family and coworkers so I try to educate them about these great animals. It doesn't help with the kind of press that snakes get. I watch Kijiji constantly for snakes and other interesting stuff. I have seen an ad for a Dumerils that a guy is selling. On the weekend his ad had been updated to say that he was looking for assistance (keep on the lookout for) his lost snake! My wife and I had a chuckle about it, trying to figure out what kind of help he expected - most people in Halifax would run if they saw a full size Dumerils. There was an article in the local paper on Monday saying that the lost snake had been found (never left his apartment).

I have gotten mixed reactions. Some people just give me that look that says " oh, so you're crazy" and other people have asked me why i have snakes. And a few have thought its cool. The last reaction is the least common. But I dont really mention my snakes to people too much anymore. If you know I have snakes thats cool and if you dont then you dont need to know.

To the OP I would unfriend them! As to answering the question, most of my friends and family have been cool about it and many come over to check them out. For those that are afraid of them I try to find out why but it amazes me how many are just scared but don't have a legitimate reason except for fear.
Then I show them this.
Average Number of Deaths per Year in the U.S

Bee/Wasp	53
Dogs	31
Spider	6.5
Rattlesnake	5.5
Mountain lion	1
Shark	1
Alligator	0.3
Bear	0.5
Scorpion	0.5
Centipede	0.5
Elephant	0.25
Wolf	0.1
Horse	20
Bull	3

Some of my friends are genuinely interested in my snakes, and are always asking me about them. Others are repulsed. Guess which category of people I admire more? :cool:

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Originally Posted by C2tcardin

To the OP I would unfriend them! As to answering the question, most of my friends and family have been cool about it and many come over to check them out. For those that are afraid of them I try to find out why but it amazes me how many are just scared but don't have a legitimate reason except for fear.
Then I show them this.
Average Number of Deaths per Year in the U.S

Bee/Wasp	53
Dogs	31
Spider	6.5
Rattlesnake	5.5
Mountain lion	1
Shark	1
Alligator	0.3
Bear	0.5
Scorpion	0.5
Centipede	0.5
Elephant	0.25
Wolf	0.1
Horse	20
Bull	3

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Thank you for the data. I agree that people have these irrational fear of snakes because of the exaggerated accounts in folklores and religious texts. Even in the Bible, the serpent is depicted as the representation of evil. I am originally from Nepal, and in those parts of the world the most of the snakes are venomous - like the cobra. That is why people are so scared of them.

Some part of my family went like:
OMG BUT THEY EAT RODENTS that is sooo sad for the rodents ! my response: "The F... you think your cat eats? lettuce ? just because your cats food does not look like it anymore he still eats meat!"

So they kinda turned around :) Other half of my family is obssessed.

Beside that I got friends that envy me, the others do not care and I got ones that just ignore it. But would they be at my place they still all wanna have a look and if they want I get my sweetest ball python out and they can touch the tail side :)

Still amazes me the reactions when they touch it:
OMG IT IS SO SOOOFFTTT etc.etc. who knows some of my friends might end up with some of my offspring :D

So far even he people who I know that don't like snakes have been at least politely interested. They'll even like and share any pics I post on facebook without any rude or unsettling comments. They know reptiles are one of my special interest topics and they're happy that I'm enjoying my hobby!

Usually people ask how big they are, and then dramatically overreact when they hear 4ft. Like they're thinking a 4ft diameter balled up behemoth.

Some people ask if I'm scared they'll bite/attack me. I usually respond I'm more afraid of bumping into rough velcro or something ridiculous, haha. Oh, but it's a snake... that's right. My 2.5 lb snake is terrifying next to your 60lb dog that's just all snuggles.

I've been told anecdotal tales of friends of friends who got rid of their boa after he woke up to it in his bed sizing him up. Which usually gets a healthy chuckle and a BS call out of me. Try to explain that, that story is completely made up, and I'd love to speak to this friend (never gotten a name yet...).

Plenty that want to see them, because they're fascinated.

