My Letter to Convince Dad. :3

So I wrote the letter I'm gonna give to Dad to see if I can sway him a little more towards letting my buy a python. :3
I'm nervous but excited all at the same time. XD He didn't realise that they ate frozen/thawed food I guess and I didn't know mom told him that! She told him when they were at the airport and dad brought up he got me a rubber snake.
She told him that and he said: OH!?
Well, that's what Mom said he said. XD It was a: Huh... Iguess that's not too bad..' Oh' At least that's how I see it.
But I'll post what I wrote of the letter. I want to make sure I have all the information right and my attitude in it sounds right. Informative, excited and showing my passion for reptiles.
Here it is: **I also add some cute BP pics at the end, but they aren't shown here.

:snake::snake:

Ball Python Pros and Cons:

PROS
They don’t stink
They don’t make noise
They only need fed one food item once a week
If on vacation, you can easily leave your snake for up to 2 weeks without worry
They don’t take up much space
Cheap to maintain
Relatively small, males growing 3-4 feet while females 4-5 feet
Come in many pretty colours
Can live over 20 years
CONS
Can be picky eaters
Can be nippy as hatchlings(though that goes away with age)
Can live over 20 years
Reasons for adding a Ball Python to the family:
The reason that I would like to add a Ball Python to my little family of reptiles is that I hear they make such wonderful pets, and great first time pets, that those of all experience levels enjoy. I’ve done tons of research and know a lot about them already. Let me tell you about them.
As I stated in the Pros and Cons, they do not smell and require little food. In my case, I would be feeding them frozen then thawed rats. I choose rats simply because when the snakes are adults, they won’t have to eat multiple mice, making the diet better and cheaper. The rodents will not be alive. I refuse to feed live rodents. It’s not only not very nice to the rodent, but the live rodents can bite or even kill your snake if you leave it unattended. If you’re worried about seeing the rats in the freezer, then they can easily be put into a brown paper bag or an opaque Rubbermaid bin, with SNAKE FOOD written all over it so no one opens it. Another bonus with frozen/thawed rats is that you can buy bulk. 25 rodents at about 4 every month means about 6 months worth of food. They don’t stink like live rodents either.
Because of their diet, and being a reptile, vacations are no problem whatsoever. They can go 1-2 weeks with no food or care if needed.
Ball Pythons do not require any special UVB lamps like most other reptiles, and that is because they are nocturnal. They do, however, require a heat pad for under their cage and it has to be controlled by a thermostat so the temperatures do not exceed 95* F and burn your snake.
They require little cage space. A juvenile python will live happily in a 15q Rubbermaid or Sterlite bin for 6-8 months. Then it requires a 28q bin. And finally, when it’s full grown, a 31q bin or a 40 gallon breeder glass terrarium. Holes can be melted into the bins with a soldering iron.
No doubt I love all my animals still, but a snake is something new that I’d love to add to my group of animals, and I like the fact that they are long lived so they don’t die so soon like rats or other rodents.
They are a lot less work and cost less than a bearded dragon and are more fun than a crested gecko.
Reptiles truly are a passion of mine, almost more than art. I love studying and learning about them and how to take care of them, what they eat, what they need to live healthily and happily, and learning on the job too. Plus, each reptile has his or her own personalities that are fun to learn and understand.
I decided as well, that I would want a male ball python. They are not only cheaper than the females, but they also grow maybe a foot smaller.
And I plan on buying everything for the snake, the snake itself, and I’ll even pay for the entrance fee for everybody to get into the Reptile Expo I want to get it at on January 21, 2012. That’s six months to think over what I’ve said. I really hope you take this all into consideration.
Thanks for reading! Ask me if you have any questions!


(Oh I added Lives over 20 years in the pros and cons, because it can go either way. XD I see it as a pro, he sees it as a con. )

Just so you know, when they go, they do stink. lol

I think you wrote a great letter! It is well thought out and makes great points! I hope he comes around for you and lets you get one!

sent from my EVO

i hope he come around for you.u got a good letter too.you never know your dad might end up buying a morph maybe lol.but i hope he lets you.

Pretty good letter.

