What made you want to adopt a snake?

Well, we are all here with a bunch of other reptile and snake lovers- so what's your story with your snake? What made you want to adopt one? How many snakes have you guys owned already?:snake:

Everyone has their own beginning:D

i had 2 ball pythons already. i had been in the game for ~3 years when a coworker - at a new job, while trying to get to know me - brings up some family member of hers with a corn snake they don't want. curious, on that new-to-snakes adrenaline where you bring home everything in sight, i pry for info: turns out they want to get rid of it; kids got bored; yada yada. i learn he wasn't fully neglected but severely underfed due to ignorance.

after 2 months of telling them "maybe" i finally said yes. and he is the best darn thing with no legs, ill tell you hwhat.

EDIT: while not my first snake, he was my first reptile adoption. and i got so lucky to get such an amazing guy. i love him so so much; his personality is incredible.

here is his progression thread: LINK

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...0eb9f7fcd3.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...67eab17bf8.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...57bda37ca4.jpg

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

i had 2 ball pythons already. i had been in the game for ~3 years when a coworker - at a new job, while trying to get to know me - brings up some family member of hers with a corn snake they don't want. curious, on that new-to-snakes adrenaline where you bring home everything in sight, i pry for info: turns out they want to get rid of it; kids got bored; yada yada. i learn he wasn't fully neglected but severely underfed due to ignorance.

after a 2 months of telling them "maybe" i finally said yes. and he is the best darn thing with no legs, ill tell you hwhat.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...0eb9f7fcd3.jpg

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...67eab17bf8.jpg

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...57bda37ca4.jpg

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Oh my goodness!! What a little cutie!:D What's his name?

Btw, you are awesome at snake photography;)

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Originally Posted by Traceur

Btw, you are awesome at snake photography;)

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thank you, tho id hope so; im a professional by trade. [emoji3]

EDIT: in regular photography, not snake photography. i wish it was professional snake photography...

EDIT 2: his name is Corny! the previous owner's kids named him. [emoji4]

You mean buy a snake? :P Not all of us adopted rescue animals. The majority get them from breeders.

I always liked snakes since I was 6-7 years old, and I don't know exactly why. I just love how they look and behave and everything! My science teacher in 2nd grade had a milk snake that he would live feed mice, and we would all watch LOL. Then I loved Harry Potter and all the snake themes in that, including the basilisk and voldemort and his snake Nagini :rofl: I don't know.

But my parents are terrified of snakes, so I didn't finally get my first snake until I graduated and moved out into my own apartment... and proceeded to get within 1 month of moving out. LOL

In total, I've owned 12 so far, and currently have 8.

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

so I didn't finally get my first snake until I graduated and moved out into my own apartment... and proceeded to get within 1 month of moving out. LOL

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girl same!!! 🤣

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

thank you, tho id hope so; im a professional by trade. [emoji3]

EDIT: in regular photography, not snake photography. i wish it was professional snake photography...

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Make it your main subject. Coincidence, I'm also pretty much into photography. So far, my main subject is cats:D So if I ever fulfill one of my dreams and become a photographer, I'd love to be a cat photographer. You could do the same with snakes, no?

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

girl same!!! 🤣

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LOL look at us
It was literally 3 weeks after moving into my apartment hahah

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

You mean buy a snake? :P Not all of us adopted rescue animals. The majority get them from breeders.

I always liked snakes since I was 6-7 years old, and I don't know exactly why. I just love how they look and behave and everything! My science teacher in 2nd grade had a milk snake that he would live feed mice, and we would all watch LOL. Then I loved Harry Potter and all the snake themes in that, including the basilisk and voldemort and his snake Nagini :rofl: I don't know.

But my parents are terrified of snakes, so I didn't finally get my first snake until I graduated and moved out into my own apartment... and proceeded to get within 1 month of moving out. LOL

In total, I've owned 12 so far, and currently have 8.

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Geezers, how can one own so many darn snakes???:rofl:I noticed a lot of people owning tons of snakes since I joined, why is that?

But I love your story. Hopefully, when I get a bigger place, I'd love to own more pets. I hope your collection keeps expanding, tho:)

Eight years ago my daughter wanted a king snake. He was a cool little dude and is still a snake I use to introduce non-snake people to snakes.

Then we got two ball pythons. After that things got a little out of hand...

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Originally Posted by bcr229

Eight years ago my daughter wanted a king snake. He was a cool little dude and is still a snake I use to introduce non-snake people to snakes.

Then we got two ball pythons. After that things got a little out of hand...

