Negative comments

I have noticed that recently whenever someone take note that I have a snake as a pet, they say something negative. Like, "Hes going to eat you", "did you not hear about the woman who got ate by a python", "you are insane." I never knew that their were so many individuals put there in the world that were afraid or thought negatively about a snake. Like I had someone who ask me if I did my research on snakes. As if I got my snake spontaneously. Yes, I did my research. When I was in the proof getting a snake all I wanted was a pet to have around and not your normal pet either. But I never expected so many negative comments. I will be lying if I said it didn't effect me a little bit. [emoji45] Does anyone else have to do deal with this or is it just me?

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If somebody had asked me "if I did my research", I'd look 'em square in the eye and say "nope! Why? Is there anything I should know?" Just to see what they would say.

It doesn't matter if other people don't like snakes, YOU DO. It's your pet, they don't have to interact with it.

Yup, we've all heard it. As long as people know we keep snakes, we'll get the negative, ignorant comments.

Brush it off, educate them if they're willing to listen and move on with your day.
Snakes definitely aren't for everybody (that's probably what attracts many of us to the hobby in the first place) and that's ok. It would be a boring world if we all liked the same stuff.

You do you. Do what makes YOU happy. Learn to ignore the ignorant and enjoy your pet.

In my opinion, this is probably just another part of your experience in snake-keeping. I've had my fair share of people who won't enter my house because of my BP. I think, you should take the fact that you own a relatively harmless snake, and make it an opportunity to educate and inform the so-called "haters" that snakes aren't bloodthirsty man hunters :D

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We brought home (2) from Tinley in October, both ball pythons. My sister took pictures to work because she was so excited about them and every one of her coworkers shunned her.


Sad, but it happens.

On the flip side, my first Ball Python helped to win over the love of a self professed "kill it on sight snake hater" that was my step-aunt. There is a picture around somewhere of her holding that snake by the end of the 3 weeks at my house. :D

Win some lose some.

Paul

Yes, we all do.

Those kind of comments don't bother me to much. Its just a fact that many people have a fear of snakes. Growing up, you are bombarded with seeing snakes in a negative way. You hear it from family members and friends as you grow up, you see them portrayed negatively in movies, on the news, nowadays on the internet and social media. For many people it developed into a phobia.

They just repeat what they have heard and seen all their lives. Its our opportunity to educate just a little bit here and there. And sometimes it does do some good. There are many people in my life that now comment on how pretty the snakes are. They will still say they are afraid of them, but no more do I hear how "only a dead snake is a good snake" and other ignorant remarks from those people. Some of them have genuinely become interested in them. My sister has "adopted" (not actually, but she says she is the godmother) the last of my home bred hatchlings at my house and is already sad that she will be sold eventually. She watched that clutch come out of their eggs and I swear she sat in front of that incubator for longer periods of time just staring at eggs with slits in them, than I did :D All of my family used to fear and somewhat "hate" snakes. She named that little one, too.

Its just one of those things. You have to learn to let it roll off your skin. Try to educate and if people aren't open to it, just smile and ignore.

What ticks me off are the so called experts , going on how those animals only belong in the wild, how they must be so unhappy in their small enclosures. Usually from people like the one, who had 3 dogs run over cause she couldn't bother to contain them correctly. And those 3 were over a span of a couple of month, not like she couldn't fix things. Not only that, but she also keeps her horses sub par and had 3 cats disappear because she felt they would be "happier" outside.

But again, it does no good to argue with certain people. With some it is genuine concern, with others its just smug smart aleck attitude.

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Originally Posted by JRLongton

If somebody had asked me "if I did my research", I'd look 'em square in the eye and say "nope! Why? Is there anything I should know?" Just to see what they would say.

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[emoji1787][emoji23][emoji1787] lmbo!!

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Thank you all for your inspiring words. I appreciate it! I was feeling some type of way this morning. I had vented to Mystic but ofc he wasnt paying attention to me. He was too busy moving around and flickering his tongue out exploring my room. [emoji216] He even slithered to me a couple of times this morning. Lol He's too funny sometimes. I dont regret getting him at all. He's my own unique pet. [emoji847]

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Some of it might simply be friendly teasing. Like someone above advised, just dish it back.

I've heard judgmental comments about pit-bulls, goldfish...whatever. Auto-selection weeds out the jerks. :D

Life is short. You can't please everyone.

