Age of owners?

A situation occured to me this weekend that is causing me to begin this thread. I don't want to reveal the conversation nor the justification to the thread until I let it run for a few days. I don't want my words to effect the data. So, please be honest with your vote. If you raise and/or breed snakes, how old are you?

So, I thinking my lack of explination is causing some of you to loose interest, and not vote. Basically, someone told me to "grow up" when they heard that I have snakes. I thought is was a very unfair statement because many people own dogs, cats, fish, etc. Do you all feel that people tend to judge us for our interest?

I wouldn't say it's an age thing. But ppl now think of me as that guy who has snakes. Snake owners are thought as the hippies with long hair (look like chewy from SnakeBites) and are all around weird b/c we don't follow the crowd and get a dog, cat or fish. What most don't know is that most snake owners are most likely an all around animal lover and normally have another pet of some sort.
But that is just the feelings ppl I know have.

Of course we're judged. The people trying to pass all these stupid laws prove that.

Im 18, but have been doing it for a while...
My dad got me into it, and grew up with reptiles.

I got my first snake on my 31st birthday, when it occurred to me that I -am- a grown-up, and I can decide what pets I have. I live on the other side of the country from my Mom, so it doesn't matter if reptiles freak her out, and I can jolly well have a snake if I want one. Or two. Or, um, ten.

And hey, I totally have dogs! For the record, two dogs are waaaaay more work than 10 snakes.

I think to some degree no matter what type of animal you own there might be some stereotype to go along with them, which obviously isn't right. Haha I'm that person in my family with just multiple animals in general, dog, birds, reptiles, fish...

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Originally Posted by hops523

I think to some degree no matter what type of animal you own there might be some stereotype to go along with them, which obviously isn't right. Haha I'm that person in my family with just multiple animals in general, dog, birds, reptiles, fish...

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Yeah that's one thing i hate...
i have piercings, long hair, and I'm young.

I look like what people think is "the typical dumb kid with snakes".

it bugs me alot...

but that's what happens when you look like me, and you deal with uneducated ignorant people...

I'm sure it doesn't matter what you look like...
alot of people are just ignorant.

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Originally Posted by marct

So, I thinking my lack of explination is causing some of you to loose interest, and not vote. Basically, someone told me to "grow up" when they heard that I have snakes. I thought is was a very unfair statement because many people own dogs, cats, fish, etc. Do you all feel that people tend to judge us for our interest?

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Aw, don't let them get you down for being young. In my opinion, reptiles make great pets for all ages. The only difference for young people is needing parents permission. There are lots of young people who take better care of their animals than adults! True story.

Besides, whats so immature about keeping reptiles? Aren't they considered one of the oldest creatures on our planet?

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Originally Posted by marct

So, I thinking my lack of explination is causing some of you to loose interest, and not vote. Basically, someone told me to "grow up" when they heard that I have snakes. I thought is was a very unfair statement because many people own dogs, cats, fish, etc. Do you all feel that people tend to judge us for our interest?

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LOL, The person that told you to "grow up" should probably grow up themselves. I have found as I have gotten older, that with age comes a different attitude, and the statement of "grow up" I find to be, a, well for a lack of words. I find it to be a childish statement.

Be happy with the things you want to do, don't worry about what others think of you. If you are happy, then that is all that matters.

By the way I am OLD, no, I just feel that way. But I am older.

I'm going to go out on a limb and make a guess--the guess is that you will find that the age breakdown for snake owners in your poll will largely follow the age breakdown for internet users. <lol>

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Originally Posted by Dianna

Aw, don't let them get you down for being young. In my opinion, reptiles make great pets for all ages. The only difference for young people is needing parents permission. There are lots of young people who take better care of their animals than adults! True story.

Besides, whats so immature about keeping reptiles? Aren't they considered one of the oldest creatures on our planet?

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I dont understand the "grow up" comment. That person just probably said the first thing that pop to his/her head. What I understand even less is why are you even paying attention to this comment... It doesnt even make sence.

My parents always knew I like snakes, but they never though I was realy serious about it, untill I showed them my first BP at 25 years old. They actualy felt kinda bad, because they didnt think I was serious all those years as a teen ager. I dont blame them for that though, they are great parents.

