I have 10 snakes, you have WHAT? (peoples reactions!)

oh i've gotten lots of reactions...mostly typical. the "WHAT!!!! 23!?!? and you breed WHAT!!? RATS!?! that's DISGUSTING!"

and some "wow..." *walks away pondering where i keep them all*

but by far the BEST reaction i've EVER had, after my boyfriend built our 27-slot rack, we had pretty much our whole family over for some birthday festivities. they all knew we had snakes, but none of them really knew HOW MANY. so i take one of my aunts into our room to show her, and she was just so fascinated by the rack system. so she turns to us and says "well, at least when you guys have children you can just store them in drawers like your snakes!"

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Originally Posted by katia

oh i've gotten lots of reactions...mostly typical. the "WHAT!!!! 23!?!? and you breed WHAT!!? RATS!?! that's DISGUSTING!"

and some "wow..." *walks away pondering where i keep them all*

but by far the BEST reaction i've EVER had, after my boyfriend built our 27-slot rack, we had pretty much our whole family over for some birthday festivities. they all knew we had snakes, but none of them really knew HOW MANY. so i take one of my aunts into our room to show her, and she was just so fascinated by the rack system. so she turns to us and says "well, at least when you guys have children you can just store them in drawers like your snakes!"

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LMAO!!! Im reading this at 1:30 am trying to be quiet so I dont wake my son and this made me laugh out loud :8:

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Originally Posted by RockyTop

I wasn't referring to you. I was referring to the the 4th post in the thread.

And to the other person who bring's them to their cousins school, once again, I was referring to people taking them to school. I did point out in my post that if it was some kind of info session being conducted by a professional handler/breeder, that is totally different than someone just bringing in a snake to show people to get their reaction. Which was stated once again, in the 4th post in this thread.

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Oh ok...sorry i took that wrong...lol. I am just very proud to be able to do this for the kids. Ok....need to take my sensitivity pill now...lol...:please:

try telling people that you have 108 scorpions....see what reaction that gets.

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Originally Posted by RockyTop

I wasn't referring to you. I was referring to the the 4th post in the thread.

And to the other person who bring's them to their cousins school, once again, I was referring to people taking them to school. I did point out in my post that if it was some kind of info session being conducted by a professional handler/breeder, that is totally different than someone just bringing in a snake to show people to get their reaction. Which was stated once again, in the 4th post in this thread.

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Sorry, didn't mean to come off, you know, offended or anything. Since that's the case, I agree with you completely; bringing your snake with you for the wow factor, especially to somewhere they can catch something, is at least bordering on irresponsible. And God forbid it should bite anyone, all we need is more negative press :(

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Originally Posted by Lucas339

try telling people that you have 108 scorpions....see what reaction that gets.

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Yeah, I am sure that is always interesting. Scorpians are pretty sweet, haha.

As for storing kids in snake tubs, lol that made me laugh out loud as well. My snakes are my kids =P

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Originally Posted by musicalKeyes

Sorry, didn't mean to come off, you know, offended or anything. Since that's the case, I agree with you completely; bringing your snake with you for the wow factor, especially to somewhere they can catch something, is at least bordering on irresponsible. And God forbid it should bite anyone, all we need is more negative press :(

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No problems :) I can understand your defensiveness about it. Snakes can be a touchy subject. The more people who we have responsibly educating people the better.

There is a difference in professionally handling snakes for informational/educational purposes and toting along your snake places to get reactions from people :)

I love slipping it into a conversation, but will only do so if the "attitude" seems right... usually I say I keep snakes, they ask how many and what kind, so I answer 15 (or whatever the current number) pythons and corns." And then their eyes get wide, and the facial expression is more priceless than words! :D

Sometimes just for kicks I'll refrain from saying what kind of python, since it's funny to see what people assume - usually it's that I have a house full of Burmese pythons, who will eat my cats, dog & any small child who enters. But then if I get a chance to show them my setup, and introduce them to a few of the snakes, they're much more amenable to the idea... in fact, I've pre-sold a few of my (future) babies that way, LOL.

But yeah, I get the usual reactions and questions - either they're horrified or fascinated, and I have been asked if they'll eat me in my sleep. Oy vey. :rolleyes:

I've had all kinds of reactions, and while most of them are negative, the positive responses make it all worthwhile.

Most people are disgusted by one snake, let alone many. Sadly, I get the same stereotypical questions from both ignorant people and intelligent people:

"Do they bite?"
"Aren't they poisonous?"
"Isn't it illegal to have those?"
"Aren't you afraid they'll get out in the middle of the night and strangle you in your sleep?"
"Don't they get huge?"
"Wait, they don't have fangs?" or "I thought they had huge fangs!"
"Why don't you have normal pets?"
"What's wrong with a cat or dog?"
"People shouldn't be allowed to have dangerous/exotic pets like that...."

