Parents think snakes are evil (I want a bp?)

Actually (regardless of your "Do not comment if") I will comment because this is a PUBLIC forum and because I have been in your shoes which is why I can give you some food for the thoughts

Having parents that are against snakes regardless of the reason (fear, religion, not wanting a long term commitment etc) is NOT THE END of the world.

How do I know? Been there, done that.

I grew up in a family that was ok with dogs, cats, fishes, birds, hamsters but not ok with reptiles and there was no convincing, or compromising.

Years later when I finally settled down after spending several years moving from country to country I finally got a snake and took it even further than just have now been breeding snakes since 2008.

The bottom line it's their home and you should respect their wishes regardless of the reasoning behind it. (yep you do not want to hear it but this is a FACT of life)

If you are passionate today you still will be in 10 or even 20 years, you are young and a snake is a VERY long commitment, and right now you see the next year or two or three but many things will happen in the next few years college, travel etc and those are animals that can live 20 to 40 years.

As a parent, I'm impressed with your accomplishments, drive, and work ethic. As a son of a parent who can not stand snakes, I know your frustration. I'm over 30 and my mom will not step into my house because we have snakes in our living room. When I was 17 she was ok with me having a lizard, but she did not like the one I brought home because it "moved like a snake" (Nile Monitor). My advice, since your step dad seems more willing, is to try to get him envolved with it somehow. Like tell him you want his help setting up the tank. You could also see how a snake (without harming it obviously)could be the star of your next science project. As others have stated though I would start with something that has less husbandry needs than a bp. We have 22 bp's and 5 corns. Our teenage daughter has a baby corn. It's husbandry needs are met via ambient room temps and humidy, clean water, and a clean enclosure. Good luck to you, and keep us posted!:gj:

I have an intresting perspective as a former 13 year old that desperatly wanted a snake, but who's mother refused to discuss it, and then as the mother of a 13 year old that wanted an animal I honestly can't stand (rodents). -I know, my hubby teases my that that's why I love snakes.. and I will admit I do take a little satifaction out of watching Sampson eat his dinner.
One of my bigest concerns as a parent is that yea, you want that hampster now, but after 6 mo of cleaning out it's cage, and changing it's water, and playing with it are you still going to want it, cause let me tell you I want no part of caring for that thing. My best advise would be 1) persistance. the longer you keep it in thier mind it IS what you want and not just a momentary desire the more likly they are to really consider it. 2) a trail period. Do you know someone that has one that might be 'in need' of a snake sitter? It is a great wat to convince your parents you really do know what you are getting into. Reports and research are awesome, and I truly respect the amount of effort you have put into things so far. However actions speak louder. Honestly they might very well agree to snake sitting figuring that you Will get bored/uninterested and they won't have to hear you ask any more.
Good luck to you.

You are 13. Your mom's home, your mom's rules. Until you change her mind about getting a snake you have no business contacting breeders or pet shops about buying one, and no reputable breeder or seller will give you one unless your parent agrees.

Have you asked your dad if you can keep it at his place? Yes, you're not there as often, but BP's don't need to be tended multiple times daily like a dog or cat. If he's willing to check on it once a day when you're not there, is that an option?

You also do need to consider college in a few years, as most dorms won't let you have an animal in the room, and ball pythons can live for decades. If you are away at school will you have to give away your snake?

You said you have $300 saved... I paid almost $700 last year in vet bills on one of mine and it still died (part of that cost was the necropsy). If you don't have the money available for vet treatment, equipment, etc. will one of your parents cover it, or will your snake have to do without?

If your parents remain adamant you do have alternatives:
- Find a local private breeder who would be willing to let you help maintain his collection while you learn about the little critters. Reading and researching is fine, but nothing beats hands-on experience. This is how I fed my "horse habit" at your age, as there was no way I could afford to buy one; I traded work in exchange for lessons and catch rides.
- Once you're old enough get a job somewhere like a big box pet shop, and try to make a difference for the critters being sold there. Most aren't kept in correct conditions and sadly a lot of the employees just don't give a damn.

Finally, I would recommend a corn, king, or milk snake over a garter as a first snake. Garters can get long - we have four foot adults wild in the back yard - and they're not really tolerant of handling. We have two younger ones that will bite you as soon as look as you. I would rather handle a 4+ foot chill king snake than my 18" pissy garter.

My first snake was a corn, then i got nugget my BP/ I love my corn but is not a very relaxing pet, she is very active and i could never sit and watch tv with her like i do with my BP. garters are also quick moving, but are very gentel. no matter which one you decide on get it from a small breeder, i got my corn as a yearling from a large breeder and she was never handled and she is still nippy and will strike a bit.I got my BP from a small family breeder and he has been a joy to have. Don't forget that BPs can be a little food picky and some will never eat frozen thawed, so try to get one one from a breeder who has already moved the young to frozen. That might be another reason your mom will say no. They might relent with the stipulation that it only eats frozen. hope this helps. good luck

Ok, I need to clear up a couple things.
First of all, no way I could keep it at my dads. We live in Ontario. His work schedule is 2 weeks in Alberta, 1 week home. I'm lucky to be there four nights and one night a restaurant in three weeks. My stepmom does not have a job. But she watches two very hyper dogs, two stupid cats, and my sister. She cooks dinner, feeds animals, cleans, repeat. I doubt she wants to handle a ball python around those animals, even though she's indifferent to snakes. Or feed it mice. I just don't want to give her ANOTHER thing because 'my pet' is there.
Second, the reason I contacted pet stores was for a plan. My parents are the ones who say, "SOOO... How much will it cost all together? Where you getting it from? Why are you getting it from that pet store that's more expensive? " it'll cost about $288. I'm getting it from where we get our fish. I'm getting it more expensive because they have CB&B pythons, not WC or CH. If I say "I dunno," they'll say "Well THAT doesn't sounds responsible/like you did much research," (despite the report.)
I would NEVER go behind my parents backs and buy a snake. It was purely to be able to answer their questions they think I can't answer.