What Im trying to say is, most people get their snakes when they around 20 and have full freedom. People that get to own snakes before that, consider your self VERY lucky! :gj:

When they said "grow up", they meant grow up and quit being a "kid" (what exactly is kid about snakes?). I'm 34 and soon to be a father. I really got ticked off, because many men spend a lot of cash on other hobbies that I don't. Think about the cost of hunting, fishing, etc. I just wanted to see where the majority of the members ended up on the poll. Either way, the dude is a jerk!

Good point there--over 18, and the rate of reptile ownership will skyrocket. As for the oldsters...a lot of them don't use the internet very much, if at all, so they're less likely to be on this forum.

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Originally Posted by WingedWolfPsion

Good point there--over 18, and the rate of reptile ownership will skyrocket. As for the oldsters...a lot of them don't use the internet very much, if at all, so they're less likely to be on this forum.

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Very good point.

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Originally Posted by marct

When they said "grow up", they meant grow up and quit being a "kid" (what exactly is kid about snakes?). I'm 34 and soon to be a father. I really got ticked off, because many men spend a lot of cash on other hobbies that I don't. Think about the cost of hunting, fishing, etc. I just wanted to see where the majority of the members ended up on the poll. Either way, the dude is a jerk!

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Lol well some people think the world revolves around them. Like I said the comment doesnt even make sence, and you shouldnt really be paying this much attention to it.

I was approx 10 when I started keeping reptiles( I have had amphibians and Arachnids longer)... I now educate people on them. There's nothing childish about keeping reptiles... Maybe, aside from the fact that having them is enjoying nature in all it's glory(something regular pet owners; aside from specialized fish keepers) have completely forgotten about.

I don't hear many people get as excited talking about their cat or dog as I do between reptile keepers talking about their pets. They probably wish they had something they could be as enthusiastic about. reptile keepeing isn't childish unless your irresponsible.:gj:

I am 22 and I have always wanted snakes. As a kid I had a couple of corn snakes but they were not my preference. I had to deal with it until I got older an independent to get some bp's. I don't think age has anything to do with liking snakes. I mean you can grow into adulthood liking them but what you're interested in is what you're interested in. Someone was probably upset and thought to attack you where they knew it would hurt. I wouldn't pay them any attention.

I am 23 and just got MY first snake. My dad had a BP when I was younger and I've wanted one for myself ever since. I own 2 dogs too, a rescued pitbull and a Pomeranian mix I bought for my fiancee.
As far as the "grow up" comment, well I think that's just ridiculous. As a new snake owner I just learned all the responsibility that comes along with owning a snake. Anything that can teach responsibility is good for people of any age.
Plus snakes are just cool creatures. They're so much better than a bird or whatever else "grown people" own.

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Originally Posted by marct

When they said "grow up", they meant grow up and quit being a "kid" (what exactly is kid about snakes?). I'm 34 and soon to be a father. I really got ticked off, because many men spend a lot of cash on other hobbies that I don't. Think about the cost of hunting, fishing, etc. I just wanted to see where the majority of the members ended up on the poll. Either way, the dude is a jerk!

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Marc, you know better than anyone how much you have seen, done and sacrificed so that people can freely make ignorant comments like that one. :salute:I have to confess that stereotypes are two way street. There are plenty of negative stereotypes about people who own snakes and at one time I was probably guilty of believing them too. :(

When people in my inner circle learned that I had these animals, the first thing I heard repeatedly was "you don’t seem like the snake lover type at all, snakes are for people who (enter anything ridiculous here)..." Essh…what does that mean? :O

I was happy to learn that herp lovers come from all walks of life and really, there is no appropriate label or stereotype necessary. :D

Let there now be a new example of the rich mix of individuals who love snakes. Some may have tattoos and piercings, some may attend the Ivy League and some are stay-at-home moms (and everything in between), it’s a very diverse group in my opinion.

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Originally Posted by FIEND_FO_LYFE

Im 18, but have been doing it for a while...
My dad got me into it, and grew up with reptiles.

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ive loved animals all of my life i had a billion different kinds but i always loved reptiles now that im 19 i figure im old enough to take care of them and be responsible lol

Well I was 42 when we got our first snake.....now I am 43 and we have 5. Grown up....no thanks. I like being young at heart. And yes of course we are judged......99% of my friends don't get it at all and think it is totally weird. Thats ok...Im not one to go along with everyone else. It makes me, my son and my husband happy and that is all that matters.