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Funny how a living spaghetti noodle could change your life, eh?:D

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

LOL look at us
It was literally 3 weeks after moving into my apartment hahah

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it took me maybe 2 months, because after my 1 month of research i was still a bit anxious to pull the trigger lol.

i just moved into my first place and i was ignorant to snakes when i started researching easy pets,as a way to help ease my depression (lol). beeps and snakes were always right there at the top. the rest is history.

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Originally Posted by Traceur

Geezers, how can one own so many darn snakes???:rofl:I noticed a lot of people owning tons of snakes since I joined, why is that?

But I love your story. Hopefully, when I get a bigger place, I'd love to own more pets. I hope your collection keeps expanding, tho:)

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i have 7 snakes and 1 gecko and i feel like i have a lot lol. tho it's mainly ppl outside the hobby that make me feel that way LOL.

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

it took me maybe 2 months, because after my 1 month of research i was still a bit anxious to pull the trigger lol.

i just moved into my first place and i was ignorant to snakes when i started researching easy pets,as a way to help ease my depression (lol). beeps and snakes were always right there at the top. the rest is history.




i have 7 snakes and 1 gecko and i feel like i have a lot lol. tho it's mainly ppl outside the hobby that make me feel that way LOL.

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I can totally see that. Probably why I want more pets XD Someday I want to own a couple of snakes, a handful of cats, and some fish (I love fish). It's fun having them all around, isn't it? Not only that, but it's the excitement and adrenaline of expanding your own little tiny family:)

I always loved snakes since I was a kid. I'd say Kaa from Jungle Book was one of the major influences that got me into them. I remember my parents always insisting they were gross, ugly and evil and in turn that just made me like them more because I felt they were misunderstood.

My family and friends at the time all hated snakes so I just kept my love and fascination for them to myself. I thought having pet snakes was just a distant dream and I'd never be allowed to have one in life ever.

Fast forward to moving out and getting married, I discovered my husband didn't mind snakes. That was when I realized no one could stop me anymore lol.

Now I joke to my parents that they have two limbless grandchildren :p

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Originally Posted by MissterDog

I always loved snakes since I was a kid. I'd say Kaa from Jungle Book was one of the major influences that got me into them. I remember my parents always insisting they were gross, ugly and evil and in turn that just made me like them more because I felt they were misunderstood.

My family and friends at the time all hated snakes so I just kept my love and fascination for them to myself. I thought having pet snakes was just a distant dream and I'd never be allowed to have one in life ever.

Fast forward to moving out and getting married, I discovered my husband didn't mind snakes. That was when I realized no one could stop me anymore lol.

Now I joke to my parents that they have two limbless grandchildren :p

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How wonderful:D Love your joke there, as well XD
Im glad you were able to own a couple in the end, but I wish you luck whenever you decide on expanding your collection:)

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Originally Posted by Traceur

How wonderful:D Love your joke there, as well XD
Im glad you were able to own a couple in the end, but I wish you luck whenever you decide on expanding your collection:)

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Hehe thanks! Proof good things come to those who wait! :D:D

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Originally Posted by MissterDog

Hehe thanks! Proof good things come to those who wait! :D:D

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Words of wisdom there, mate. You just proposed a good life lesson there;)

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Originally Posted by MissterDog

Now I joke to my parents that they have two limbless grandchildren :p

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okay this is so cute and i just want to share that my grandmother 100% call my snakes her legless grandbabies HERSELF. she has been the only FULLY supportive family member to my hobby and she LOVES handling them and bragging how badass she is.

she is over 80; she handles my snakes with 0 hesitation: badass level achieved

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

okay this is so cute and i just want to share that my grandmother 100% call my snakes her legless grandbabies HERSELF. she has been the only FULLY supportive family member to my hobby and she LOVES handling them and bragging how badass she is.

she is over 80; she handles my snakes with 0 hesitation: badass level achieved

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Pfft, you're pretty darn lucky! My own grandmother can't stand my ball python. Her and a few other of my family members hate snakes. Not to mention she's pretty religious too, so of course she has her beliefs towards them, to put it lightly.

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Originally Posted by Traceur

Pfft, you're pretty darn lucky! My own grandmother can't stand my ball python. Her and a few other of my family members hate snakes. Not to mention she's pretty religious too, so of course she has her beliefs towards them, to put it lightly.

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please just keep sharing your cute stories, and keep sharing your milestones. ive found that is the best way to break that barrier down with people: help the realize people care A WHOLE BUNCH about them, and they care enough to brag.

it's worked wonders with my parents and other family members.