Apparently as long as your pets don't have fur it's okay to insult them. /s

I actually had an ex threaten to break up with me when I said I was considering getting a second snake at some point in the future. He said "If you get another freaking snake then it's over". Except he didn't say freaking...

To me I find it so frustrating that people are so rude about snakes. Not everyone has to like them but have enough decency to be respectful about someone's pet that they obviously love. I've mentioned this before but even though I am a dog lover- there are certain breeds that I HATE with a fiery, burning passion. But when people tell me they have those breeds, I'm never rude. I could never insult someone's pet. I'll never own those breeds and don't understand the appeal but I would never tell someone that their pet is ugly or extremely obnoxious.

ALSO I'm going to rage if one more person tells me that my less than 3lb ball python is going to eat my dogs...

As other posters have mentioned- we just have to continue to educate people. A lot of friends and family have become more understanding after meeting my ball python and learning more about her.

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Originally Posted by Kira

Apparently as long as your pets don't have fur it's okay to insult them. /s

I actually had an ex threaten to break up with me when I said I was considering getting a second snake at some point in the future. He said "If you get another freaking snake then it's over". Except he didn't say freaking...

To me I find it so frustrating that people are so rude about snakes. Not everyone has to like them but have enough decency to be respectful about someone's pet that they obviously love. I've mentioned this before but even though I am a dog lover- there are certain breeds that I HATE with a fiery, burning passion. But when people tell me they have those breeds, I'm never rude. I could never insult someone's pet. I'll never own those breeds and don't understand the appeal but I would never tell someone that their pet is ugly or extremely obnoxious.

ALSO I'm going to rage if one more person tells me that my less than 3lb ball python is going to eat my dogs...

As other posters have mentioned- we just have to continue to educate people. A lot of friends and family have become more understanding after meeting my ball python and learning more about her.

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Yea my BF said, If he catch me holding the snake or if it's out of its enclosure he was gonna to take the snake to the animal shelter. [emoji32][emoji849][emoji33][emoji33] .

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Some ppl listen & learn...others are hopeless...but around here we all understand. I've gotten jerk comments from people for decades now, but what makes it
worth the trouble is changing minds when & wherever I can. That's all any of us can do.

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Originally Posted by Mc.mischievous7

I have noticed that recently whenever someone take note that I have a snake as a pet, they say something negative. Like, "Hes going to eat you", "did you not hear about the woman who got ate by a python", "you are insane." I never knew that their were so many individuals put there in the world that were afraid or thought negatively about a snake. Like I had someone who ask me if I did my research on snakes. As if I got my snake spontaneously. Yes, I did my research. When I was in the proof getting a snake all I wanted was a pet to have around and not your normal pet either. But I never expected so many negative comments. I will be lying if I said it didn't effect me a little bit. [emoji45] Does anyone else have to do deal with this or is it just me?

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At first I told everyone and anyone that I had a collection of snakes but after quite a few negative comments like "yuck" or "ewww why would you want a snake ?" etc etc I now keep it to myself .


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Originally Posted by Mc.mischievous7

Yea my BF said, If he catch me holding the snake or if it's out of its enclosure he was gonna to take the snake to the animal shelter. [emoji32][emoji849][emoji33][emoji33] .

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That sounds like time to find a new Boyfriend that isn't a tool. lol.

I know that I wouldn't even consider dating a chick that wasn't open minded about scaled pets.

Paul

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Originally Posted by Mc.mischievous7

I have noticed that recently whenever someone take note that I have a snake as a pet, they say something negative. Like, "Hes going to eat you", "did you not hear about the woman who got ate by a python", "you are insane." I never knew that their were so many individuals put there in the world that were afraid or thought negatively about a snake. Like I had someone who ask me if I did my research on snakes. As if I got my snake spontaneously. Yes, I did my research. When I was in the proof getting a snake all I wanted was a pet to have around and not your normal pet either. But I never expected so many negative comments. I will be lying if I said it didn't effect me a little bit. [emoji45] Does anyone else have to do deal with this or is it just me?

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At first I told everyone and anyone that I had a collection of snakes but after quite a few negative comments like "yuck" or "ewww why would you want a snake ?" etc etc I now keep it to myself .


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I definitely relate to everything in this thread. After getting my snake, my mom called me a few days later to tell me she had a nightmare in which my snake killed me. I think my bp was barely a foot long at the time. Ever since I've been sending pictures of him to her whenever I get a cute snapshot. Last time I did she responded, "He is kinda cute," so maybe I'm actually making some headway with her, lol.

