Are Snakes More of A Guy or A Gal Thing?

When I think of people who have pet snakes I think of guys. Maybe I am wrong? So I made a poll (pending) to see who is the major owners of pet snakes...Guys or Gals.

Share with us what got you interested in having a pet snake too.



:snake:

It looks like gals are winning so far, but I also feel that guys are a bit more likely to be snake owners. I am a corn snake breeder, and out of curiosity I went through my customer list and calculated the percentage of male vs. female buyers, and this is what I got: Approximately 52% were guys, and 48% were gals. I know that a fair amount of these customers were parents buying snakes for their kids or entire families, but if they are the person initiating the transaction and paying for the snake, I would assume they also have some part in its ownership and / or care. It will be interesting to see how this poll comes out. I kind of wonder if gals might be more likely to post on forums than guys, and if that could skew the results?

In this house it's a gal thing. The hubby, and my 3 sons are not so into them. But that's ok.

I got into snakes loooooong ago. Was a boy friend that had them. When we broke up I kept one of the snakes. I can say it was the best thing I ever did. Well one of them.

i go to shows and see a ton of guys as well as girls so id say both. i got into snakes when i was young. I live down state new york aka long island so i use to go up to my summer spot about 4 hours upstate to gilboa ny. would find garter and corn snakes all the time. Kept them for a few days while i was up there and let them go. Then in 6th grade i went to the reptile museum we had here in L.I and got my first ball python. Ever since i have been keeping ball pythons as well as other reptiles not limited to snakes. I breed them and love them dearly. :gj::salute:

i bet the numbers will end with guys ahead but the girls count will be suprisingly close

i dont think it can be split like that i know about the same amount of females who keep snakes as i know guys.

I'm a gal over here. I wanted a pet for myself that my children could handle. It also had to be apartment friendly and allergen free. I researched reptiles and was put off by the care of a BD (3 kids and a job I have time but not that much time!) so I researched snakes and here we are! Added our first in Sept of last year and just got our second one last week! My husband has nothing to do with them. He will spray their cages, though, if I go on vacation. I do all their care and I love it. I will have to say that I think of snakes as being more of a male thing, although the breeder I got my first snake from was a gal, also so maybe that's saying something!

In my home it is a guy thing. All the women and girls run and scream like a huge monster is going to eat them when me or my son takes the snake out of the cage. :D

I am a girl and I have two normal BP's. I take care of them and handle them. Sometimes my boyfriend handles them but not so much.

Like everyone else is saying, most would think of it as a guy thing. In my house its a family thing, My wife, daughter and son love them just as much as I do. (most of them are my wifes lol though we wont tell everyone RIGHT). lol I know quite a few female snake owners.

Eric

In my family, there are actually more guys than girls... but all of the guys are terrified of the snakes! (Trust me, I have a great time with that! :D) The only people I personally know who have any interest in reptiles are myself, my best friend, two of my cousins, and my vet... all women! :headbang:

This proving interesting so far. I would have thought guys would have had it hands down.

I, myself have never been interested in snakes until recently. I was never afraid of them, other than the 'healthy' fear, or shall we say respect of poisonous ones. But I never feared them because of superstitious/religious reasons.

I'm glad you posted this thread. I've recently added to my reptile collection EXPONENTIALLY. For two years I had just 2 smaller snakes - 1 ratsnake 1 western hognose. Then almost overnight (between August to November 2009) I am at almost 20.

I haven't had this many snakes since I was just out of high school. And boys were easy to come by back then, so I didn't worry if snakes would creep a guy out. Now I'm in my 30s, dating and thinking I'll get passed on by guys if they hear I have this many snakes. So I don't advertise it!

Now my motorcycle habit, I am not afraid to share. I think the difference is this: if I own one or two motorcycles that's fine. Its that I own a couple dozen snakes and it seems a bit of a compulsive/obsessive habit. And those things generally are a red flag. Does anyone think similarly? I know its a tough crowd to get an unbiased response.

The tactics that I use to convince myself its okay - its like tattoos - have you ever met someone with just one? Sure, but the ones with multiple tats outnumber those with just one. Snakes are similarly "appreciated." And, if I can keep up on their care to keep them well fed and always have clean cages and fresh water, then I'm not in over my head. :cool:

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Originally Posted by wendhend

It looks like gals are winning so far, but I also feel that guys are a bit more likely to be snake owners. I am a corn snake breeder, and out of curiosity I went through my customer list and calculated the percentage of male vs. female buyers, and this is what I got: Approximately 52% were guys, and 48% were gals. I know that a fair amount of these customers were parents buying snakes for their kids or entire families, but if they are the person initiating the transaction and paying for the snake, I would assume they also have some part in its ownership and / or care. It will be interesting to see how this poll comes out. I kind of wonder if gals might be more likely to post on forums than guys, and if that could skew the results?