Then there's my mother in law. Absolutely terrified. Thinks they'll be dangerous when my wife and I have kids. She's bold enough to come in the house, but doesn't want to be in the same room. Naturally... I got more snakes...

Ive encountered tons of prejudice, fear and opposition in my time owning reptiles. It usually begins with family and friends outright condemning ownership of the animals. The way I overcome it is to completely own the situation. I do not express any shame or remorse for my interest in reptiles, rather I show pride in the many diverse, beautiful and exotic species that I care for at a high level. Usually if I confidently speak about my animals, and how amazing they are, it induces some curiosity in my friends/family. I usually introduce them to my calmest boa, which also happens to be my largest. Mostly results in a, "oh my god shes so calm" reaction and, "wow maybe I want one."

I got a lot of people saying I was crazy too, but ya know what? Eff 'em. Severus is my pet and my choice. I'm super allergic to cats and I think birds are creepy, but I don't criticize people for owning them as pets. Snakes have such a bad rep and its crappy. They're awesome pets. They're super interesting to watch and I love learning about different ways to care for my BP. My family made jokes and said I was crazy, but every time we have a family bbq or something they wanna see pictures of him and ask me all kinds of questions. My family is awesome in that way, I've always been the black sheep, but they've always taken time to try and understand and I wish others were the same way.

I don't know how the term serpent became synonymous with snakes the Hebrew word for serpent is nachash and the meaning is to shine or being shiny

We aren't criticizing this craigslist post for providing disinformation, but rather the negative associations it perpetuates about snakes and snake owners. We all know that dogs kill far more people yearly than snakes, and that any large breed dog could seriously injur a child at any moment, but we don't automatically associate a golden retriever with a dead kid. The sad fact is that a large percentage of the population, regardless of hard data, associate snakes with bodily injury. CL posts like this only further these false associations in the minds of illogical people. We have learned throughout history that human populations are usually awful at making decisions based on logic and data. It's the same deal with gun laws. Knives hurt many more people than guns yearly, but you don't have to jump through hoops to buy a paring knife.

Point is: Don't feed the hysteria promoting propaganda machine.

My girlfriend is terrified of snakes, and thinks rodents are disgusting. That didn't stop me. After the first week of having my juvenile male albino bp, I could tell she was fascinated. She is still a little afraid of it, but she has held it a few times and I catch her watching him explore his enclosure in fascination. I'll make a snake lady out of her, just takes time to get over the irrational fear (that so many people have). Most of the other friends and family are fascinated by him. Even though most wouldn't feel comfortable holding him.

I'm an ecologist so I'm lucky in that most of the people I've worked with are really interested in my exotics. The times I've been on field excursions and randomly grabbed snakes, everyone is usually interested.

My parents are the only family members that really like my snakes. They have several garters of their own that they got when I moved out and took my babies with me. My other family members just kind of accept that I like snakes and don't criticize me for it. My husband is attached to them, but is afraid of getting bitten and will only hold a couple of my calmer garters. Since I started keeping snakes, my grandma who is really afraid of them has stopped killing them on sight and will get a long shovel or something and move them out of her yard usually now, so that's a win. :)

The only animals I have that I get really nasty comments about are my inverts. Even my family members who like the snakes always talk about how they would smash the spiders, or they're rooting for the crickets at feeding time, and that kind of gets on my nerves.

One thing I can't stand is when people freak out about feeding snakes mice. I'm always like, you know that hamburger you're eating was tortured its entire life and didn't get anything approaching a 30 second quick death. And you don't even HAVE to eat meat to survive like the snakes do. It just seems kind of hypocritical to me when people have no problem feeding meat to cats/dogs/themselves but freak out about snakes eating.

I haven't told my parents that I have snakes at all, due to my stepmother's snake phobia. They would refuse to visit at all if they knew. Whenever my parents come over, we have to hide the snakes.