I’ve been catching frogs, lizards, newts, salamanders and snakes for as long as I can remember. Unfortunately for my poor Mom, she thought she was getting a little princess when she had me. :rolleyes:

When we were first dating, my ex-husband had a boa, that started me with my first pet snake. I purchased a neonate Colombian redtail in 1991 (Sir Hiss from Disney’s Robin Hood cartoon). Then i got my rescued ball in 1992 (Eli). Then added a female Colombian redtail in 1993 (Duncan). For a while I had a rescued male Burmese in 1995 (Tuco, from The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly) until I could find him a permanent home. When the ex and I split up, the snakes went with me.

When I met my other half, he wasn’t wild about snakes but completely supported me. He was on board when I rescued my Colombian rainbow in 1995-1996 (Hudson). At one time I had 42 snakes...mostly pets, but some that were both pets and breeders. As just pets I’ve kept a Colombian rainbow boa, Dumerils boas, a coastal carpet python, a jungle python, an Irian Jaya python, Solomon Island ground boas, ball pythons, and Burmese pythons (2 rescues short term, 1 long term pet). I’ve kept and bred Colombian redtails, Cuban boas, and corn snakes (snow corns and hypo/normal corns). I ended up having to downsize due to some significant life changes where I didn’t have the time or funds to properly care for all of them, so I kept only those I was really attached to as pets - about 10. To this day I really regret giving up my Jungle python and Cuban boas. Hindsight is 20/20.

After losing my other half earlier this year, I decided to get a couple of balls that were on my long-term wish list...my pied and blue-eyed lucy. The lemonblast and dragonfly were just bonuses. :P I won’t be adding any more large species, but I dare say I’ll probably add more balls and a Cuban boa if I can ever find one again.

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

please just keep sharing your cute stories, and keep sharing your milestones. ive found that is the best way to break that barrier down with people: help the realize people care A WHOLE BUNCH about them, and they care enough to brag.

it's worked wonders with my parents and other family members.

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I've been trying to- whenever I try reassuring them, they still get all grossed out about it. But when I do share a milestone or share a cute story, or show my concern and worries about him when I'm away, they don't ever respond

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Originally Posted by Traceur

But when I do share a milestone or share a cute story, or show my concern and worries about him when I'm away, they don't ever respond

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and that's progress!!! i went through the same. i think it's a good sign!

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Originally Posted by Dianne

I’ve been catching frogs, lizards, newts, salamanders and snakes for as long as I can remember. Unfortunately for my poor Mom, she thought she was getting a little princess when she had me. :rolleyes:

When we were first dating, my ex-husband had a boa, that started me with my first pet snake. I purchased a neonate Colombian redtail in 1991 (Sir Hiss from Disney’s Robin Hood cartoon). Then i got my rescued ball in 1992 (Eli). Then added a female Colombian redtail in 1993 (Duncan). For a while I had a rescued male Burmese in 1995 (Tuco, from The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly) until I could find him a permanent home. When the ex and I split up, the snakes went with me.

When I met my other half, he wasn’t wild about snakes but completely supported me. He was on board when I rescued my Colombian rainbow in 1995-1996 (Hudson). At one time I had 42 snakes...mostly pets, but some that were both pets and breeders. As just pets I’ve kept a Colombian rainbow boa, Dumerils boas, a coastal carpet python, a jungle python, an Irian Jaya python, Solomon Island ground boas, ball pythons, and Burmese pythons (2 rescues short term, 1 long term pet). I’ve kept and bred Colombian redtails, Cuban boas, and corn snakes (snow corns and hypo/normal corns). I ended up having to downsize due to some significant life changes where I didn’t have the time or funds to properly care for all of them, so I kept only those I was really attached to as pets - about 10. To this day I really regret giving up my Jungle python and Cuban boas. Hindsight is 20/20.

After losing my other half earlier this year, I decided to get a couple of balls that were on my long-term wish list...my pied and blue-eyed lucy. The lemonblast and dragonfly were just bonuses. :P I won’t be adding any more large species, but I dare say I’ll probably add more balls and a Cuban boa if I can ever find one again.

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Incredible! I love the fact you kept so many of them and that you regretted giving them up. But one day, maybe when you retire or something and you own a large house, perhaps you can get even more:DYou never know!

Also, stay single XD

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

and that's progress!!! i went through the same. i think it's a good sign!

