Proper response when asked....

People like to ask. Why am I getting a snake? Why would you want one of those things etc etc..lol So what is the best response to give a person that ask me these type questions with such disgust? and hate? Can I like what I like? It's not like they have to take care of it right? What is the proper response to give without sounding like a complete MAD MAN?:cool:

Because theyre awesome. See, im a rather awesome person so its only fitting that i own an awesome pet.

Thats the approach i would take.

Perfect modern pet. Snakes do well with the hectic modern lifestyle. They can be left for days will little attention with absolutely no adverse effects. The often only need to be fed once a week and cleaned up after about the same. The do not smell or make much noise and are hypoallergenic.

Gentle and fascinating creatures, that are basically unchanged for millions of years.

My typical answer

"The same reason people by the million have fish tanks. You think they're pretty, interesting, and require a special kind of care. No, they don't bond with you like a cat or dog, but taking care of them brings great personal satisfaction."

Personally I dont care what anybody thinks...

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Originally Posted by Mike41793

Because theyre awesome. See, im a rather awesome person so its only fitting that i own an awesome pet.

Thats the approach i would take.

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I have actually said this before. ^^^

Being awesome isn't for everyone, but if you are awesome, you need a pet that accents your awesomeness. You might not be able to handle the awesomeness of reptiles, but I can.

I'm Tiffany, and I approve this message. :gj:

I think there was a thread similar to this called 'Why Do You Own Snakes' or something but I digress.

My answer is be honest with the person and tell them why specifically you like having them around. For me specifically I think reptiles and fish are more fascinating/interesting to watch and learn about than dogs and cats. It's also a hobby, I consider reptiles and fish "hobby pets". I also like my 'reptile house' cause I like a quiet apartment when I come home.

Although I would not recommend the "I just like watching them kill mice/rats and eating them up" answer is not so good cause then it just feeds their fear/disgust with our animals/hobbies.

Mike is pretty awesome.

I always tell people that snakes make awesome pets. There is a huge community associated with them, and there are so many side projects to explore with owning them. It's a great learning opportunity, and it's something that isn't overly mainstream. They don't require the same attention domestic animals do, however they come with a responsibility that changes you in a very positive way IMHO. It can be an investment if you want it to be, and a chance to network either professionally and/or personally within the community.

I love this community, not just here on BP.net, but in the reptile world all together. Snakes specifically attract people of all ages, from all different walks of life. One of my closer contacts I've met through this site is a 50 something family man that I may have never had the chance of meeting and befriending him if it wasn't for our commitment to ball-pythons. As cheesy as that sounds, I am grateful for the chance to know him, and am proud to consider him a friend of mine.

I can honestly say that having snakes has been one of the most rewarding hobbies I have ever had. And no matter what life throws at me I will never completely walk away from it.

I've gone from being afraid of snakes. I was pissed off when the gf brought home our first ball python, to owning over a dozen reptiles, operating dozens of rodent colonies, and breeding for the first time this year. I learn new things all the time, and I'm no where near an expert. Again, sounding cheesy here but I find reptiles kind of take over, and become a life style choice. At least that's how its been for me.

Well coming from the chick who likes to wear leather handcuffs for both function and looks, plus a tail and fuzzy ears depending on how I feel... I own Ihysius because I damn well feel like it and I don't care what anyone thinks.
I take care of him because he's a beautiful, primal, mystical animal who fascinates me and keeps me calm.

I always try to educate though, especially with people who are afraid and think he's 'slimy and disgusting'.
I always answer their questions as honestly and truthfully as I can.

Yes---he eats frozen rodents---you eat chickens, cows and pigs don't you?
No---he's not a threat, most snakes bite defensively or because you smell of rat and are warm so he can't tell the difference
No---he's dry and smooth and soft, he makes no noise and doesn't stink

But for the right hysterical ones....not much you can do.
Just roll your eyes and move on. The longer their around snakes the more they calm down and come around though usually, so you may convert them yet lol.

Certain ones though, they're all part of that scary 'keeping up with Joneses' suburban mind-cult thing wherein everyone has to prescribe to 'the rules' and own a golden retriever---------buuuuut screw that.

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Originally Posted by RoseyReps

I have actually said this before. ^^^

Being awesome isn't for everyone, but if you are awesome, you need a pet that accents your awesomeness. You might not be able to handle the awesomeness of reptiles, but I can.

I'm Tiffany, and I approve this message. :gj:

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Mmm. The force is strong in this one.

Thanks new found friends! lol

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Originally Posted by decensored

Mike is pretty awesome.

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Thank you, Chris!

thanks again!