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I too think that most owners of reptiles are males. And the poll will probably be inaccurate because of its optional to score a result and I too think gals might be more likely to be on the internet forums.

Although I think it is a lot like motorcycling. Women are gaining an interest and comfortability in the hobby and the numbers are growing!

From the internet... link

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According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, between 1998 and 2003, the
number of female riders has increased approximately 34 percent. This number shows that roughly 4.3 million women motorcyclists out of 23.5 million people that operate a motorcycle or approximately 18 percent of all riders are women. "You’ve come a long way baby" because less than ten years ago women made up only 3 percent of all riders.

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I had to vote "gals," since - well - I'm a gal with 16 snakes! I have also encountered more snake-fearing men than women, and it especially made me laugh when my roommate's ex was terrified... he was a 6'5" 30 year-old black man, who would shriek like a 12 year-old girl if the snake came within 10 feet of him. :D On the other hand, most women I tell about my snakes are fascinated and want to meet them. Even those who claim to be afraid will take a chance, and usually end up with one happily wrapped around their neck.

Oh, and I've always been interested in snakes & reptiles, so it's hard to say why or how. :confuzd:

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Originally Posted by Lolo76

I had to vote "gals," since - well - I'm a gal with 16 snakes! I have also encountered more snake-fearing men than women, and it especially made me laugh when my roommate's ex was terrified... he was a 6'5" 30 year-old black man, who would shriek like a 12 year-old girl if the snake came within 10 feet of him. :D On the other hand, most women I tell about my snakes are fascinated and want to meet them. Even those who claim to be afraid will take a chance, and usually end up with one happily wrapped around their neck.

Oh, and I've always been interested in snakes & reptiles, so it's hard to say why or how. :confuzd:

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Men are always the biggest babies. Take a horse and 10 women and 10 men - all of which who have never been around horses. Most of the men will have issues with being around or on the horse, most of the women will be eager to be around or on the horse. Take a needle and 10 women and 10 men. Most of the men will be babies! Same goes with snakes! :D Its really quite funny.

p.s. I'm sorry for bashing on the male gender. I do it in admiration; believe me when I say that. Without a man a home is incomplete... and without the woman a home is incomplete. Its the ying and the yang. :)

I voted guys just because I think that is what the numbers actually are. I do believe that there is a higher percentage of Girls than most would think.
I have found that when talking about or sharing my collection with people that are scared or disgusted by snakes that girls usually change their mind a lot easier than guys and quickly decide they want to touch/hold a snake while guys tend to hold onto their opinions and fears.

I for one, being a single guy, would love to see more Ladies with a love of reptiles... :rockon:

i have noticed many more women own snakes than I thought would.. I am impressed that they seem more knowledgeable too!:)

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Originally Posted by JeffD

i have noticed many more women own snakes than I thought would.. I am impressed that they seem more knowledgeable too!:)

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I think women in general aren't big on wanting to kill things off right away. I know I red up about a week and watched videos before I got Alexander.

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Originally Posted by CA Cowgirl

Men are always the biggest babies. Take a horse and 10 women and 10 men - all of which who have never been around horses. Most of the men will have issues with being around or on the horse, most of the women will be eager to be around or on the horse. Take a needle and 10 women and 10 men. Most of the men will be babies! Same goes with snakes! Its really quite funny.

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Afraid of Horses????...I wonder if it's a thing of being around animals that are difficult to control and potential dangerous that scares them. I wonder how many of these sort of males are either abusive or just seek out docile women they can control?

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Originally Posted by CA cowgirl

Men are always the biggest babies. Take a horse and 10 women and 10 men - all of which who have never been around horses. Most of the men will have issues with being around or on the horse, most of the women will be eager to be around or on the horse. Take a needle and 10 women and 10 men. Most of the men will be babies! Same goes with snakes! :D Its really quite funny.

p.s. I'm sorry for bashing on the male gender. I do it in admiration; believe me when I say that. Without a man a home is incomplete... and without the woman a home is incomplete. Its the ying and the yang. :)

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lol im a guy and im afraid of horses well i will pet one and even ride one with someone there but no free roaming like alot of people do im too afraid and i hate needles too!!

but i LOVE SNAKES!!!!:snake::snake::snake:

One thing I noticed at NARBC Tinley back in feb, there were hardly ANY gals at the booths.