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That's reassuring, actually:) He is a cute little fella. Just wish he wasn't so jumpy sometimes, but I can't blame him. We're still new to each other, but he really is a good little guy. Just really wish I had a name for him already, it's getting weird just referring to him as "my snake"

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Originally Posted by Traceur

Incredible! I love the fact you kept so many of them and that you regretted giving them up. But one day, maybe when you retire or something and you own a large house, perhaps you can get even more:DYou never know!

Also, stay single XD

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Giving them up was hard, mostly because they were pets first. I only bred as a hobby and was pretty particular about selling them...they were my babies. Because of the hours I currently work, I’m trying not to go too wild...don’t want taking care of them to become a chore. I have 12 now, and might add 1 or 2 more somewhere along the way.

Staying single is pretty much a given. :) I had 22 1/2 years with my best friend and other half. His loss was unexpected, and quite honestly I don’t think anyone can replace him..he was one in a billion. ❤️

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Originally Posted by Dianne

Giving them up was hard, mostly because they were pets first. I only bred as a hobby and was pretty particular about selling them...they were my babies. Because of the hours I currently work, I’m trying not to go too wild...don’t want taking care of them to become a chore. I have 12 now, and might add 1 or 2 more somewhere along the way.

Staying single is pretty much a given. :) I had 22 1/2 years with my best friend and other half. His loss was unexpected, and quite honestly I don’t think anyone can replace him..he was one in a billion. ❤️

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Well, I wish you luck when you do get those additions:D

And if ya say so. I don't believe in love and romance, and I am pretty against it, so I can't necessarily say I understand how you feel. But hey, it's been proven that women actually live longer if they don't have a man, so there's a plus to owning long term pets:snake:

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

okay this is so cute and i just want to share that my grandmother 100% call my snakes her legless grandbabies HERSELF. she has been the only FULLY supportive family member to my hobby and she LOVES handling them and bragging how badass she is.

she is over 80; she handles my snakes with 0 hesitation: badass level achieved

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That's adorable and pretty dang awesome of her! Wow! I love it when grandparents especially are supportive! I hope I'll be that cool when I'm 80 haha.

For my parents I noticed that they, and most folks who were originally anti-snake always seem taken aback how non-threatening ball pythons look and act. The puppy mouth always seems to surprise them whenever I show cute photos and they go "oh, they're like a puppy!" or are blown away how pretty Tapioca is because they never knew they could have different colors. That being said, it took a fair bit of effort to convince them that no, Tapioca was not a burmese python or anaconda and no, he wasn't going to eat me or my cats.

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Originally Posted by MissterDog

That's adorable and pretty dang awesome of her! Wow! I love it when grandparents especially are supportive! I hope I'll be that cool when I'm 80 haha.

For my parents I noticed that they, and most folks who were originally anti-snake always seem taken aback how non-threatening ball pythons look and act. The puppy mouth always seems to surprise them whenever I show cute photos and they go "oh, they're like a puppy!" or are blown away how pretty Tapioca is because they never knew they could have different colors. That being said, it took a fair bit of effort to convince them that no, Tapioca was not a burmese python or anaconda and no, he wasn't going to eat me or my cats.

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Haha! Tapioca! I love your snake's name:D
Tapioca was also my favorite childhood pudding. But that is the cutest name for a noodle XD

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Originally Posted by Traceur

Haha! Tapioca! I love your snake's name:D
Tapioca was also my favorite childhood pudding. But that is the cutest name for a noodle XD

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Thank you! Bubble/boba tea has been my favorite drink I've obsessed with for ages, and I'd always love putting tapioca pearls in them! I never actually tried tapioca pudding before! I should find some! lol

I have been fascinated by snakes since I was about 6, never could convince my parents to have one so YEARS later here I am with about 60 snakes (holdbacks of various ages plus proven breeders) 4 species and 2 snake rooms. During baby season those numbers usually triple or even quadruple.

I guess I made up for all those years without a snake.

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Originally Posted by MissterDog

Thank you! Bubble/boba tea has been my favorite drink I've obsessed with for ages, and I'd always love putting tapioca pearls in them! I never actually tried tapioca pudding before! I should find some! lol

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You what, mate??? You've never had tapioca pudding before????

Duuuuude, seriously? You really should try it! It's good as hell!! Trust me, you'll probably get addicted :D

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Originally Posted by Deborah

I have been fascinated by snakes since I was about 6, never could convince my parents to have one so YEARS later here I am with about 60 snakes (holdbacks of various ages plus proven breeders) 4 species and 2 snake rooms. During baby season those numbers usually triple or even quadruple.

I guess I made up for all those years without a snake.

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That's amazing! Honestly, it sounds like you really are living the dream:D It must be fun owning that many snakes, yes? Golly, how could you keep track of them all?

