Selling My Ball Python? </3

So I bought my first ever pet (ball python) on July 1st, at PetCo. I was very happy that day and my mom was okay with me keeping it, she actually started liking it until she thought it was getting bored and not wanting to live with us. My mom keeps asking me what the hell is the snake gonna do for me and what I am going to get out of it.. this is ridiculous :(. I LOVE snakes, I have been handling them since I was 6 or 7 years old. She wants to take my snake back to PetCo. But I honestly do not trust PetCo, I have seen many videos on pet store cruelties and it makes me really sad :(. We have a 15 day refund for the snake or something like that. Ugh I really love this snake A LOT. I have cried so many times today </3. Idk what they might do to my snake if my mom takes it to PetCo. Plus, idk what to do with the aquarium and decor and all of that.. she doesn't want me to get another snake anymore. This is the worst day of my life :( I don't want my snake to leave </3. Btw I already made a thread like this but I think it got deleted. But yeah guys, I want to sell my ball python online a long with my stuff that I used for my snake. But the bad thing is, idk how to sell things online. Ugh I don't even know if my snake will live longer if my mom takes it back to PetCo. If we can't take it back to Petco, she will take my snake and throw it outside, she says outdoors is better for it but I honestly think my snake will die and get killed by people since I live in crappy apartments. Ugh WORST DAY OF MY LIFE </3.

Petco is the worst place to take it. If your mom was okay with it in the first place, maybe you need to tell her to not make long term commitments that she is going to break. That should've been rule #1 before you even got the thing.
Also, snakes always look bored. Either bored, or curiously bored. Do you expect them to play with you like a puppy? Because if so, please go take a biology class or something. Good god. Us, as responsible human beings, should know that even if we don't get ANYTHING out of our pets, if we make the commitment to take care of a LIVING thing, we can't just take it lightly Those are the people who get a puppy and then decide to take it to the pound cuz it chews on stuff. Kidding me? Do you not know what puppies are?
Would you adopt a kid and be like oh it's too bored. Im not getting anything out of this might as well return it.
Sorry this type of stuff gets me heated.
Im sorry but your mom needs to grow up a little bit. If she throws the snake out that is ANIMAL ABUSE. that snake WILL die if she lets it out in the wild. They are native to AFRICA. like seriously I can't even believe how oblivious people are

How old are you, iSnake? I ask because I'm trying to gauge how serious your mother will take you if you approach her with credible sources of what pets can do for people overall.

Ok, first off under no circumstance is it ok to release a pet snake into the wild. Ball Pythons come from a region in North Western Africa, they cannot survive outside in most other parts of the world. You need to make sure that your mother understands that releasing it will most likely result in a dead snake by the end of this year. Further releasing a non-native snake is illegal in many places and is morally wrong even if it is legal.

Big chain pet stores have a pretty bad record with reptiles, but it is still a better option than releasing it into the wild.

Most areas have exotic/reptile pet stores that have much more knowledgable staff than a shop like petco. If you have one in your area you might be able to do one of three things:

1. Sell them your snake
2. Be allowed to post a classified ad in their shop
3. Worst case they might be willing to take the snake off of your hands for free

You always have the option of posting an ebay ad.

Right here on BP.net we have a for sale/trade section

There is a website called kingsnake classifieds that you can sell a snake on

Fauna Classifieds also is a good place to sell a reptile.

Where do you live if you don't mind me asking? You don't need to be exact, just a state/city/etc will be fine, there might be someone here on this site local to you that could help you out.

I'm 14.

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Originally Posted by iSnake

So I bought my first ever pet (ball python) on July 1st, at PetCo. I was very happy that day and my mom was okay with me keeping it, she actually started liking it until she thought it was getting bored and not wanting to live with us. My mom keeps asking me what the hell is the snake gonna do for me and what I am going to get out of it.. this is ridiculous :(. I LOVE snakes, I have been handling them since I was 6 or 7 years old. She wants to take my snake back to PetCo. But I honestly do not trust PetCo, I have seen many videos on pet store cruelties and it makes me really sad :(. We have a 15 day refund for the snake or something like that. Ugh I really love this snake A LOT. I have cried so many times today </3. Idk what they might do to my snake if my mom takes it to PetCo. Plus, idk what to do with the aquarium and decor and all of that.. she doesn't want me to get another snake anymore. This is the worst day of my life :( I don't want my snake to leave </3. Btw I already made a thread like this but I think it got deleted. But yeah guys, I want to sell my ball python online a long with my stuff that I used for my snake. But the bad thing is, idk how to sell things online. Ugh I don't even know if my snake will live longer if my mom takes it back to PetCo. If we can't take it back to Petco, she will take my snake and throw it outside, she says outdoors is better for it but I honestly think my snake will die and get killed by people since I live in crappy apartments. Ugh WORST DAY OF MY LIFE </3.