I think the worst kind of comments I've heard are when people say to me, "Oh, you know what they say about girls who are into snakes...." Gross.

But yeah, if it's not someone close to me, I don't even bother changing their mind. It's not worth my time.

My personal favorites are when they tell you that keeping snakes is unholy or some other nonsense about the devil being a serpent. Please don’t make me laugh 😂!

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Originally Posted by luckydoll

I definitely relate to everything in this thread. After getting my snake, my mom called me a few days later to tell me she had a nightmare in which my snake killed me. I think my bp was barely a foot long at the time. Ever since I've been sending pictures of him to her whenever I get a cute snapshot. Last time I did she responded, "He is kinda cute," so maybe I'm actually making some headway with her, lol.

I think the worst kind of comments I've heard are when people say to me, "Oh, you know what they say about girls who are into snakes...." Gross.

But yeah, if it's not someone close to me, I don't even bother changing their mind. It's not worth my time.

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What do they say about girls who into snakes? I never heard of that one before. I believe Ima just stop telling ppl I have a snake because the ones who know already is giving me a headache. Lol

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Originally Posted by Sonny1318

My personal favorites are when they tell you that keeping snakes is unholy or some other nonsense about the devil being a serpent. Please don’t make me laugh [emoji23]!

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The reason why my bf dont like me having a snake.

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Ignore it. I don't get much of that really. Unless you know me you would never know I keep snakes. I never advertise it and I don't take them outside unless it's for a quick picture in the good light.

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Originally Posted by Mc.mischievous7

What do they say about girls who into snakes? I never heard of that one before. I believe Ima just stop telling ppl I have a snake because the ones who know already is giving me a headache. Lol

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I responded with, "Well, they probably say they like snakes," and the conversation ended, lol. I didn't really want to hear what he had to say after that.

I used to tell everyone who would listen I had a snake just because I was so excited about him, but I think it would save me a few headaches to just keep it to myself, lol.

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Originally Posted by Sonny1318

My personal favorites are when they tell you that keeping snakes is unholy or some other nonsense about the devil being a serpent. Please don’t make me laugh ��!

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Let's just say that the town I live in has MORE than it's share of churches & church-goers, and when someone says something nasty about snakes I respond with "if God
created the world & made all the creatures then didn't he (or 'she' ;)) make snakes too?" :rofl: That has actually sunk in... (sigh)

But on the plus side, one of the churches here has a yearly "Blessing of the Animals" and whenever the weather is good (it's outside)
I've attended with a snake, and got surprisingly open & friendly interest...so there's hope!

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Originally Posted by luckydoll

I responded with, "Well, they probably say they like snakes," and the conversation ended, lol. I didn't really want to hear what he had to say after that.

I used to tell everyone who would listen I had a snake just because I was so excited about him, but I think it would save me a few headaches to just keep it to myself, lol.

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Same with me. I'm just excited I got a Mojave BP as a pet and i wanted to share my excitement with everyone. Just didnt expect the response to the news to be so negative. Guess I will have to do what most of you all said. -Ignore them-

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One woman I told in our staff room was disgusted when I mentioned that our kids loved feeding the pigeons so she was extremely quick to 'pipe up' when someone else exclaimed 'Michael HAS snakes !!' ...

She made it clear that she was physically disgusted at the thought .

I was so shocked I said " you do know that Donna has a Royal python , Becky has a Corn snake and Caroline has a Python , a Gecko and a bladdy Tarantula !!
All true but it wasn't common knowledge... they hadn't actively hidden their snakes just not advertised them to all and sundry


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I think we all have a different level of tolerance for negative comments, but IF you can handle some without too much anger & stress, it's our chance to present the
"other side" (pro- snake) & that's important because they sure cannot speak for themselves. It does no good (in terms of changing minds) to keep our pets secret.

It also matters about the "time & place"- if you're at work & your boss hates snakes, your silence is probably "golden". ;) Likewise, if you work with the public as
I did for many years you have to be cautious (polite) about how you answer (disagree) & not offend anyone.

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Originally Posted by Mc.mischievous7

The reason why my bf dont like me having a snake.

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It's your life but no one should be with someone who disrespects their pet...leaving my ex who was a jerk about my snake was literally one of the best decisions I have ever made. Usually people like that tend to to be rude about other parts of your life too.