Well normally I answer that "It true they aren't for everyone that's for sure. But they are hypoalerganic, only have to eat once a week, don't have to be house trained, and when set up properly can be left alone for up to a week so no need for a pet sitter. Plus you wont find a dog or a cat that has the color's or patterns of my snakes. Again they aren't for everyone. "

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Originally Posted by Spirit_Scale

Well coming from the chick who likes to wear leather handcuffs for both function and looks, plus a tail and fuzzy ears depending on how I feel... I own Ihysius because I damn well feel like it and I don't care what anyone thinks.

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Counter-intuitive beyond comprehension.

I just tell people "Cause I like them" plain and simple.

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Originally Posted by Spirit_Scale

Well coming from the chick who likes to wear leather handcuffs for both function and looks, plus a tail and fuzzy ears depending on how I feel

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You've spiked my curiosity... pics?

When I get asked why do I own reptiles, I simply reply why not come over and ill show you. It ends the conversation fairly quickly usually or turns into an informative conversation, not just "their gross why do you have them?".

Lmao


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Dumb questions deserve a snarky answer like: I am Lord Voldemort and this is Nagini the second.

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Originally Posted by Bellatrix_LeSnake

Dumb questions deserve a snarky answer like: I am Lord Voldemort and this is Nagini the second.

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Lmao


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I tell everyone that its my home security system being that most people are scared sh*tless of snakes :D

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Originally Posted by ChrisS

You've spiked my curiosity... pics?

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Exactly my point, lol.

Nah dude, she doesn't care that you have taken interest to her kitty ears and cuffs... she's just doing what feels normal and right to her.

http://i.imgur.com/seh6p.gif

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Originally Posted by MrLang

Exactly my point, lol.

Nah dude, she doesn't care that you have taken interest to her kitty ears and cuffs... she's just doing what feels normal and right to her.

http://i.imgur.com/seh6p.gif

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Eh, never hurts to ask... Maybe she'll feel like posting pics and not do it for me :D lol

And it's the tail I'm most interested in ;)

Normally I say something like this....You can't compare them to dogs and cats, you compare them to fish, cars, and other types of hobbies where hard work, time, and knowledge are rewarded by giving you something beautiful. They are like living artwork, I appreciate the many they colors and patterns come in, pure natural beauty. Using what nature has given us, I can guide the process and make entirely new artwork, sometimes something the world has never seen before.

When someone asks me why I like Snakes and/or keep them I plain and simply tell them because I like them. That's all they should need.

Answers I have heard (and used) include:

"To make you ask questions."
"Keeps my inlaws out."
"I like scaring my landlord."
"Easier than a hamster"
"Because I like them"
"My husband told me I couldn't bring home any more cats"
"I like them better than people"
"Because I keep my jewelry in the cage to prevent it from getting stolen"

I often get asked why I work at a reptile store, why I work with these animals, why I keep them at home, etc. I generally just say that I like them and find them genuinely interesting. Depending on who's asking it can spark a conversation about vivarium design, husbandry techniques, unique and unusual species in the hobby, pets they've always wanted... the list goes on. It can be a fun and eye-opening conversation to have!

-Jen

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Originally Posted by LLLReptile

Answers I have heard (and used) include:

"To make you ask questions."
"Keeps my inlaws out."
"I like scaring my landlord."
"Easier than a hamster"
"Because I like them"
"My husband told me I couldn't bring home any more cats"
"I like them better than people"
"Because I keep my jewelry in the cage to prevent it from getting stolen"

I often get asked why I work at a reptile store, why I work with these animals, why I keep them at home, etc. I generally just say that I like them and find them genuinely interesting. Depending on who's asking it can spark a conversation about vivarium design, husbandry techniques, unique and unusual species in the hobby, pets they've always wanted... the list goes on. It can be a fun and eye-opening conversation to have!

-Jen

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Thanks!


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For me I am honest most of the time. Why do I own a snake/snakes? Because they are beautiful, graceful and easy to care for. They don't make a mess in the house, they don't smell, don't need to be housetrained or litter box trained, they don't need groomed, don't make noise, and only need to eat once a week. What's not to love about owning a snake.

Some people I get a little more in depth. I tell them how I came to be attracted to snakes, the myths I've run into and how they aren't true. I tell them how interesting snakes are, and the pride I feel in watching a hatchling grow and change under my care.

Some I tell I keep snakes for medical reasons. I can prove they help my hypertension and my migraines.

And a few I simply say, "Because I like my snakes more than I like most of the people I know, including you."

Gale

So i tell some family members i'm getting a snake and they all freak out and say, IT'S GOING TO EAT YOU! or why would you have a snake in the house around your 4 year old daughter and all that stuff....it made me so mad...and i'm tired of explaining myself! Or they said it's going to get out and crawl all over the place and kill people....They are only going buy this nonsense they see on tv or in the movies...I'm about to cut all family members off! why can't i like what i like and that be the end of it?

"Because my mother-in-law is terrified of them, and has sworn never to set foot in the house if I have any."

^ true story