Now the grow up statement...like I said...no thanks. But I feel it takes a lot of responsibility to take care of snakes correctly. So ....responsible...yes...grown up...pluuuuuseeeeeeee.....really what makes someone "grown up"

I'm 33 (birthday in October), and got my first snake at 32... apparently on the older end, according to your poll. :cool:

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Originally Posted by Lolo76

I'm 33 (birthday in October), and got my first snake at 32

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Heck, I beat you by little over a decade, LOL! But hey, young at heart is especially good for me since I work with Kindergartners. :P

Oh, as for other pets, our menagerie is listed in my signature. :)

Growing old is mandatory... Growing up is optional!

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Originally Posted by Elise.m

Growing old is mandatory... Growing up is optional!

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People always tell me I look 18-20, and I think is because of this! :P

Getting I.Ded at the movies at 26 years old is kinda funny... I always make bets to see if I'll get I.D. or not :D

Just to add to the countless other stories. I am 22 and adopted my BP a year ago. We had dogs at home ever since I can remember. I am now in college and along with my BP I am breeding Cichlids (a type of fish) on a small scale. Fish I have been keeping for probably 6 years and have taken care of countless types of pets for the last 3 years working at a summer camp during the summer. Soon I will be adding a chameleon to my collection and for sure a dog when I graduate. Just because you love animals doesn't make you immature and who ever to you to "grow up" probably views snake owners as nerdy kids. Don't let nay sayers get to you!

So, you are 34, and because you have snakes you should grow up? Exactly what constitutes a grown up? Should you be spending your money on a mistress instead? Or maybe start a nice gun collection?

Or perhaps, like my own mother, this person thinks because you are going to have a baby, the snake is going to escape and eat your child in the night, and that is why you should grow up? Since everyone knows babies are the favorite food of all snakes.

Either way, I'd tell this "friend" to mind his own darn business and if he doesn't like your snakes, tough turkey.

Gale

I will say I will never sell to anyone under 18, and won't sell to anyone over 18 if they have the maturity level of a 9 year old. I recently sold a snake to a women I later found out was 17 and not even legally able to OWN property, and shes a freaking drama queen and has no idea about BP care. Claimed she was a much better home for the snake, when in 3 months she actually dropped something like 40 grams (was 200something when it left me), and when trying to sell her, and I asked for her back, got all snarky with me. That would have been a "grow the hell up!" instance

I'm 37 and i've always loved animals, i think i've had just about everything. I started really young, i'm talking about grabbing snakes and tadpoles when i was around 7 yrs young and keeping them in glass jars and my mother and grandmother wipping my butt when they used to find them. wow this brings back good ol memories.

I'm 14. I got my first snake when I was 7, though, haha. Unfortunately, he escaped and we never found him. My current two snakes I've had since I was 12.

I also have to say my 9 yr old is the papa to our first snake. It was bought for him by his grandmother. :rolleyes: (yea she is crazy...but cool). Anyways....he can put most 20 year olds to shame when it comes to knowledge of how to take care of it. I listen to him talking to his friends and also the media when we had the show. It was crazy....he really pays attention when I teach him things. :P But when it comes to eveything else....I think he is like 5....lol

I am 31 and we got the snake because my 7 year old wanted one. Knowing that I would be taking on most of the care of the snake she is more mine than his but if it was not for our 7 year old I do not think my husband would have been so willing to give us one.

And for the record what does "grow up" really mean? I get up 5 days a week and go to work for 8-10 hours come home feed the kids, dog, cats, snake, and rats we own. On weekend like to hang out at the park go on hiking trips and just plain have fun. Who is really a grown up someone who has no fun? I think the word needs to be better defined or just gotten rid of.

My Father use to say I may have to get old but I do not have to grow up.

I lived with and took care of my first BP when I was 12. My mom was scared of my step dads BP Ka (wild caught) so when he left so did Ka. But that started my love for them. Then I got my very own BP when I was 22 and my ex took custody of him over everything else (still think that was just to spite me)lol. I am going to be 25 and want my new baby. So age has nothing really to do with it, its all about the love you have for what ever animal (family member) you want.

My mom is a 40-something (being nice) Crested dog & rodents lover, and I am snakes, rodents and fish.

I agree with you :) and your father has it right!

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Originally Posted by ballmom

My Father use to say I may have to get old but I do not have to grow up.