I do know that the reticulated python can almost reach 30 ft the longest one recorded was in 2011 and measured in at 25.2 ft but with that also said it is by far a gentle giant and I know a few people who have a some that are pushing 17ft and 20ft and they are fun to take out on hot days never had them try to bit me

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I grew up in the 70's. Captive snakes for me always brought up images of neglect and derelict conditions, trashy criminal types of people, and biker gangs. This may not have been the prevalent reality even then, but this may still be part of the association for many.

I think the internet can be key to desensitizing people, and creating a better image. No one who dislikes snakes is likely to open up a book on snakes, but almost everyone hits Facebook. The more people post gorgeous pics of themselves holding their well cared for and glowing "best friends" on line, the more sketpics will come around.

The world is changing. These animals can symbolize evil, or they can symbolize creative energy, transcendence, etc. Even conservative "bitter clinger" types are debating with each other about how old the pyramids really are, and what is behind crop circles. People go take ayuaska (spell?) in the Amazon, and what is in their visions?? ...serpents. In the light of much older documents, people are re-interpreting the meaning behind the account in Genesis, and putting more thought into the phrase, "gentle as doves, wise as serpents." Even in the face of economic collapse, and WWIII, I think we are at the start of a big cultural shift.

Several of my friends are afraid of snakes. My best friend, who I've known for about ten years, doesn't even like being near them... yet she comes with me to every reptile expo, has touched my gentlest ball python and even claimed my mojave bumblebee as "her snake". She never bothers to ask why I keep snakes, she knows I love them and that's what she wants for me. She's getting a lot better around snakes, and gives me input on what morphs to buy now.

Another of my good friends was scared of my snakes before she actually met them. I brought them out and let her see what they were really like. When she left, she said, "You know, they really weren't as terrifying as I thought they'd be." That's an exact quote.

One person totally freaked out that I was getting a python because he thought it was going to get huge... I kind of laughed at that. Later, I showed him pictures of adults and the various morphs, and he started asking me about how they are as pets. He and his brother are thinking about pet reptiles now.

Two others, while they have never seen my snakes in person, seem interested in them and they like the pictures. One of them really wants to see my collection one day.

A family friend had been a little wary of my snakes at first, but when we asked her to care for our house while we were on vacation, she had no trouble caring for the snakes. She said she enjoyed being around them and even learned how to hold them.

You know, if we can get our friends to like snakes, I think that's evidence that the rest of the population can learn to tolerate them as well with a little education. :)

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Originally Posted by DVirginiana

One thing I can't stand is when people freak out about feeding snakes mice. I'm always like, you know that hamburger you're eating was tortured its entire life and didn't get anything approaching a 30 second quick death. And you don't even HAVE to eat meat to survive like the snakes do. It just seems kind of hypocritical to me when people have no problem feeding meat to cats/dogs/themselves but freak out about snakes eating.

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This. One thousand times this. I can't stand that either, and it really is extremely hypocritical to fault something for eating habits that it has no say in, only to turn right around and do the same thing yourself. My mom still thinks thawing out rats is gross. I always have to remind her that if anything they are less gross than her skinned and dismembered chicken. I marvel at people's ability to disconnect from what they are actually eating. Beef patties are just fine because they look different enough to put out of our minds what they used to be, but show people one little dead rat that is recognizable as an animal and it is like their world implodes. Highly frustrating, but I do take satisfaction in pointing out the inconsistencies in their complaints.

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Originally Posted by Penultimate

Several of my friends are afraid of snakes. My best friend, who I've known for about ten years, doesn't even like being near them... yet she comes with me to every reptile expo, has touched my gentlest ball python and even claimed my mojave bumblebee as "her snake". She never bothers to ask why I keep snakes, she knows I love them and that's what she wants for me. She's getting a lot better around snakes, and gives me input on what morphs to buy now.

Another of my good friends was scared of my snakes before she actually met them. I brought them out and let her see what they were really like. When she left, she said, "You know, they really weren't as terrifying as I thought they'd be." That's an exact quote.