My current bf isn't a big fan of snakes but he knows that I love them and he respects that. He is willing to handle her and listens when I talk about her. He doesn't love snakes and maybe he never will but that's okay because he is kind and understanding about my interests.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

I think we all have a different level of tolerance for negative comments, but IF you can handle some without too much anger & stress, it's our chance to present the
"other side" (pro- snake) & that's important because they sure cannot speak for themselves. It does no good (in terms of changing minds) to keep our pets secret.

It also matters about the "time & place"- if you're at work & your boss hates snakes, your silence is probably "golden". ;) Likewise, if you work with the public as
I did for many years you have to be cautious (polite) about how you answer (disagree) & not offend anyone.

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Yea that is true!

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When challenged (& appropriate to time & place) you can point out (for example): that most snakes are very fussy eaters (we don't smell like their food!), &
that they actually aren't out to bite us but instead bite out of fear & self-defense- & remind them how big & scary we appear to snakes. Explain that snakes
rely on their excellent sense of smell & touch (instead of vision to identify things) & that they are deaf. <many ppl don't realize that...they'll say they yelled
at a snake to leave their yard & killed it when it wouldn't...:( When you can point out something about snakes that the person doesn't know, they may then
realize that their information may be all wrong...even if they don't admit it to you at the time, they may think about it. I've had people come back to ask more
questions once they were intrigued with some "new" information. Just crack open the door & let some "light" in, if & when you can.

Most people who know me know that I have snakes. I’ve kept snakes for 27 years, so they are gonna hear about them eventually...if not from me then from other friends. I’ll share with friends when I have a new purchase or take a really nice photo. I even share a few photos on FB. Some folks have come around and think they are pretty or kind of cute. Some folks aren’t into them, but keep most comments in the civil mode. And some folks are just rude and make ugly comments. I’ve had plenty of years to get used to the wide range of comments, and I’ve been able to educate some folks about them. It evens out for the most part.

I have several relatives that will not come to my house...possibly a bonus to snakes as pets? :D I also have one friend who is truly terrified of snakes, however he will come to the house because he knows they are in locked cages in a separate room. He can’t see them, so he can pretend they aren’t there. The guy I dated before I met my other half gave me the ultimatum of “the snakes or me”. It didn’t work out quite like he planned. When I met my other half, he was not into snakes...but he was into me, so he was willing to learn. While they were never his thing, he learned about them and helped with them...including being an advocate for them as pets when others made negative comments. He was by my side for 22 1/2 years. ❤️ I’m not looking for another relationship, but anyone who didn’t support me wouldn’t even be a consideration. What I will tolerate from friends or acquaintances is not acceptable from someone who is supposed to be my partner.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

When challenged (& appropriate to time & place) you can point out (for example): that most snakes are very fussy eaters (we don't smell like their food!), &
that they actually aren't out to bite us but instead bite out of fear & self-defense- & remind them how big & scary we appear to snakes. Explain that snakes
rely on their excellent sense of smell & touch (instead of vision to identify things) & that they are deaf. <many ppl don't realize that...they'll say they yelled
at a snake to leave their yard & killed it when it wouldn't...:( When you can point out something about snakes that the person doesn't know, they may then
realize that their information may be all wrong...even if they don't admit it to you at the time, they may think about it. I've had people come back to ask more
questions once they were intrigued with some "new" information. Just crack open the door & let some "light" in, if & when you can.

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Wow! Thank you for the tip! I will try this.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

When challenged (& appropriate to time & place) you can point out (for example): that most snakes are very fussy eaters (we don't smell like their food!), &
that they actually aren't out to bite us but instead bite out of fear & self-defense- & remind them how big & scary we appear to snakes. Explain that snakes
rely on their excellent sense of smell & touch (instead of vision to identify things) & that they are deaf. <many ppl don't realize that...they'll say they yelled
at a snake to leave their yard & killed it when it wouldn't...:( When you can point out something about snakes that the person doesn't know, they may then
realize that their information may be all wrong...even if they don't admit it to you at the time, they may think about it. I've had people come back to ask more
questions once they were intrigued with some "new" information. Just crack open the door & let some "light" in, if & when you can.

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I think that's great advice. I think some people go looking for a fight sometimes. I was in Ikea a year or so ago and a there was a kid walking around with a BP wrapped around his wrist.
He was def getting the reactions he wanted. Everyone was looking at him and some people obviously didn't think it was as cool as others and some words were exchanged. The kid was out to shock people but in reality all he was doing was scaring the crap of his poor snake. The AC is that place was cranked and the poor snake was freezing.