My wife isn't a snake person at all and I have two of them. However, now when we have our snakes out and she asks to hold them and walks around the house with them (even though she does keep them a little ways away from her body..:D) Well, the other day I was looking at Garrick DeMeyer's Royal Constrictor Designs web site. My wife was sitting next to me and I was watching the video of his baby's for this year. When my wife saw the clown morph she loved it ;). Well, she was doing aroebics and I mentioned that we will probably see some of thsoe clown morphs at the Charlotte Repticon and her words were, "Yea we could get one and it would be mine." Imagine my surprise!!!!!!!:O:D:banana:

My point is just hang in there but don't over sell it. If you have a friend that has one maybe have him bring it over or while your out with dad, take to places that have them and just let him see first hand.

:gj::gj:

Great objective letter.

I'm the mother who is snake phobic. My husband and kids have been begging me for YEARS to get a snake and I've always said no.

What changed my mind? This reptile store opened a few miles from my house and I saw 6-year-old kids holding ball pythons from juvies to adults and they were all so chill. But, the kicker was when my husband told me that it's what Steve Irwin has always tried to do - to get people to be up close and personal to nature so that you begin to care for nature and it's wild life which would then lead to responsible stewardship and conservation.

So yeah, it wouldn't hurt to tack that bit of info on and maybe a pic or two of people your age handling balls. Good luck! :gj:

I would take out the part about hatchlings being nippy. When you are picking out a bp, you can find one easily that is not nippy at all. It is very rare for them to be nippy, and only are if they are not handled much. That won't be the case at most reptile expo stands.

Not a single one of my baby snakes has tried biting me and I have a few ^___^

I think it's a great letter and I hope your dad comes around. :)

I think you've done well. You can add the bit that anatess talked about for a broader 'outside the family' view and the pet's impact. Up to you. My advice is if he still doesn't go for it than don't pester him or get depressed. Wait awhile for things to cool off and try again. The Expo should really help. That way he can see for himself all the kids that are running around NOT getting eaten, and knowledgeable people that can confirm the info in your letter.

Good luck to you:)

Trust me, the letter will work. It worked on my dad and he went from "when you move out buy whatever you want" to letting me buy as many as I want as long as I pay for them. :D:gj:

WOW. Thanks for all the replies! XD I'm glad that it seems good! I had my friend read it also.
I'll take out the part of the babies being nippy... I didn't know how common/uncommon they were.

And I know that the snakes do stink when they use the bathroom, but so do bearded dragons when they rarely go in their cage.(they usually use the tub).

I'll edit a few things and print it out. :3
I hope you're right, gold217. It was either dad or mom who had said that I could get one when I moved out.
He's already one step closer. I'm mainly trying to point out that they aren't high work pets, but still great ones, and even though he doesn't want more pets in the house, one snake shouldn't cause havoc and chaos. XD
I'm sure he'll come around to one if I get one. I showed Mom yesterday at Walmart, the size of the tub I need for an adult male, middle, and juvie. I was even surprised at the size of the 31q!
I'm still so nervous. 0.0 I'm going to reread all these posts for more encouragement.

Cendalla, thanks for the reply. :3 I'm not too sure what he's still holding back on with the snake itself, but I think the expo would be cool, too. :3
I think my friend has a friend who has a snake...hmmm..


Anyway, thanks again to everyone! :3

Yeah my dad doesn't really care. My mom however was like no, when you move out, etc...

I told her all the pros and cons of owning snakes and lizards, she finally gave in. I took a different approach, pointing out the pros and cons of venomous vs constrictors and large vs small. I also educated her about stories she might have heard or not heard on TV, Radio, or read in the paper. I like give her lots of information so she knows I'm taking things seriously.

Good luck. I'm sure he'll come around. :D

Thanks. :3
Yeah, I was telling mom a lot of things about the snakes, stories, how the media attacks snakes, and even surprised her with the fact that animal planet is barely about animals, but horror and terror and animals attacking people, which I think is stupid.
But I did record a couple episodes of Python Hunters, but those should be on in one week. :3

Nice work and a great responsible way to go about getting your point across! I hope things work out for you. It sounds like you would be a great asset to the community. Keep up the great work :gj:

Regards,

B

Thank you. :)
I hope it works. I've really enjoyed looking around and posting on this forum. Everyone here's so nice and I've already started recognising certain users around here. I feel like I know enough about them to get one anytime after September. I'd start saving for one already, but in September I've got an anime convention to go to. ;) Need all my money for that.

If this doesn't work, I'll let the matter settle again before bringing it back up. And I can talk about it at auctions too at random times. XD The only time Dad and I really go anywhere together is at Storage Unit auctions. Might be a good time to randomly throw out BP facts.

Nice letter. I was always afraid of snakes. I held my first last year. I am 47. How stupid and clueless I was. I now have 6. I never thought I could love and care for snakes so much. Gooduck to you. Have you ask your dad to watch any of the stand up for snakes videos on the Reptile Channel?

Great letter....I can see your passion ! I REALLY hope you get the snake you have your heart set on !

Thanks, I hope I can get the snake as well. XD I just have to find a good time to put the letter on Dad's desk. :3

I think you wrote a good letter.

You might want to point out that while some hatchlings can be nippy, most are not unless you stress and over handle them.

I like that you are honest and up front about everything.

I think you have presented a good case, and I hope he sees things your way.

Gale

Thanks! I really like having second(and third, and fourth, ect.) opinions on things like this.
...Gotta figure out a good time to put it on his desk in an envelope so he can read it.

I edited the letter just a little bit and now I just need to build up some courage to print it out and give it to him. XD Is there a time it's best to give it to him? Should I put it in an envelope that's addressed to him? I'm probably over thinking this, I'm just really nervous.

I say ask him to sit down with you then give him the letter. Be confident and happy, it will show your passion. Don't worry so much, just relax and have a talk with him and when he realizes how much you love and know about this he may reconsider. :salute:

I can't just put it on his desk? D: *Is so timid*

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Originally Posted by fluffpuffgerbil

I can't just put it on his desk? D: *Is so timid*

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I think it will show courage if you sat with him for it...lol

I guess it would. XD I'm just so scared of hearing no. Even if he does, I can always bring up random facts at times or try again in a month or so. I think I'll have mom read it first, though. It's up to dad, but I'd like her to read it.

Up front, confident, probably better if he's enjoying a cold beer lol, or that could have just been my dad!

Keep us updated!

Maybe if dad drank. XD But he doesn't.

He's at a storage unit auction((Ithink) right now. Maybe if he buys a unit with super good stuff in it and he's happy I can bring it up. XD

Lol, if you're lucky he gets one with a classic Corvette in it or something! Then you can write your own cheque as far as ball pythons go!!!

A plate of warm cookies always helped my efforts;)

Heh, good to know. XD

Hey, you're in Washington too, eh? Here in Southern Washington it's been raining all the time. -_- Except today. It's sunny today

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Originally Posted by fluffpuffgerbil

Heh, good to know. XD

Hey, you're in Washington too, eh? Here in Southern Washington it's been raining all the time. -_- Except today. It's sunny today

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Still wet and drippy:(

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Originally Posted by Cendalla

Still wet and drippy:(

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I didn't think there was a day in Washington that is not wet and drippy...

Have your mom read the letter first, she knows him best so she can let you know what he may think of it.

Mom did read it! she liked it. I'll go see what she thinks that dad would think about it....
**walks away from computer**

XD She said she has no clue what he thinks. XD

Its a good letter!

I hope your dad comes around

I think it's a great letter and should go a good ways with showing your dad how much you really do care. You're showing you are willing to take the time to gain the knowledge and care for the snake properly and that you care what he thinks as well. I wish you the best of luck:gj:

Now, I just need you to right my wife a letter to convince her to allow me to keep another snake in the house! :P I have tried everything in the past couple of weeks to convince her to let me add a Boa to my collection to no avail :taz: She even turned down an offer I received from a friend of a friend to pick up a Red Tail Boa with enclosure and all the goodies COMPLETELY FREE!!! :rage: Oh well, either way I hope it works out for you!

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Originally Posted by Quickone4u

I think it's a great letter and should go a good ways with showing your dad how much you really do care. You're showing you are willing to take the time to gain the knowledge and care for the snake properly and that you care what he thinks as well. I wish you the best of luck:gj:

Now, I just need you to right my wife a letter to convince her to allow me to keep another snake in the house! :P I have tried everything in the past couple of weeks to convince her to let me add a Boa to my collection to no avail :taz: She even turned down an offer I received from a friend of a friend to pick up a Red Tail Boa with enclosure and all the goodies COMPLETELY FREE!!! :rage: Oh well, either way I hope it works out for you!

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Buy her roses and take her out to maybe a fancy dinner or something and be like soo about this snake im getting for free haha.

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Originally Posted by anatess

I didn't think there was a day in Washington that is not wet and drippy...

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It cleared up for a little while:P

Yes, the letter is on Dad's desk waiting to be read. :3 I already have a name picked out for a BP if I can get one. I had two, but one is fine for pretty much any morph, the other would only work for a Lucy. XD
The name that I currently want(it may change) for a male normal or other morph(I like spiders and pastels) would be Matsuda.
For a Lucy I like the name Solf J. Kimblee.
Both names are names from anime characters. I'd like to stick with an anime theme. Though only two of my other pets have anime names. My one of my lizards is named Riza(Hawkeye, but we just call her Riza) and Suki(my rat).
I really hope he says yes! :please:

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Originally Posted by fluffpuffgerbil

Yes, the letter is on Dad's desk waiting to be read. :3 I already have a name picked out for a BP if I can get one. I had two, but one is fine for pretty much any morph, the other would only work for a Lucy. XD
The name that I currently want(it may change) for a male normal or other morph(I like spiders and pastels) would be Matsuda.
For a Lucy I like the name Solf J. Kimblee.
Both names are names from anime characters. I'd like to stick with an anime theme. Though only two of my other pets have anime names. My one of my lizards is named Riza(Hawkeye, but we just call her Riza) and Suki(my rat).
I really hope he says yes! :please:

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I know those shows xD

I wish you luck on your bp quest!! I wrote a report/letter also and that's how I got my reptiles. :D

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Originally Posted by dragonsong93

I know those shows xD

I wish you luck on your bp quest!! I wrote a report/letter also and that's how I got my reptiles. :D

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Death Note and Fullmetal Alchemist XD (And Avatar the Last Airbender for Suki)
I hope it works for me!:confused:

Let's hope it works out!!

You did a great job on your research and your letter. Here's hoping for you to have a new family member soon. :)

PS I think those are great names.

i think you wrote a great letter and its probably best that you left out of the cons expensive herpvet if it gets sick.hahaha.i hope he comes around and you get your new snake friend.i cant tell if your a female or not but if you are remember daddys little princess' generally always get what they want in the end.:D

Good luck. :gj:

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Originally Posted by mark and marley

i think you wrote a great letter and its probably best that you left out of the cons expensive herpvet if it gets sick.hahaha.i hope he comes around and you get your new snake friend.i cant tell if your a female or not but if you are remember daddys little princess' generally always get what they want in the end.:D

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Hahah, XD I am female.
And yeah, I figured that'd be best to leave those cons out. ;)
I hope so too, and not to sound spoiled, but you're kinda right. XD The only pet I've not gotten that I really wanted was a dog, and that had great explanations as to why we couldn't have one. (Not enough room, old dog no like other dogs, )
I hope I do get the snake!



To the others: I'm glad you like the names. :3 I'll be probably using Matsuda though since I'm not going to be affording a lucy anytime soon. XD And mom doesn't like Lucys.

Hi. I know this isn't exactly a new thread, but I'd just like to say great job on the letter. I had a little bit of deja vu there, I wrote a nearly identical letter to my parents way back when I wanted to get my first snake. It worked... and of course then I wanted some more, which took more persuasion (especially with the boas... I think hearing his daughter say "Can I bring home a boa constrictor?" was one of my dad's worst nightmares), but now I've got a whole room filled to the top with snake and gecko cages, and I'm none the worse for wear.

I think the biggest problem parents have with pet snakes is simply that they don't know what it entails in terms of space, dangers, size, temperament, bacterial risks, etc., so being informative in a calm manner, as you have done, is definitely the best way to go. Fear and/or reluctance in regard to reptiles is almost always remedied by education.

Good luck! Hope you end up getting a ball python! :)

Dad already said yes

Thanks for the post, I just got my snake today! A sweet little girl. (little for now that is. XD Mom wasn't too thrilled when she heard that she'd get bigger than the male that I originally wanted.
You can read what I've said here: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...=1#post1625608