One person totally freaked out that I was getting a python because he thought it was going to get huge... I kind of laughed at that. Later, I showed him pictures of adults and the various morphs, and he started asking me about how they are as pets. He and his brother are thinking about pet reptiles now.

Two others, while they have never seen my snakes in person, seem interested in them and they like the pictures. One of them really wants to see my collection one day.

A family friend had been a little wary of my snakes at first, but when we asked her to care for our house while we were on vacation, she had no trouble caring for the snakes. She said she enjoyed being around them and even learned how to hold them.

You know, if we can get our friends to like snakes, I think that's evidence that the rest of the population can learn to tolerate them as well with a little education. :)

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I love hearing accounts like this and wholeheartedly agree that there is hope for just about anyone. Every single person who has come to my house since I got Shesha 10 months ago has become at worst comfortable and curious about him, and at best fallen head over heels for him. I fell in love with ball pythons the first time I held one, the sole purpose of which was to demonstrate to one friend in particular who was by no means a fan of snakes, that they really can be sweet and amazing animals. She wasn't immediately hooked, but I was. All it took for her was the first time mustering up the courage to handle him. These days she will often make trips over for the sole purpose of seeing him once he is finally done digesting his weekly meal. She misses him almost as much as I do when he can't come out. She even fed him once! ^_^

My dad is just scared of my snakes but he never, not even once said/asked something like "why?" or "that is dangerous" or "that's disgusting I wont come over anymore" and now after years he is starting to show more interest in my animals and he likes seeing them (also in zoo's or on tv) but he wont come close enough to touch them yet but we'll get there :)

My mom and sisters are a completely different story they like my snakes when they come over they always ask me if they can see them and my youngest sister has a love for my Lesser Pastel female (guess she really is like me, haha) not because she is the prettiest one but just the overall being of the snake she is inquisitive, very relaxed and she would make a great animal for educational purposes.

my mom doesn't mind holding them either, better yet I used to have a 17 feet Reticulated python and she and my youngest sister have held it.

the rest of the family doesnt know i have snakes or just never really say anything about it.

My co workers though.... some of them found out/heard me talk about it and most of them are, ugh gross and you know all the negative things people say and think that aren't true I have tried to convince them they are wrong but I just gave up on that and told them if they wanted to be that ignorant just go ahead.

Don't ever let someone else's ignorance dull your passion for the reptiles, NEVER!

I'm glad at least some have families that have an actual interest in their hobby. Best I usually get from everyone I know is polite interest, meaning they'd never discuss it otherwise. I don't even have one local friend who is at all really into reptiles. I do at least have a few friends that I see at the local expo every month. But more on topic, the most common response I get is usually along the lines of "OMG, you keep them in your house?" Or the goofy media based bs thing like them getting huge and trying to eat you. I've found that most people associate the simple word "python" with giant man eater. It was actually a little bit hard to explain to some people that most of my snakes won't ever reach even 6 feet.
But whenever I meet someone new, I don't bring it up usually, I never tell how many I really have, and I make every effort to educate when I can. Most just don't seem to want to hear it though.

I have yet to own a snake (hopefully will by the 25th!), but just the reactions I've been getting from expressing a genuine interest have been perplexing but interesting. I have some friends who will never hold it and are pretty grossed out, but are happy that I've found something that I will enjoy for a long time. One friend was so excited, she's coming to a show with me in Richmond when I get my bp.

My mother, on the other hand, has suggested that I go to my therapist and talk about it, because I have become "obsessed" and she doesn't understand why I think I need one. The fact that she is pulling my mental health into question has me bristling, and obsession in this case is wanting to make sure I am thoroughly educated/prepared for my bp.

My grandmother has gone so far to say that it is inconsiderate to own a snake and bring into the house when she doesn't like them. Nevermind that she will probably never see it, as it will be in my room, which is where I hang out. She gets the sourest expression whenever I even mention it, and I don't think I'll make a convert of her.

Lots of people have questioned my sanity, and I am anticipating plenty more doubts when I start posting pictures and gushing about mah snek. Hats off to long time owners who have had to deal with this for years! I am a recent convert, so I'm hoping that I can help other people understand how chill snakes can be, and aren't the terrors they're portrayed as.