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Originally Posted by Chocolate Muffin's

Let there now be a new example of the rich mix of individuals who love snakes. Some may have tattoos and piercings, some may attend the Ivy League and some are stay-at-home moms (and everything in between), it’s a very diverse group in my opinion.

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And some are a mix... Me, I am a single mommy of two young boys, have tats and piercings, and am in law school ( not Ivy league tho lol). I absolutely love BP's, and corn snakes. I have an appreciation for other types, but have my preferences. I have had animals as long as I can remember of all types, but snakes and rodents are my favorites and give me more joy than others.

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Originally Posted by FIEND_FO_LYFE

Yeah that's one thing i hate...
i have piercings, long hair, and I'm young.

I look like what people think is "the typical dumb kid with snakes".

it bugs me alot...

but that's what happens when you look like me, and you deal with uneducated ignorant people...

I'm sure it doesn't matter what you look like...
alot of people are just ignorant.

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couldn't have put it better myself.

I am 36 years old and just got into this hobby in 2008. People think I am crazy because I keep snakes. I also have a pet rat now. My mother is totally grossed out by the thought of me keeping me snakes and a pet rat. I also have a dog and a cat.

I'm 29, and all I think about every day is the fact that I'm turning 30 this year :rage:

Ive loved snakes since I saw them at Petland Discounts in NYC when I was young. SHortly thereafter pretty much all snakes got banned within the 5 boroughs. To top taht off, my dad, an old school (40's born) Russian said I cant have one as long as I live in his house. Joined military...a year later had my first snake...a corn snake. Then rescued a burm literally off of a front lawn in the winter. Then traded the corn for a ball. And now I have a bunch of lovely animals, as an adult.

Childish is wanting a dog to put in a purse.

i get it too as o thats the snake guy but i also have a dog and turtle and a leopard gecko so then they look at me like im even crazier.

I'm sixteen and I've rehabilitated two ball pythons! I'm thinking about breeding them next season if Louise has gained plenty of weight.

23 turning the big 24 in a few months wooooooot

WOW!! from reading all of this It makes me glad that my parents even let me have one snake. My dad told me that I can have as many ball pythons as I want as long as they are properley cared for and I get everything I need with my own money.
I am 13 years old and everybody I know think its kind of cool but dont have any interest in it (except for my grandma, she would scream and faint at the site of a RUBBER snake).

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Originally Posted by jjsnakedude

WOW!! from reading all of this It makes me glad that my parents even let me have one snake. My dad told me that I can have as many ball pythons as I want as long as they are properley cared for and I get everything I need with my own money.
I am 13 years old and everybody I know think its kind of cool but dont have any interest in it (except for my grandma, she would scream and faint at the site of a RUBBER snake).

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Its good to have that support. There's a local kid who has come by with his father a couple times to learn a couple things and just see how I do things, and his dad will stand there and take notes. SO awesome to have involved parents.

I'm right in the middle at 24! I surprise people when I tell them about my snakes...apparently I'm not the 'type.' Of course, they think I'm slightly nuts for a number of things (the chickens, the surrogacies, etc)

I'm 18 and have 3 snakes. I've had snakes since I was 8 or 9, and when I turned 13 I got my first bp. No one in my family is interested in reptiles.

I don't breed snakes (yet lol) but I started breeding geckos last year :D

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Originally Posted by unspecified42

I'm right in the middle at 24! I surprise people when I tell them about my snakes...apparently I'm not the 'type.' Of course, they think I'm slightly nuts for a number of things (the chickens, the surrogacies, etc)

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Haha I get that too. My standard friends think I'm crazy for loving cars to much, my car friends think im crazy for liking reptiles so much and all you guys think I'm perfectly normal. It's a big circle. I don't think I see my money anymore it just off to my hobbies. haha

i am 44...and I have loved and handled venomous snakes since i was a kid ! The ironic thing is I rescued a Ball Python several months ago and kept it, it is the first snake i've actually owned ! I do have several Hots that are wild and I check on them and monitor them in the wild.

One thing to note: this poll is not respective of reptile owners as a whole, but rather it shows the age group of people on bp.net who are going to vote for a poll regarding their age.

I think it just goes to show that the age group that spends the most time on the internet answering polls on a forum that they like is the mid 20s, and it falls off with older and younger age groups.

However to the OP: whoever told you to "grow up" because you keep reptiles is an idiot.