And ever since the two-year-old's death in Florida by a Burm, almost everyone brings it up when I mention snakes. Then I get to try to patiently explain why that was an unusual case, that the owner was negligent and violating the law, that Burms aren't baby-killers by nature, etc.

However, the good reactions (or at least, open-minded reactions) are totally worth it. I've had several friends, family members, and friends' family members who weren't sure they wanted to be in the same room with a snake get to the point where they'll at least touch them, and most get to the point where they'll handle them without a problem. I even have one friend who was nervous around them at first, but now she prefers to hold a snake rather than a lizard!

The best story, though, was when I was picking up my Axanthic/het pair at a FedEx Office. One of the ladies was ringing me up and the other brought my box over. Before she got to the counter, one asked if the shipment was frozen rodents. When I said it was two snakes, the person holding the box froze. The second lady said, "Maybe I should take that...." Neither liked snakes, but they were curious and wanted to see them. So I showed them the pair, and they were impressed at how gentle, friendly, and kind of cute they were. They always like to see the snakes when I get a new one, now, and the last time I went there to pick up a rodent order, one of the ladies says she'd like to get one as a pet!!!

No, my snakes are not "poisonous"

"What are you going to do with it when its gets 15 feet long."
"OH my gosh, OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH...........
" Your mom must be some luantic"
And the best is when they starts swearing in polish...:rofl:

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Originally Posted by Mike@OutbackReptiles

No, my snakes are not "poisonous"

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HAHAHAHA! I love responding to the "poisonous" comments with, "It's venomous, not poisonous. If you ingest the snake, you're not gonna die." :D

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Originally Posted by Eventide

I've had all kinds of reactions, and while most of them are negative, the positive responses make it all worthwhile.

Most people are disgusted by one snake, let alone many. Sadly, I get the same stereotypical questions from both ignorant people and intelligent people:

"Do they bite?"
"Aren't they poisonous?"
"Isn't it illegal to have those?"
"Aren't you afraid they'll get out in the middle of the night and strangle you in your sleep?"
"Don't they get huge?"
"Wait, they don't have fangs?" or "I thought they had huge fangs!"
"Why don't you have normal pets?"
"What's wrong with a cat or dog?"
"People shouldn't be allowed to have dangerous/exotic pets like that...."

And ever since the two-year-old's death in Florida by a Burm, almost everyone brings it up when I mention snakes. Then I get to try to patiently explain why that was an unusual case, that the owner was negligent and violating the law, that Burms aren't baby-killers by nature, etc.

However, the good reactions (or at least, open-minded reactions) are totally worth it. I've had several friends, family members, and friends' family members who weren't sure they wanted to be in the same room with a snake get to the point where they'll at least touch them, and most get to the point where they'll handle them without a problem. I even have one friend who was nervous around them at first, but now she prefers to hold a snake rather than a lizard!

The best story, though, was when I was picking up my Axanthic/het pair at a FedEx Office. One of the ladies was ringing me up and the other brought my box over. Before she got to the counter, one asked if the shipment was frozen rodents. When I said it was two snakes, the person holding the box froze. The second lady said, "Maybe I should take that...." Neither liked snakes, but they were curious and wanted to see them. So I showed them the pair, and they were impressed at how gentle, friendly, and kind of cute they were. They always like to see the snakes when I get a new one, now, and the last time I went there to pick up a rodent order, one of the ladies says she'd like to get one as a pet!!!

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I've had most of those questions asked minimum of 15 times probably, you will always find those people who are willing to listen to your explaination about the burms in flordia and others who refuse and continue to believe that snakes make a better pair of boots than a pet. I still live at home, due to paying off medical bills I can't afford my own apartment rightnow. My mom used to not like snakes at all, but she got to the point where she thought they were pretty and will hold the smaller of the ball pythons that I have. She doesn't like them, but will hold one from time to time.

I love picking them up at fedex, or having them delivered and the people at the counter or the man delivering it himself asks whats in the box and then later regrets asking. Amusing.

A lot of people are really surprised when they find out that I keep lots of snakes, and often they tell me that I just seem too "prim and proper" to be a snake keeper. I never thought to ask them how they envision a typical snake keeper to be. Of course there are the occasional people who get judgemental on me and announce that they won't be coming to my house any time soon.... which is just fine, since I probably did not invite them!

My biggest girl, who is 7ft if not maybe longer. I get

"What do you do with a snake that big? There is no point in having it"

Me: "She watchs tv with me" :D

I know that you guys are kind of partial to snakes, but I do love the responses I get from people (I have a blue Nile Monitor). When I walk into pet stores with her, people go " Oh my god, what is that? It looks like a raptor off of Jurassic Park!" and I just go "Yeah, she is part security at home."

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Originally Posted by bsash

I know that you guys are kind of partial to snakes, but I do love the responses I get from people (I have a blue Nile Monitor). When I walk into pet stores with her, people go " Oh my god, what is that? It looks like a raptor off of Jurassic Park!" and I just go "Yeah, she is part security at home."