We live in a very small town. I am on friendly terms with most, but I really only have one friend I have anything in common with. I met her because she owns the local bead store. We are both rock hounds and love crystals. Sadly, snakes is not on the list of shared interests. She looked rather taken aback when I mentioned I wanted to get one.

I can't explain it to her unless she is willing to look at a few web sites. There is a video out there an Australian guy shot of a long wild carpet python crossing his yard. Nine feet (?), or so of fluid sine wave traversing the grass. Is anything more graceful?

Haven't really had much of an issue myself. When I mention it, most people nod and move along in the conversation. Some are interested, or mystified but not judgmental, just more curious. These are often my "Why would you want to own snakes?" questions.

I get a few "I hate snakes!" which I usually ignore. IF the person decides to be obnoxious and start posting comments on my FB or won't shut up about it in person, I usually respond with something along the lines of "I hate babies, but I don't act like an jerkface to you about your spawn." which normally shuts them up.

I've found that saying "I love ALL animals, why should snakes be any different?" is pretty good at showing people that a snake is just another animal.

But I will say, when I lived in someone else's house, I abided by their wishes. If my parents had said "No snakes" then I would be disappointed but I wouldn't have tried to force the issue. I would still be interested and make plans for when I had my own place, but I wouldn't have brought one in. Now it's MY home and I do what I want to do. If the rare person says "I don't want to ever come to your home!" because of the snakes(or the lizards, or dogs, or rats...) then I shrug and say "I don't recall inviting you."

Owning reptiles is 1 thing... When I try to explain to people that I work for The Reptile Report it usually takes people off guard. It's amazing how many people have no idea that there is even a culture of people who enjoy reptiles.

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Originally Posted by wolfy-hound

Haven't really had much of an issue myself. When I mention it, most people nod and move along in the conversation. Some are interested, or mystified but not judgmental, just more curious. These are often my "Why would you want to own snakes?" questions.

I get a few "I hate snakes!" which I usually ignore. IF the person decides to be obnoxious and start posting comments on my FB or won't shut up about it in person, I usually respond with something along the lines of "I hate babies, but I don't act like an jerkface to you about your spawn." which normally shuts them up.

I've found that saying "I love ALL animals, why should snakes be any different?" is pretty good at showing people that a snake is just another animal.

But I will say, when I lived in someone else's house, I abided by their wishes. If my parents had said "No snakes" then I would be disappointed but I wouldn't have tried to force the issue. I would still be interested and make plans for when I had my own place, but I wouldn't have brought one in. Now it's MY home and I do what I want to do. If the rare person says "I don't want to ever come to your home!" because of the snakes(or the lizards, or dogs, or rats...) then I shrug and say "I don't recall inviting you."

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You make a lot of good points, especially about living in someone else's house. My grandma is just particularly crotchety and mean, which doesn't help matters. I'm moving out in a month to go back to school, which is probably why I didn't think of it that way. Hmm. In any case, nothing will happen until the 25th, then I can actually fight the good fight.

I really love the "ALL animals" bit. I might have to borrow that one c:

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Originally Posted by distaff

We live in a very small town. I am on friendly terms with most, but I really only have one friend I have anything in common with. I met her because she owns the local bead store. We are both rock hounds and love crystals. Sadly, snakes is not on the list of shared interests. She looked rather taken aback when I mentioned I wanted to get one.

I can't explain it to her unless she is willing to look at a few web sites. There is a video out there an Australian guy shot of a long wild carpet python crossing his yard. Nine feet (?), or so of fluid sine wave traversing the grass. Is anything more graceful?

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Gotcha on the sine wave. Definitely cool to see.