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Outdoors will most likely be a death sentence, please explain to her that if it MUST go, the best option is to rehome and not release. I would personally sell the snake and the equipment to someone else and not return it to petco.
Is her only reason to get rid of it because she feels it is bored? They're very happy to live in their little homes.
You live with your parents and under their roof what they say goes, but this is a little ridiculous since she had agreed with it in the first place. I see no reason to get rid of it if you are taking proper care of it

Ah, you're right. I will try my best to explain to my mother. I live in Tulsa.

Maybe you can try to convince your mother to keep the snake. As many of us snake owners know, snakes are not like dogs who are constantly on the move and hyper animals. Hiding and appearing to be bored (to us humans anyways) is normal. The snake is getting its every need met from you (that it may not get from someone else), I say that's what it's getting from you >> a healthy, happy life, what more can a snake ask for (assuming it's taken care of properly)? And you are getting enjoyment out of owning the snake and learning to become more responsible. Mutual beneficial relationship. Maybe if other members contribute, you can show your mother that your snake's behavior is normal and that it isn't being deprived of anything. I agree, don't take it back to Petco, and heaven-forbid don't let her throw it outside!

But if you are forced to rehome the snake, I'm not much help. I have never sold/rehomed online before.

In the wild a ball python will spend its days curled up in a rodent burrow or termite mound. They only come out to hunt at night. These snakes have pretty slow metabolisms and tend not to move around much, and since they are nocturnal most of your snakes movement probably happens when you are asleep.

Make sure that as you talk with your mother you are staying calm and respectful. Try not to raise your voice and hear her out as well. Don't make this into an emotional/anger fueled decision for her. The calmer you stay the better your chances.

I totally agree with you 100% right now.

I got my first ball python for my 15th birthday after spending several months just harassing the hell out of my mom for a snake. :rolleyes: She was barely on board with keeping it, albeit slightly fascinated with it, but I just kept on obsessing over snakes and ignored what she thought about me keeping it if it was negative. Just keep on trucking with fascination and obsession. After I got my second python, she said I won't get any more snakes. Then, I showed my mom the prices of super fancy ball pythons and she was absolutely stunned. Now she just says no more snakes until we move. Lol
I recommend fighting for what's your's. How would a parent react if their child was being taken away? Argue when she talks about taking it away, and brag and bloat about your python during casual times. That's what I do. All I ever think about is snakes, and that's all I ever talk about. lol Evil stares and silent death threats are what I give out to anyone who talks about getting rid of my snakes and a very angry argument is what I start when they are serious.

Sorry that I'm not much of a big help though. I believe it varies from parent to parent. Most I can say is that you'll have to figure it out BUT what I can tell you is do NOT give up and stay stubborn that you will keep your python! :)

Norman lives in Tulsa OK maybe you can have her take it.

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I googled reptile rescues in Tulsa, and this popped up: http://www.freewebs.com/okreptilerescue/

I don't know if they can take in your snake, or how genuine they are (anyone have thoughts?) but they could probably stir you in a direction if they can't help :)

Why is your mom suddenly against it after allowing it? Does she have to do anything to care for it, or are you taking on that responsibility? Are you paying for it, either out of your allowance, from doing odd jobs or babysitting, or ? Just wondering because as a Mom, once I've given permission for something, I don't revoke it without a very good reason - and my husband and kid needed several months to convince me to bring a snake into the house.

I had a mother just like that when I was a teenager. I brought home a red eared slider when I was 13. I had him in her house for 8 years and she never stopped threatening to throw it in a pond.

Nagging your mother, crying and begging is NOT the way to fix things. Show with your actions that you know how to care for an animal. Keep the tank in a corner of your bedroom that isn't immediately visible from your bedroom door so she isn't always looking at it and getting an angry reminder of it. Care for the animal to the best of your ability and use your own money (allowance, odd jobs, and employment depending on minor labor age limits in your area) to feed it. Keep it in good health. Know that one day you may need to spend your savings on vet bills instead of a new smart phone. Be a positive example of a snake keeper to your mother.

I say educate her. See if she will agree to read a book on balls. Here is a list Amazon has. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss...py%2Caps%2C724 . I read the first one, its pretty simple yet informative. If you can buy the Kindle version they are pretty cheap.

You guys are amazing. I doubt my mother would listen to me, but I will try! Thank you everyone.

Thanks! Do they buy them or take them for free?

Rescues take them in for free. Good luck and try to have a calm discussion with your mom about why she wants to get rid of it all the sudden. If you know why she wants to get rid of it after less then 2 weeks you might be able to find answers that will convince her to allow it to stay. Be mature and calm while talking, count to 10 if you have to and if you find out her reason then ask if you can do some research on what concerns her so you have solid information to back you up.

The thing that my mother is really concerned about is that she thinks my snake will grow too big and possibly escape its enclosure...

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Originally Posted by iSnake

The thing that my mother is really concerned about is that she thinks my snake will grow too big and possibly escape its enclosure...

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What size enclosure do you have?