But honestly, I bet you kind of get used to answering questions to noobs like me who are barely starting with their first snake XD That's a badge of honor if anything for ya

My first adoption was Odyn....came into the store under weight with an eye cap issue. He wouldn't eat and I finally got him going after a month and I took him home, free of charge. He is such a good boy. He is just a normal BP. And while some will say it is not an adoption from a pet store, he saved me as much as I saved him and he would have died if I didn't step in from the beginning and tell them how this will,play out.

my second and some would say real rescue is Eeden and pueblan milk snake who is 9 years old and was severely underfed. He was the size of a bubble tea straw and only 80g or so maybe less. He is now at 146 and still gaining and so different from the pythons. I just love this little one so much. Little personality and he teases the cats lol.

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Originally Posted by Sunnieskys

My first adoption was Odyn....came into the store under weight with an eye cap issue. He wouldn't eat and I finally got him going after a month and I took him home, free of charge. He is such a good boy. He is just a normal BP. And while some will say it is not an adoption from a pet store, he saved me as much as I saved him and he would have died if I didn't step in from the beginning and tell them how this will,play out.

my second and some would say real rescue is Eeden and pueblan milk snake who is 9 years old and was severely underfed. He was the size of a bubble tea straw and only 80g or so maybe less. He is now at 146 and still gaining and so different from the pythons. I just love this little one so much. Little personality and he teases the cats lol.

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They both sound so beautiful:D I bet you're a proud mother, with such lovely babies like them!

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Originally Posted by Traceur

Geezers, how can one own so many darn snakes???:rofl:I noticed a lot of people owning tons of snakes since I joined, why is that?

But I love your story. Hopefully, when I get a bigger place, I'd love to own more pets. I hope your collection keeps expanding, tho:)

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Honestly, it doesn't feel like a lot at all! Because they're just such low-maintenance animals, they barely take any time at all in a week to care for. (Low-maintenance not meaning low research or loose husbandry) I still spend more time raising my one german shepherd than I do all of my snakes! So therefore, I just keep getting more... hahah

I also keep getting more, because I like keeping a variety of species from top to bottom and experiencing their differences. Having only a couple ball pythons was not enough. LOL

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

Honestly, it doesn't feel like a lot at all! Because they're just such low-maintenance animals, they barely take any time at all in a week to care for. (Low-maintenance not meaning low research or loose husbandry) I still spend more time raising my one german shepherd than I do all of my snakes! So therefore, I just keep getting more... hahah

I also keep getting more, because I like keeping a variety of species from top to bottom and experiencing their differences. Having only a couple ball pythons was not enough. LOL

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Ah, I couldn't agree more- it's fun owning a variety of species:) And oh my goodness, I love German shepherds! How precious!:D You got a basket of goodies right there, don't ya?

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Originally Posted by Traceur

...how can one own so many darn snakes???:rofl:I noticed a lot of people owning tons of snakes since I joined, why is that?...:)

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Because we can! :rofl: But seriously, this many birds & you'd go nuts...or dogs & cats, NO WAY! But snakes are low maintenance, they don't eat all the time, they
don't demand attention, & they're quiet peaceful roomies that are fine with just being watched & watching us back. Graceful, beautiful souls that don't ask for much,
but give back plenty. (-spoken like a true addict, ya? LOL)

Hey, those of you into photography...you know what we NEED? Greeting cards with really cool snake photos! So many cards out there for most other pet-lovers, but
very few with snakes. Hint hint!

Awhile back an online friend of mine made a post asking if anyone wanted a $500 snake. The story is that she had another friend who loved Pied BPs. She found one online and offered to trade a bunch of camping supplies for it. The owner agreed to the trade, but then her friend couldn't take it in. He didn't have a setup ready or the means to purchase one at the time.

I didn't have any pets back then and thought it would be nice to have a snake, so I told her I would love to have him. Over the course of the next week or so I went out and bought a setup and everything, but just when I was almost ready the trade fell through. I was bummed. I had gone without pets for several years at that point and I had my heart set on getting him. So I decided I'd just go buy another one. I couldn't find any locally, so I found this guy on MorphMarket:

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...066685cae2.jpg

This is Alexander when he was smaller. I absolutely fell in love with him. I realized pretty quickly that I wanted more snakes, maybe a female BP or two to breed later on and a couple other species. I thought I would stop with just a few. BOY WAS I WRONG.