However we did pick up a panther chameleon from one of those few gals :D

I'm sorry, is this really a question? God love ya pretty lady, but it's a mans world when dealing in reptiles.

My husband and I both own the snakes so I guess we've cancelled each other out...

I heard a funny way to express a fear of snakes the other day (it was a guy.) He said, "I love animals except the ones with too many legs or too few. Those things just creep me out."

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Originally Posted by Lolo76

I had to vote "gals," since - well - I'm a gal with 16 snakes! I have also encountered more snake-fearing men than women, and it especially made me laugh when my roommate's ex was terrified... he was a 6'5" 30 year-old black man, who would shriek like a 12 year-old girl if the snake came within 10 feet of him. :D On the other hand, most women I tell about my snakes are fascinated and want to meet them. Even those who claim to be afraid will take a chance, and usually end up with one happily wrapped around their neck.

Oh, and I've always been interested in snakes & reptiles, so it's hard to say why or how. :confuzd:

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I've had similar experiences. With school presentations and birthday parties and such that I will take a few of my snakes to, the females always seem to be more ready to trust the snakes... out of all the people who held Cu (the only ball python I feel 100% comfortable letting kids hold), most were girls.

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Originally Posted by Arsinoe

Afraid of Horses????...I wonder if it's a thing of being around animals that are difficult to control and potential dangerous that scares them. I wonder how many of these sort of males are either abusive or just seek out docile women they can control?

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Men I've talked with about this say its that they don't know what that powerful animal will do to them and since it has a mind of its own, they don't mess around with the equines. It makes me chuckle!

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Originally Posted by dembonez

lol im a guy and im afraid of horses well i will pet one and even ride one with someone there but no free roaming like alot of people do im too afraid and i hate needles too!!

but i LOVE SNAKES!!!!:snake::snake::snake:

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hee hee... case proven with this one man. :D

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Originally Posted by mainbutter

One thing I noticed at NARBC Tinley back in feb, there were hardly ANY gals at the booths.

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One of the independent reptile shops I go to is owned and operated by a woman.

I think that maybe men are seen as the face of reptile owners, but behind every great man is a great woman :D But honestly, girls seem to be more willing to change their mind, at least with the kindergartners who've seen my snakes. I got into reptiles on my own, and I thank God I have supporting parents :oops: I don't remember it very well, but my mom used to take me to ponds around our house to catch frogs and the occasional garter when I was reeeeally young. She has video of me talking about a snake I caught when I was five with an Australian accent (huuuuge Steve Irwin fan) :D

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Originally Posted by mqbuchanan

I'm sorry, is this really a question? God love ya pretty lady, but it's a mans world when dealing in reptiles.

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:colbert: Don't even.

With the people i know it runs 50/50.

In my house, it's a guy thing, but then again, I live alone. I'm not really afraid of most animals,except wild boars and cockroaches... Oh, and clowns.

In my house it's a woman thing my husband is not into snakes at all.

LOL. i noticed something.

For the past 100 years girls have slowly become more active, getting jobs to help maintain the family versus following the stereotypical housewife scenario.

it stands to reason that they would also take interest in some of the things guys do as well.
i wouldn't be surprised if the men win this poll but the women are nipping at their heels.

from what i can see, the amount of girls vs guys snake owners are pretty much 50/50.

i'm the snake guy in the house. but my wife will take out our BP and handle him no problem.

she likes him just fin....but she doesnt love him.........YET....

Gal here. Most of the men in my family are terrified of snakes or just don't care. My brother used to run and hide when we took the snakes out. I don't think keeping snakes is more of a guy thing or more of a girl thing. I just think people in general like snakes. It doesn't matter what gender you are.

But to add to this. I successfully converted my older sister (we are going to Daytona this year!) who then converted our friend (also going to Daytona). I have somewhat converted my younger sister (she liked to handle the boa) and my brother's ex is getting a ball python this year.