An adult Ball Python will top out around 4-5 feet, and weigh around 5 lbs (this varies by snake and gender, males tend to stay much smaller than females)

BP's are good at escaping, but as long as you secure your cage you have nothing to worry about. On glass tanks I place a brick on all 4 corrners of the screen top. This makes it impossible for a full grown BP to escape, it's just that simple.

A BP has never been associated with the death of a human, not even a baby. They simply don't get big enough or strong enough do do any real harm. Even the largest BP couldn't eat a cat or small dog, and in fact the opposite is more likely to happen, the cat/dog if much more of a threat to the BP.

You might want to look into getting a professionally made reptile cage. I use cages made by Animal Plastics. They are made from 1/2" thick plastic with sliding glass doors on the front. You can get them with a lock for the doors to ensure that the snake can't get out, and other people can't get in.

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/...s/IMG_0459.jpg

Here is their website (I recommend the T8)

http://www.apcages.com

And here is a thread that covers these cages in detail:

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...With-Pictures!

I believe my enclosure is a 10 gallon aquarium made for reptiles. My snake is very little/small so it is perfect for it.

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Originally Posted by iSnake

I believe my enclosure is a 10 gallon aquarium made for reptiles. My snake is very little/small so it is perfect for it.

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So you are going to have to get a bigger cage eventually. I would really suggest something like what I posted above. But for now what you have should work.

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Originally Posted by iSnake

The thing that my mother is really concerned about is that she thinks my snake will grow too big and possibly escape its enclosure...

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Funny thing- ball pythons became popular because they tended to avoid this problem. Provide the proper sized enclosure and environment and the ball python will not try to escape, and secure the enclosure; the ball python couldn't escape if it tried. Make sure the terrarium has clasps/clips/locks or whatever secures it, and make sure your snake's environment is up to date. A happy ball python just hides all day- it wouldn't bother moving around if it has water, the right temperatures, humidity, and a snuggly hide.
An adult ball python will need a 20 - 30 gallon breeder vivarium or equally sized tub/enclosure when it is an adult. Keep this in mind.

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Originally Posted by pythonminion

Funny thing- ball pythons became popular because they tended to avoid this problem. Provide the proper sized enclosure and environment and the ball python will not try to escape, and secure the enclosure; the ball python couldn't escape if it tried. Make sure the terrarium has clasps/clips/locks or whatever secures it, and make sure your snake's environment is up to date. A happy ball python just hides all day- it wouldn't bother moving around if it has water, the right temperatures, humidity, and a snuggly hide.
An adult ball python will need a 20 - 30 gallon breeder vivarium or equally sized tub/enclosure when it is an adult. Keep this in mind.

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Your going to need at least a 30 gallon breeder, a 20 gallon long is way too small.

Another convincing point is a tub setup rather than a tank. Less money and effort.

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Originally Posted by iSnake

The thing that my mother is really concerned about is that she thinks my snake will grow too big and possibly escape its enclosure...

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Lol when I was ur age my mother told me the same thing. Just explain the basics to her. Show her the type of enclosures that an adult python lives in. Show her the ones from AP or show her the ones from petsmart or petco. Explain to her how escape proof they are. An adult python mostly gets up to 5 feet if its a female. Males tend to stay smaller. Five feet is SMALL in this hobby. I would just explain how these animals survive. These are not kittens or puppies lol. The snake does not grow bored. Its happy enough just having a enclosure to feel secure in. If she let the snake go it will not survive on its own for long:(

Parents respect you when you come to them with a well thought out, well researched argument. When I was in high school, I desperately wanted a leopard gecko. My parents had made it clear that no more pets were allowed to enter the house. I put together a formal report about everything you could possibly want to know about leopard geckos, I took them out to dinner, and I presented my case.

Because they saw the effort I made to do my research and not whine and beg, I was able to get my little guy. I would recommend a similar approach for you. Show your mother your maturity. Educate her about proper ball python behavior, explain that you are committed to the life of your snake and don't take that lightly, explain the serious problems with releasing a nonnative snake in your backyard, show her exactly how you plan on keeping your snake from ever escaping. You need to make her feel like she can trust you to know exactly what you're doing.

Good luck :)

I would almost show her this thread. Let her read everyone's replies. :)

Nothing will convince her. I'v tried explaining to her that the enclosure will be secure 100%. I'v tried SO much. I give up.. tomorrow is the day she takes my snake back to PetCo </3 :tears:

TO EVERYONE ON THE FORUM!!!


Is there anyone who lives near iSnake who can rescue her snake?? I for one don't want it to go back to PetCo....

That really sucks.

I had to wait until I moved out to get into reptiles, (I'm a 20 year old college student) in the end I'm glad that I did. Maybe one day you will get another!

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Originally Posted by Mephibosheth1

TO EVERYONE ON THE FORUM!!!


Is there anyone who lives near iSnake who can rescue her snake?? I for one don't want it to go back to PetCo....

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Norman lives in tulsa

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