I might have posted this earlier, so Im sorry if I already did. My friends and family have NEVER even begun to appreciate the different reptiles that I have had. I consistently got negative responses any time that they were brought up. Once I started breeding and selling snakes, I had a few cousins become interested in the financial aspects of it. I had a family member surprise show up at my table during our local reptile expo. I was in the middle of completing a sale on a 600$ animal, and my customer was counting out the cash in $20s in front of my cousin. My cousin's jaw dropped completely to the floor, and his next words were, "how do I get into this?" I replied, "get some snakes and figure it out."

Now my family just sees my boas as cash machines. Obviously I don't see them that way, but they gained at least some respect in my social circle.

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Originally Posted by JoshSloane

Now my family just sees my boas as cash machines. Obviously I don't see them that way, but they gained at least some respect in my social circle.

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That's sad. Of course, they're only seeing the income, not the expenses and time put into it.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

That's sad. Of course, they're only seeing the income, not the expenses and time put into it.

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True true. They think that the snakes just sit there and once a year I collect the babies.

I've only had a few negative responses to my snakes. I take them out in public a lot. One has a pet stroller, the other a pet carrier bag, so they can be tucked away if it's necessary. Most of the time, however, I have them out holding them. People are usually okay with it and want to see and touch them, and we end up talking about snakes, educating them a little.


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My family thought i was crazy and stupid to get a snake. My friends loved it though. After holding and taking care of him my dad wants one too, so their vision changed a lot :)

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my sister and a few friends are scared of snakes and my mom thinks all snakes are poisonous. :rolleyes: (she'll be in for a surprise when she visits next. lolol) my otehr firends thinks it's a mix of cool and wierd. they think like "huh, that's really cool" or "why didn't you get something normal?" or some combination of the reactions.

I try to educate people about snakes when the topic comes up and if people are receptive I'll talk to them about reptiles or even show them one or two. If their attitude is dismissive or hostile I ignore them. Life is too short to let other people's opinions make you feel bad or unsure about yourself or your interests. I would advise all new and young reptile owners not to "force" their reptiles or passion for them on anyone but to politely correct someone when you hear nonsense like "poisonous" or "could eat you" etc. I have convinced my neighbors to call me when unwanted wildlife shows up on their property and over the years I have relocated several "scary" beasts such as ringneck and garter snakes. They get piece of mind and I get to save a snake or other critter from being killed. I also try to avoid the subject of feeding snakes with anyone who doesn't seem to have a genuine interest them. Some folks would gladly let a snake starve to death to save a mouse.

I have had people unfriend me from FB because of my snakes...my feeling "screw'em", if they were REAL friends they wouldn't do that. Their loss not mine :D

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Originally Posted by Kayak Steve

I also try to avoid the subject of feeding snakes with anyone who doesn't seem to have a genuine interest them. Some folks would gladly let a snake starve to death to save a mouse.

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The way I see it, this here is so much of the problem. Mice are fluffy and cute (don't even mention the bunnies!). What others don't see is that mice are genetically programmed to live about a year or so (?). Rats get maybe three. From everything I've seen on the net, pet mice and rats that are allowed to live out their "natural" lifespans almost invariably die of tumours - frequently horrific and grotesque tumours.

Death by snake is actually more humane.

Not sure if this was the thread but for me...I pretty much have everything my mother wouldn't let me have when I was a child. Snakes especially. She's cool about them now when she visits but won't hold them. My children love our snakes.

I've had a lot of people ask me why i would want a snake and tell me that it's wrong for me to keep one because they don't belong in captivity. I think the real issue here is that people fear what they don't understand.


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Originally Posted by anicatgirl

I actually have a lot of friends who love my tiny snake, but I have some very odd friends sometimes. :D Some people don't understand why I look at so many pictures or why I want to go to reptile shops when I travel, but these few rarely say much about it. :gj: The worst reaction I have had is my father-in-law and his mom, who are terrified of snakes but don't really say much about it. Father-in-law informed me that he stopped trying to hit them while mowing the grass, just for me. I consider that an improvement. :weirdface

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My dad has actually stopped killing snakes. Lol. I told him that if he has a snake living in the yard at least he won't ever have a rodent infestation.


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