I found a small breeder with juveniles on f/t (: that's why I want a BP. They're much calmer than corns. Although corns are nice too

If your question then is why do I like snakes/ want one as a pet here goes. I like snakes because they are a non-demanding animal, if I don't want to handle them 1 week because I'm too busy it's all good, unlike a dog that will poop in your shoe because it feels neglected. I change his water every few days, feed him 1x a week and clean his cage (roll up the paper towel sub-strate and lay a fresh one) afer he poops every week or 2. Thats it, if I did nothing more then that Sampson would be perfectly content. No daily walks, no barking waking me up at 2 am (after 3 kids I am so over that it's not funny), just quiet, calm companionship. I quite frankly enjoy watching my boy eat (might not be best to mention that as it might make the wrong impression, but hey since you asked) It's exciting, and satifying. I like the way they feel, and enjoy watching them crawl around - all those muscles working together, I find it amazing and beutiful. I love when he holds his head high and and flicks his tounge out testing the air, it's elegant and delicate. I LIKE knowing I will have him for 20+ years, I hated burying my cats every 10 (or less due to traffic accidents) I enjoy just chilling out playing my computer with him wrapped around my shoulders, and trying to convince him that it's not THAT kind of mouse, it makes me laugh.
Now why I would recomend a BP particularly, they are CALM, I mean royalty used to wear them around thier neck (hence thier scientific name) which is also good if you have other children in the house. They are one of the easiest snakes to handle and and least agressive. If you do somthing to make a BP bite you it is your own darn fault. It they do it hurts (I'm told-I haven't accualy been bit) but that's about it. No venom, no frantic run to the ER. They do get a bit bigger then some of the alternatives, but most of those are faster and more likly to get away from you. Thier set up is more money, but almost all your expence is up front. They have VERY specific tempeture/humidity requirments, but once they are set up it's just basic maitnence, and the expence of weekly feeding, substraight, and electricity. If there is an issue OC then the vet, but that goes with out saying I hope.
Sounds like your mom has a lot on her plate is more indifferent then venimously against the idea. If that is the case, then up play the low maintnece part, assure her that a BP is non-agressvie, and gentle, even shy. It's no danger to anyone (even a samll baby), and is a good QUIET companion for you that she will barly even notice. Your step-dad seems much more receptive, play up your intrest and try to get him involved (at your age he may be looking for some way to engage with you, I know my 13 year old and I have issues finding common ground).
Serously can you find someone that would let you borrow a BP for a few weeks? With your parents permission of course and try to phrase it as a favor to the guy with the snake. As a parent I'm MUCH more likly to agree to somthing like that if I know there is an end in sight, before fully commiting. I did that with my son, he brought the class hapmsters home over winter break. However he flaked out after a week or 2 and left me to do all the work. One of the stupid things bit me.. I HATE rodents. Needless to say he didn't get his own hampster, if he had taken care of the things I probobly would have let him have one though. So that's my advice, long-winded as it is.

Okay, first let me say this .. DO NOT GET YOUR HOPES UP.. better to be pleasantly surprised than extremely let down.

Now for my story. 2 years ago I was terrified of snakes, wanted nothing to do with them. No I did not believe they came from the pits of hell (though I was raised by my grandparents and my grandmother literally says snakes are the devil) I just did not want any snake near me.
That being said my sons did want one, and my husband had a Burmese in the past and wanted another snake.

Fast forward ... After being begged and begged I finally decided to do some research and did find that ball pythons were good pets. Now the next step was to hold one. Off to the pet store to hold a "dirty disgusting slithery snake" yep I was awful at the time.
Woman hands me the tiniest little snake who then wraps around my wrist and rests its head on my hand. It was pretty much love at first sight.

2 weeks later Khaleesi was on her way home with us. I am now the biggest fan in our household of snakes and have 3 balls with plans on at least one more.. I am waiting for that right deal on a banana!

So for my advice, first do not try to force your parents it will only get you in trouble, but if possible get them to actually meet a ball and see what their opinions are then. Speaking with a breeder would be great to.

Well, congrats to you for even being able to put together a eleven page essay on ball pythons! A persuasive essay at that! We all need you to make copies of that and send it to the U.S. Fish and wildlife service to counter that upcoming legislation banning more of the large constrictors. On a lighter note though, keep informing your parents on your desires and stay on top of your game. Your academic acheivements should be rewarded as should your obvious display of responsibility. Continue to do your research on bp husbandry and care. You will eventually win them over. Good luck! :gj: