Why snakes?

When they saw Ellis, my new BP, my friends asked what tricks he could do. Apparently to them, pets are only worthy insofar as they can perform for us.

My girlfriend's father recently suggested we purchase an African Grey Parrot, because of their intelligence. This implies that the value of a pet is somehow dependent upon how smart it is.

What is wrong with these people? Or, to put it in a nicer way, I am shocked at what a different sense these people have of what pets are.

I appreciate Ellis just for being a snake, and that is enough for me.

As we are all reptile owners/enthusiasts here, I just wanted to share these thoughts, and hear what others have to say on this topic of why we have pets and what they mean to us. I am also curious about how people who have mammalian pets as well balance the so-called "rewarding" relationship afforded by more "intelligent" animals with the keeper/caretaker role they share with their reptilian buddies. :)

I believe it all depends on the person, and no one person's idea of "pet" is better or worse than any others. Some people get a lot of enjoyment out of watching animals learn and interact. Some people get emotional satisfaction from the bond they can develope with cetain animals. Some people find their fulfillment in providing the best possible care for any animal, no matter what it is. Some people want pets for no other reason than they are interesting to look at...like fish.

I don't think there's anything wrong with desiring an animal because it is intelligent. Nor do I think there's something "wrong" with someone because they can't understand or relate to my enjoyment of snakes. I personally don't get why some people like to keep tarantulas or scorpions or bugs. Doesn't mean there's anything wrong with them or with me. :)

I keep reptiles because for some unknown reason to me they fascinate me. They're amazing to hold, amazing to keep, and amazing to look at. Ball pythons are so exotic looking to me. They're so smooth and easy going, gentle as heck. I remember when I started getting into snakes all I wanted was a ball python. Their patterns were so wild and awsome looking. I was originally into snakes, colubrids was what was available, but pythons were what I craved :) I guess their thickness and strength, their easiness. I can't explain it any better. I see a python and want to hold it, wanna buy it, wanna care for it. Who knows, I feel the same way about kittens. But kittens turn into cats, which learn to hate you.

Somehow it turned into a love for geckos, then somewhat into lizards.

Is there any explaination out there?

well, who said a snake cant b loyal like a dog?

Snakes are true to thine own selves - part of the appeal for me. I think most people are just fascinated by their sheer leglessness (evolutionary remnants not withstanding :P) and their locomotion - it boggles us but they move with sheer confidence in ways that make us wonder how they coordinate all that muscle into purpose. And damn can they be eating machines!

What Smulkin said, plus snakes are just as snakey wherever they are, unlike animals that are domesticated. Horses, cats, dogs, pigs, sheep, any number of animals are different in the wild but a snake never stops being snakey.

Hmmm , I concider my dog (a beagle by the way,king of all beasts :P ) my pet. My Snakes are sorta different I concider them animals I enjoy keeping and observing, my dog I play with my snakes I work with. My dog misses me when Im not home , my snakes tolerate me to enjoy them. Its a totaly different relationship with snakes that is so cool, it ramps up into an addiction. True some animals are very inteligent and can learn all sorts of commands and tricks, but snakes have a raw essence,and at times a commanding presence that makes me admire them. There habits are unique, their perseption of the world what little we can glean from observing them is very pure. And the gifts they are endowed with are amazing, speed, power, agility, and tons of patience for some things, while having no patience for other things LOL. Who could not at the very least be interested in learning something about them, and something from them.

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Originally Posted by JLC

I don't think there's anything wrong with desiring an animal because it is intelligent. Nor do I think there's something "wrong" with someone because they can't understand or relate to my enjoyment of snakes. I personally don't get why some people like to keep tarantulas or scorpions or bugs. Doesn't mean there's anything wrong with them or with me. :)

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I agree with you all the way!

my sig explains why i like them. i think people who like dogs and cats are looking for an easy reward they feed the dog it greets them wags its tale and plays with you when your in the mood there is nothing wrong with this. In there eyes snakes are all work and no play. Are play is just fascination and if they don't understand this i ignore them.

I like keeping snakes because they are different , exotic, and I, like the Godfather have always wanted a Python ever since reading the Junglebook as a wee child. Plus it has the "shock" value to people when they see or hear you keep snakes especially if female.
It is taking a walk on the "wild side" so to speak

Snakes make good pets for a number of reasons they dont make any noise, they dont smell, they dont cause alergies because they have no fur or dander to make alergies act up. And most people who are afraid of reptiles is because they are not acustomed to reptiles especialy snakes is because they dont understand them. And also everyone i think is avoiding this can or worms, THE WHOLE GARDEN OF EDEN THING. Its said that it was a serpent that talked eve into eating the forbiden fruit. But we all know snakes cant talk. LOL.

People view snakes as slimy, vile, and evil creatures when in reality this is further than the truth. Snakes have gotten a bad wrap ever since the bible was published. In other countries snakes are viewed as gods themselves and are given the respect they deserve but in other countries they are seen as evil creatures. I think people own snakes for the same reason they own a dog or a cat and this is for companionship and to know that they alone are responible for the well being of another being. And I think this gives people a sense of pride in knowing that you have raised and cared for something other then themselves.

When people ask me why a snake all i say is "because i wanted one". Its as simple as that.

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THE WHOLE GARDEN OF EDEN THING. Its said that it was a serpent that talked eve into eating the forbiden fruit. But we all know snakes cant talk. LOL.

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Not to turn this into a relegeous discussion but the book of revelation identifies "the serpent" as a rebel spirit known as Satan( wich means resister). Obviously a serpent was used because of its cautios nature, but in no way reflects badly on something the bible teaches to be a creation for man to study and enjoy.

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Not to turn this into a relegeous discussion but the book of revelation identifies "the serpent" as a rebel spirit known as Satan( wich means resister). Obviously a serpent was used because of its cautios nature, but in no way reflects badly on something the bible teaches to be a creation for man to study and enjoy.

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Very well said, Paul!

Well I have both reptiles and mammals. And I find my snake and beardie to be far more fasinateing than my dog and cat. But that does not mean that I love them any differant. They are all my children. I love them all very much and my world would not be right without them. Granted my snakes and beardie cannot bark, play fetch, or be as affectionate as my cat. But they are all shown equall attention. I also love the fact that I am keeping a creature that started out (all mine are captive born and bred, Bloodline is what I am talking about.) arcossed the sea and far away.They brighten my day. I am an all around animal lover so I can't choose between reptiles and mammals.

i didnt read all the other people posts(just most of them) but here are my thoughts..
snakes a fascinating to keep because you get to see the entire life of the animal. what it does at 10 pm or 12noon... you get to examin it closely and have it crawl around the room or something. its interesting to watch. its also a hobby to keep up with all of their hubaandry needs and stuff. the snake is completely dependant on you to provide it with the correct conditions. when you put that kind of work in to somethin, you really start to love it. hence the herp addiction :)
with dogs, they are smart enough to show you affection, play game, do tricks and all that. which is why they appeal to people. its like a guaranteed friend, all you need to do is feed it and give it water and love. so you love a dog because its like your best friend. you love a snake because they are fascinating creatures that you need to work for. that my 2 cents.

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Originally Posted by JLC

I personally don't get why some people like to keep tarantulas or scorpions or bugs. Doesn't mean there's anything wrong with them or with me. :)

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I currently have over 40 tarantulas, various scorpions, some other true spiders, and of course, my beautiful snakes.

I personally see tarantulas and other spiders as graceful moving, shy, fragile, and just downright facinating creatures. They, like snakes, all have different personalities (if you can believe it), come in different shapes, sizes, and colors. They can create silk that is stronger than steel, live in the trees, live underground, live on the ground, etc.

This is just my own personal opinon, and I don't expect everyone to share my appreciation for them. Like most people don't share the appreciaton that all of us here share for our snakes.

I never thought that I would appreciate snakes. But I allowed myself to be open to the idea that they too were put here for a reason and can be truly fascinating. I started reading and learning and found that they, like spiders, have been given a truley bad reputation by peoples ignorance (and I don't mean that in a negative way), peoples myths, and movies and shows that depict them as having a premedataed aggresion.

Just my two cents.

Personally, I keep snakes because I am fascinated by them. No matter how many times I see them eat, it always fascinates me to watch. And another thing I love about snakes and other herps, is that they're not all "in your face" like dogs or even my cat. And aside frrom the monthly defecations, my snakes never smell bad, which is more than I can say for most of the dogs and conventional pets, like hamsters, that I have kept! And snakes never make loud noises keeping you awake at night, at least mine never have.
Add to this, the fact that it is SO personally satisfying to look into that cage and see that fat snake and know that YOU are responsible for its health, shiny scales and clear eyes. That alone is enough reason for me to keep snakes!

Sparked an interesting thought on culture, religion/mythology and snakes from revered (Quetzalcoatl) to feared (eden's serpent, medusa) - damn you for getting those wheels turning - it is Friday I don't want to THINK!

Rusty Reptiles has reptiles, amphibians, arachnids and mammals.
Mammals include three humans, 6 ferrets and the best rabbit in the world (I guess I am biased).
Anyhow, I tend to see many people referring to animals of all kinds with human characteristics. We tend not to. I don’t think I ever have. I believe this stems from the way I grew up. I have met more horrible people then nice. (Even though I know there are nice ones out there).
So I tend to find animals have more of my respect then most humans. I am thrilled when my ferrets curl up in my lap, the same way I am thrilled when the new emaciated rescue corn snake eats for the first time in a very long time.
Many of these animals have been here allot longer then humans have. I’m sure if any of us watch the news at 11, we could figure out why. Please know I am not a “human hater”. I’ve just met too many ignorant folks in my line of work.
This is my whole world, and lord knows I would be making allot more trouble if I couldn’t live my dream.
I learned along time ago to never take any for granted. Nothing, ever.
These animals, all of them (even including the ignorant humans) deserve our respect.
Sincerely,
Rusty
https://ball-pythons.net/modules/cop...08/Cnv0134.jpg

I certainly never expected to respond the way I have to snakes. I agree with a lot of what has been said so far - they are fascinating, but even more importantly (at least to me), it is very satisfying to put so much time and effort into maintaining proper environments and to be rewarded with a healthy snake. It's a much different relationship than what we have with other pets, especially dogs. Dogs are constantly seeking our approval. We are constantly seeking our snakes' approvals.

I love my little girl more than I love most people!

Yes; snakes will never talk about you behind your back; cheat on you; or steal your CDs.

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Dogs are constantly seeking our approval. We are constantly seeking our snakes' approvals.

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Yep, you can say that again.

I guess that's why Rusty always refers to being "kept by" reptiles.

I am with you Raj, I love my snake and cat more than most people
even tho the bp is high maintence ( a trait I dislike in most people)
Smynx hit the nail on the head,
It is very rewarding to work to keep things right and then get rewarded with a happy healthy bp.