So years later I have 19 Ball Pythons, 3 Rosy Boas, 3 Western Hognose snakes, a pair of Mexican Black Kingsnakes, 2 Cornsnakes, a̶n̶d̶ ̶a̶ ̶p̶a̶r̶t̶r̶i̶d̶g̶e̶ ̶i̶n̶ ̶a̶ ̶p̶e̶a̶r̶ ̶t̶r̶e̶e̶... I mean, several breeding groups of mice and rats. And another 9 baby snakes for sale.

Whoops.

Most people outside of the hobby think I'm nuts, but I love them all. I've loved animals ever since I was a kid. My parents only let us get kind of the pets they wanted us to have though. It didn't particularly matter what we wanted. I'm not even sure if I asked them for a snake because I already knew what the answer would've been. So I'm making up for it now.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Because we can! :rofl: But seriously, this many birds & you'd go nuts...or dogs & cats, NO WAY! But snakes are low maintenance, they don't eat all the time, they
don't demand attention, & they're quiet peaceful roomies that are fine with just being watched & watching us back. Graceful, beautiful souls that don't ask for much,
but give back plenty. (-spoken like a true addict, ya? LOL)

Hey, those of you into photography...you know what we NEED? Greeting cards with really cool snake photos! So many cards out there for most other pet-lovers, but
very few with snakes. Hint hint!

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Heh, I beg to differ with cats- but maybe cause I grew up with them and I work with them all the time XD I completely agree with you for snakes; ever since I got my little one, I've just enjoyed having him around. Sometimes I like providing him company by working on stuff in my room- even if he's sleeping and I know he doesn't notice. But maybe here soon, I could start photographing him and maybe other snakes as well. From what you're saying, that's a good idea actually, I'd totally do it:D

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Originally Posted by the_rotten1

Awhile back an online friend of mine made a post asking if anyone wanted a $500 snake. The story is that she had another friend who loved Pied BPs. She found one online and offered to trade a bunch of camping supplies for it. The owner agreed to the trade, but then her friend couldn't take it in. He didn't have a setup ready or the means to purchase one at the time.

I didn't have any pets back then and thought it would be nice to have a snake, so I told her I would love to have him. Over the course of the next week or so I went out and bought a setup and everything, but just when I was almost ready the trade fell through. I was bummed. I had gone without pets for several years at that point and I had my heart set on getting him. So I decided I'd just go buy another one. I couldn't find any locally, so I found this guy on MorphMarket:

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...066685cae2.jpg

This is Alexander when he was smaller. I absolutely fell in love with him. I realized pretty quickly that I wanted more snakes, maybe a female BP or two to breed later on and a couple other species. I thought I would stop with just a few. BOY WAS I WRONG.

So years later I have 19 Ball Pythons, 3 Rosy Boas, 3 Western Hognose snakes, a pair of Mexican Black Kingsnakes, 2 Cornsnakes, a̶n̶d̶ ̶a̶ ̶p̶a̶r̶t̶r̶i̶d̶g̶e̶ ̶i̶n̶ ̶a̶ ̶p̶e̶a̶r̶ ̶t̶r̶e̶e̶... I mean, several breeding groups of mice and rats. And another 9 baby snakes for sale.

Whoops.

Most people outside of the hobby think I'm nuts, but I love them all. I've loved animals ever since I was a kid. My parents only let us get kind of the pets they wanted us to have though. It didn't particularly matter what we wanted. I'm not even sure if I asked them for a snake because I already knew what the answer would've been. So I'm making up for it now.

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What an amazing story!!:D I'm really happy for you! Alexander is gorgeous as well! How long have you had him?

Though I have to say I feel the same way too; one animal lover to another. I can't get more pets at the moment, but I'll definitely make up for it when I can XD

I currently have 8 reptiles in my care, and there are 9 in the house (my Fiancé Katie/SunshineWalker on BP.net has a Leachie). I am learning with her about leachies and helping her by applying my reptile knowledge to a newbie. When we met she was "meh" towards the reptiles. Now she has her own. However, I will let her tell her story as well.

For me, I've always been fascinated with and loved snakes and reptiles, but snakes specifically. I've always thought they were amazing creatures and loved their natural beauty and predatory skills. As the years progressed and morphs became popular, I was blown away with what breeders were coming up with.

I had a few reptiles as a kid, but it wasn't a great experience because it was the 90's and there was not as much info available and no internet. Both I, and the reptiles suffered. After losing a lizard to calcium deficiency and realizing my parents had no interest in learning or helping me with care, I held off on reptiles for a while. I said I wouldn't do it again until I could do it right for them and for me.

I adopted a BP and converted her to F/T at about 18 (I was 18 - she was about 10) and kept her until I was 20 and had to move away for school. The local vet tech took her in and she ended up living a long life with him and his family.

Once settled after college, I ended up with a few animals; a Bearded Dragon, George (RIP), who lived until a few years ago and age 11, and two corns.

I was due to have a kidney transplant and the doctors' told me I had to get rid of the reptiles or risk infection (I would be severely immune suppressed after transplant, and for the rest of my life, but to a lesser degree). I listened and got rid of my two corns, but kept George, because my ex-wife said she would take care of him.

Of course, she did not, I ended up doing it, and believe it or not, I didn't get sick.

I did a lot of research, and learned that if I was careful (hand washing, hand washing, hand washing, and keeping clean tanks) I would probably be fine.

I hit the hobby harder than ever before. This was 6 years ago. I had always wanted and albino BP and I got Shayna my Albino Spider BP. She just turned 6 this month and is doing great.

After Shayna came Figment (Corn), 3 Female Leopard Geckos, Frank (BTS), Behira (BCI), and Solana (corn).

What do I love about reptiles?

1. They are incredibly fascinating and beautiful creatures

2. They are interactive

3. I love creating an good environment for them (Husbandry, Husbandry, Husbandry) and keeping it clean, feeding them, etc. It gives me a reason to get up every morning (even when I feel awful). They rely on me and it's cathartic spending my 10-20 minutes a day going through their tanks and cleaning, etc. I love working with them and developing a rapport and all my animals I would trust implicitly with someone else holding them. They are all incredibly docile and calm.

4. Reptiles are just plain cool.

Having said all that, it's an addiction. I want more, but I am trying to be realistic about things as well. I want this to be a fun passion and hobby, not a job!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dakski

I currently have 8 reptiles in my care, and there are 9 in the house (my Fiancé Katie/SunshineWalker on BP.net has a Leachie). I am learning with her about leachies and helping her by applying my reptile knowledge to a newbie. When we met she was "meh" towards the reptiles. Now she has her own. However, I will let her tell her story as well.

For me, I've always been fascinated with and loved snakes and reptiles, but snakes specifically. I've always thought they were amazing creatures and loved their natural beauty and predatory skills. As the years progressed and morphs became popular, I was blown away with what breeders were coming up with.

I had a few reptiles as a kid, but it wasn't a great experience because it was the 90's and there was not as much info available and no internet. Both I, and the reptiles suffered. After losing a lizard to calcium deficiency and realizing my parents had no interest in learning or helping me with care, I held off on reptiles for a while. I said I wouldn't do it again until I could do it right for them and for me.

I adopted a BP and converted her to F/T at about 18 (I was 18 - she was about 10) and kept her until I was 20 and had to move away for school. The local vet tech took her in and she ended up living a long life with him and his family.

Once settled after college, I ended up with a few animals; a Bearded Dragon, George (RIP), who lived until a few years ago and age 11, and two corns.

I was due to have a kidney transplant and the doctors' told me I had to get rid of the reptiles or risk infection (I would be severely immune suppressed after transplant, and for the rest of my life, but to a lesser degree). I listened and got rid of my two corns, but kept George, because my ex-wife said she would take care of him.

Of course, she did not, I ended up doing it, and believe it or not, I didn't get sick.

I did a lot of research, and learned that if I was careful (hand washing, hand washing, hand washing, and keeping clean tanks) I would probably be fine.

I hit the hobby harder than ever before. This was 6 years ago. I had always wanted and albino BP and I got Shayna my Albino Spider BP. She just turned 6 this month and is doing great.

After Shayna came Figment (Corn), 3 Female Leopard Geckos, Frank (BTS), Behira (BCI), and Solana (corn).

What do I love about reptiles?

1. They are incredibly fascinating and beautiful creatures

2. They are interactive

3. I love creating an good environment for them (Husbandry, Husbandry, Husbandry) and keeping it clean, feeding them, etc. It gives me a reason to get up every morning (even when I feel awful). They rely on me and it's cathartic spending my 10-20 minutes a day going through their tanks and cleaning, etc. I love working with them and developing a rapport and all my animals I would trust implicitly with someone else holding them. They are all incredibly docile and calm.

4. Reptiles are just plain cool.

Having said all that, it's an addiction. I want more, but I am trying to be realistic about things as well. I want this to be a fun passion and hobby, not a job!

---

How wonderful:D You really have had some incredible reptiles in your collection! From the sounds of it, you've also been a great owner. I honestly hope your collection expands at some point, but only in your own time, of course!

If I'm being honest, ever since I got my first bp, I've been wanting more pets of my own. I know maybe not another snake at the moment, but I think I'd like a corn snake or a western hognose. I'm debating on getting a fish here soon, once I have more money to spend:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Traceur

That's amazing! Honestly, it sounds like you really are living the dream:D It must be fun owning that many snakes, yes? Golly, how could you keep track of them all?

But honestly, I bet you kind of get used to answering questions to noobs like me who are barely starting with their first snake XD That's a badge of honor if anything for ya

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It is a dream, of course it is work but if you enjoy what you do it does not feel like one, but you need to know what your limits are so you do not get burned out and loose you passion some people don't.

As for answering questions this is are you give back to the community, being able to to mentor people is also very rewarding.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Deborah

It is a dream, of course it is work but if you enjoy what you do it does not feel like one, but you need to know what your limits are so you do not get burned out and loose you passion some people don't.

As for answering questions this is are you give back to the community, being able to to mentor people is also very rewarding.

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Sure does sound like it:D Also, I have listened to you and the other community members's suggestions, and I have been trying to touch up things since. My Provent a mite arrived earlier this week, so I can finally deal with those little pests;)

It’s actually a kind of sad story. Last year I lost a friend of mine to a neurological condition that caused seizures. It’s sad when anybody you know passes, but we’re only in college so it was that much more shocking since she was so young. Anyways, I was driving to a memorial one night and in my haziness almost missed the driveway, so I turned real quick and hit a curb HARD. I found myself stranded with a flat tire at 12:30am, had to use a donut, not fun. Anyways, the next week I went to get a replacement and it was taking a while, and the car place happened to share a lot with a pet store, small local chain. I wandered over and was admiring the reptiles and mentioned offhand how I’d love to own a snake (I’d had geckos and dragons growing up but I wanted something legless, lol) to the employee working in the reptile room. He started raving about how cool ball pythons were and how they’re relatively easy to care for, told me all about his collection and how he was a student as well and keeping them was completely manageable. I was intrigued, haha...I went home and did more research for five months before pulling the trigger, and I actually found my girl online rather than at a pet store, but ive always thought it’s funny how one event leads to another.

My first snake is Regina a normal ball python.

My family was/is a mixture of afraid or just with it, my mom calls them her grand-snakes as well, and even has her "Regina time" nightly lol... If I had to choose a snake to introduce to a person she would be the one, she is the most laid back noodle.

My second snake came about after I got my husbandry right(temps/humidity). Name being Regi he is an albino BP and almost the opposite in temperament not violent but very easily startled I somewhat contribute this to the miserable condition he was at in the pet store I got him at.

Living things fascinate me.
I'd own an octopus, if it were feasible.

Always had an interest in nature and the world around me, including animals. Non-mammals interested me especially--I was the kid who had spiders running around on their hands, fascinated. I knew I wanted a reptile, but wasn't able to have one until I moved out of the house. Even then, I waited until I got a permanent place before getting my first snake. I have trouble with emotional and physical tasks at times, which rules out any animal that needs food and companionship daily. A snake lives at the same pace I do--a little slower, a little quieter. It's almost meditative to care for one, even handling is slow and peaceful. I like learning about and tweaking their husbandry to give them their best experience, and there's always something new to improve on. Snakes fit my m.o. (plus they're so dang cute)

What a great thread...

would I sound off my bonkers is I said I have alway considered snakes as one of my totem animals?

but it wasn't until recently that I decided I had to own one. I love the feel of them, which is why I knew it had to be a boa. Also, I don't like getting bit so much, so when I found Louie at the local pet shop (Daves soda and pet food) and he lazily swirled around my hand, I knew he was the one. Doesn't hurt that he's a beauty....

I just find holding a snake very grounding.


but even as a little girl, I loved snakes, as I love most creatures. My earliest memory of a snake was when my sister and I were out weeding, at my mother's command, and we came across something that rattled. We live in Massacusetts so, we don't have too many snakes that rattle or are venomous... Not sure what it was because my sister screamed and my horrible step father came out and batted it to death with a shovel. I remember someone saying, "you have to cut off the head" :tricho: ... Which he did, with the edge of the shovlel. It was over kill to me. Such a little thing, all we needed to do is leave it alone and it would have gone on its way.... Which is my official policy on wild snakes.

not sure why so many people have a revulsion to snakes. They really are just innocent creatures.

but easy to keep? I beg to differ. Cats are the way easiest. Dogs second. My Louie, I've fused and fumed over since Labor Day weekend, when I got him.