I think maybe a while ago, it may have been a guy thing, but more and more women are getting into this hobby. :D

Well it all depends on the "guy or gal". Some of both sexes will never touch a snake EVER....then there's some that can't get enough. BG loves females like this.;):D:rofl:

We adopted our adult BP as a family pet for our two sons. We had been thinking about it for some time, then the oportunity came up and Slinky has been with us for 6 months now. Slinky decided to try and eat my husband very early on which made us all more wary than we were originally. I was the one who had to overcome that for everyone by making sure I poked around in his tank to keep things clean, fresh water etc. I eventually got to stroking him while in the tank, and eventually (I felt so brave) I started taking him out. Now Slinky and I are the best of friends and my youngest son handles him too. My older son will watch him if he's out but my husband is still not ready to handle him, although he does help out with cleaning and spraying etc.

Needless to say I am very excited about the upcoming NY Expo, as I am taking my boys to get a baby corn snake :D

I have known a few who own BPs. Most are female... once while doing a barracks health and comfort inspection, I actually found a BP that a female Marine had in her wall locker!! I also know another female who keeps her BP in her purse sometimes and takes it with her when she is out.

I don't think there's much of a gender bias involved. It is a bit difficult to tell with a web poll.
The last I heard, women were very slightly outpacing men when it comes to internet usage. That could sway the results, if only by a bit.
I suspect there are more male snake owners, but female snake owners are more social, and more likely to come to places like this to talk about it. That would be in keeping with general m/f trends.

Besides, guys already know everything, so they don't need to look up info. (runs to avoid thrown fruit):rofl:

Guy here. I love girly snakes such as Ball .... :rolleye2:

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Originally Posted by WingedWolfPsion

I don't think there's much of a gender bias involved. It is a bit difficult to tell with a web poll.
The last I heard, women were very slightly outpacing men when it comes to internet usage. That could sway the results, if only by a bit.
I suspect there are more male snake owners, but female snake owners are more social, and more likely to come to places like this to talk about it. That would be in keeping with general m/f trends.

Besides, guys already know everything, so they don't need to look up info. (runs to avoid thrown fruit):rofl:

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*throws a tomato at you* <--couldn't help myself :P

I'm voting a guy thing, but, I beleive they are for everyone.

Well, supposedly eve started this whole thing, so you tell me.

BrandonsBalls

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Originally Posted by JAMills

I voted guys just because I think that is what the numbers actually are. I do believe that there is a higher percentage of Girls than most would think...

...I for one, being a single guy, would love to see more Ladies with a love of reptiles... :rockon:

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Great minds think alike! :gj:

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Originally Posted by Big Gunns

Well it all depends on the "guy or gal". Some of both sexes will never touch a snake EVER....then there's some that can't get enough. BG loves females like this.;):D:rofl:

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That is just wrong BG, there are very young minors reading this! :colbert:

:D:rofl:

Well, obviously I love snakes! We have over 100 but only about 4 are my personal snakes. My hubby has his personal fav.'s and the rest are equally shared between us. Plus, all my tortoises, my spider, and Lizard :)

I am a 34 yr old gal and my hubby is afraid of my 3 snakes! And I don't fit most stereotypes either. I am a girly-girl that works in an office with no visible tats or piercings.

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Originally Posted by CA cowgirl

Now my motorcycle habit, I am not afraid to share. I think the difference is this: if I own one or two motorcycles that's fine. Its that I own a couple dozen snakes and it seems a bit of a compulsive/obsessive habit. And those things generally are a red flag. Does anyone think similarly? I know its a tough crowd to get an unbiased response.

The tactics that I use to convince myself its okay - its like tattoos - have you ever met someone with just one? Sure, but the ones with multiple tats outnumber those with just one. Snakes are similarly "appreciated." And, if I can keep up on their care to keep them well fed and always have clean cages and fresh water, then I'm not in over my head. :cool:

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You made me think about taking back my girly-girl part of my post. I also ride motorcycles (sport bikes) and own 2. And I do have 1 tattoo. But I still dress up to go to work.

In my house it's gal thing. My finace wants nothing to do with them. Although, he's been checking for eggs almost as much as I have lately!

Ack! I accidentally clicked "Gals". I guess I'm tired, and I happened to read it wrong. XD

I think owning a snake is not a guy or gal thing, but... a /human/ thing. I know more girls than guys who [own/want to own] a snake, but either way, we're all human.

I voted gal, LOL just to give them a leg up..Go Girls..:banana:

i can't vote, got me and my girlfriend living here, both own our own snakes. so its split in this house