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Of course, people who have the bigger lizards usually do get the same reaction. Those nile monitors are so neat looking!

Yeah, I do love my Nile monitor. He/she started off the typical black and yellow that they usually are, but has recently turned blue on the sides, and the yellow bands down his/her back is now a teal/ green color. Apparently when this happen it is call a "Blue Ornate Nile Monitor" but I find that too long to type all the time so I just say either "ornate" or "blue".

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Originally Posted by shescountry89

I love it too when I am told I have a zoo at home, I never discuss with a person exactly what KIND of snakes I have but just the amount. No one would break into my house with a 160lb Rottweiler Guarding my front door either, haha. These reactions are hilarious, and I do understand that snakes are one of the top phobias on the list but even if they are you shouldn't bash them in front of a person you know has a passion and love for them. That just irritates me, I had a woman a couple weeks ago tell me she'd make purses, boots and what not out of them.

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When I got my ball python my sister was like when does it shed I could use a pair of new shoes. LOL! I found it quite hilarious. Then i followed with, "well you would have to kill him and if you kill him i kill you and will haunt you in your dreams" She wasnt impressed... Now she wont come near him! :rofl:

The only funny story is have is from taking my snake to the petstore when I first got it from an Expo. I wanted to show one of my buddies I became friends with that helped me with my fish tank and gave me advice on BPs. As i was walking through the front door, a girl and her boyfriend were walking out of the store walking their dog. As soon as she saw the snake in my hand she covered her face and ran sideways to be about 5 feet away from me and her boyfriend just chuckled. :rofl:

haha! some pretty crazy reactions so far with everyone ;)

I love my mom's reaction each time I bring my corn home:
"Did you bring your snake home?"
"Yeah, look in the bin"
She gets closer to the bin, Sabbath staring right at her
"Where?"
I point her out, she sees..
"ewwwuuuuhh" and covers her eyes and walks away
turns around "She's too big!"


I keep this to myself that she still has 2-3 years left of growing to do ;)

I tell old people and other I have snakes, especially if I think it will make them leave me alone. I like privacy at work. To many old bitty's asking me about chardonnay.


I'm amazed at the ignorance that surrounds snakes. People have an irrational fear and hatred of them.

Someday I'd like to work with HOT's. a distant distant dream. I'd want training first.


I actually have gotten favorable reactions though. I made a sale by idly striking up a conversation about ratsnakes.

I tell people i own a few snakes they think im lying half the time lol. where im from people scared of snakes for the most part. I will put my 09 colombian red tail around my neck on a nice day and walk in the store people go crazy lmao i dont mind though its funny to me.

One of the nice things about having lots of snakes is that I CAN take them out frequently, even in public, without stressing them out too much. If I get the vibe a particular animal has had enough, I just leave it alone and grab a different one instead. And kids are especially fun, because they get over their phobias lightning fast. It's good PR for the reptile community, and I think occasional handling socializes the animals, and gives them a little break from having only a 20 gallon tank or 40 quart drawer to explore.

But I admit, I usually introduce people to the idea that I have ONE snake before I let on that I have more of them. And I also worry about the wrong person overhearing and realizing that some of my beloved pets could be worth actual money.

The actual number doesn't really matter, does it? Because Crazy Snake Man/Lady kicks in at around three snakes, right? If you say you have 6, or 10, or 50, or 150, people give you the same insane look.

I have, not very often, taken my snakes out in public. I've also taken them to schools and done education programs. For me, it's not about shock factor, or scare tactics or anything like that. For me, it's about education. Yes, some people are deathly afraid of snakes. But, I've noticed that there are quite a large percentage of people who approach me with my snake, and are afraid, but at the same time very curious. Some people want to see what a snake is like up close. They want to touch it. They ask questions about it. They like the way it feels. They find it's not so bad after all. Its actually NOT the horrible giant monster that tv has presented them to be. They often walk about with a completely different viewpoint on snakes. It makes me very happy when a person's viewpoint on snakes changes. And if it's because they were allowed close contact with it, than so be it. I'm currently thinking about doing a local program similar to the one I used to do when I lived in DE, where I'd go do presentations on snakes.The people loved it, especially the kids. Considering how hard we need to fight right now, I think puiblic education is soooo important.

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Originally Posted by katia

oh i've gotten lots of reactions...mostly typical. the "WHAT!!!! 23!?!? and you breed WHAT!!? RATS!?! that's DISGUSTING!"

and some "wow..." *walks away pondering where i keep them all*

but by far the BEST reaction i've EVER had, after my boyfriend built our 27-slot rack, we had pretty much our whole family over for some birthday festivities. they all knew we had snakes, but none of them really knew HOW MANY. so i take one of my aunts into our room to show her, and she was just so fascinated by the rack system. so she turns to us and says "well, at least when you guys have children you can just store them in drawers like your snakes!"

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Hilarious! Best one yet.