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Originally Posted by Mc.mischievous7

Wow! Thank you for the tip! I will try this...

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Many of us don't realize how much we know about snakes that others don't...things that can help others understand & develop empathy, even if they never want
a pet snake, at least they won't go out of their way to kill them, & may stop others from doing so. We can all make a difference. I usually let people know that I
grew up loving animals but never expected to like snakes- I just kept an open mind when I was offered one & discovered they aren't at all like most expect them
to be. I also like to point out they are beautiful & graceful to watch (like tropical fish) except they can also be held & that they are mostly soothing, laid-back pets-
not demanding, & like most pets, they promote "being in the moment". I try to let others see them the way I do.

Another angle that impresses people is how they've adapted to survive, & even in harsh climates: that they can get by on very little food by brumating (easier to
say 'hibernating' for most people). Explain "cold blooded" (which is a very negative-sounding -a term usually associated with "murder"!) as their means to survive.

Whenever I go to the dentist I only wish I could open my mouth the same way...it would be so much easier! It often helps to remind people of the skills snakes
have...ask them if THEY can undress using no hands or feet? ;) I sometimes joke that I've been trying without success to teach my dogs to shed in one piece...
Share your fascination in any way that might "sink in", & a little humor never hurts either, when you can manage it.

Over the years, I've just found that most people "hate" snakes because they don't understand them. Knowledge replaces fear...

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Many of us don't realize how much we know about snakes that others don't...things that can help others understand & develop empathy, even if they never want
a pet snake, at least they won't go out of their way to kill them, & may stop others from doing so. We can all make a difference. I usually let people know that I
grew up loving animals but never expected to like snakes- I just kept an open mind when I was offered one & discovered they aren't at all like most expect them
to be. I also like to point out they are beautiful & graceful to watch (like tropical fish) except they can also be held & that they are mostly soothing, laid-back pets-
not demanding, & like most pets, they promote "being in the moment". I try to let others see them the way I do.

Another angle that impresses people is how they've adapted to survive, & even in harsh climates: that they can get by on very little food by brumating (easier to
say 'hibernating' for most people). Explain "cold blooded" (which is a very negative-sounding -a term usually associated with "murder"!) as their means to survive.

Whenever I go to the dentist I only wish I could open my mouth the same way...it would be so much easier! It often helps to remind people of the skills snakes
have...ask them if THEY can undress using no hands or feet? ;) I sometimes joke that I've been trying without success to teach my dogs to shed in one piece...
Share your fascination in any way that might "sink in", & a little humor never hurts either, when you can manage it.

Over the years, I've just found that most people "hate" snakes because they don't understand them. Knowledge replaces fear...

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"Knowledge replace fear" I really do like that! You are funny and very helpful. Love the advice you've been giving me in regards to this. Thank you so much for replying and making me laugh.

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I think it comes with the territory. People express fear in funny ways. They are misunderstood creatures and that's what appeals to me so much. I mainly just get the eww why would you want a snake reaction followed by curiosity. Did have a sister in law go a bit overboard saying she would never allow my nephew over. Thankfully she got over it pretty quickly once she saw it's not a ruthless and bloodthirsty killing machine. I did have a lady give me crap in the pet store line a few weeks ago about how cruel I am when I was buying a feeder rat. I'm sorry that makes you feel a certain way but what you want me to do? Try the broccoli and cauliflower diet?

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Originally Posted by Helonwheelz383

I think it comes with the territory. People express fear in funny ways. They are misunderstood creatures and that's what appeals to me so much. I mainly just get the eww why would you want a snake reaction followed by curiosity. Did have a sister in law go a bit overboard saying she would never allow my nephew over. Thankfully she got over it pretty quickly once she saw it's not a ruthless and bloodthirsty killing machine. I did have a lady give me crap in the pet store line a few weeks ago about how cruel I am when I was buying a feeder rat. I'm sorry that makes you feel a certain way but what you want me to do? Try the broccoli and cauliflower diet?

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I had a similar conversation recently with a friend on FB. I’d posted a really cool video of an owl where the handler was showing what narrow spaces they could fly through. The reward was a rat. My friend thought it was so cruel to feed “babies”. I explained that some raptors needed recognizable prey, much as my snakes do. There was no option for “chow” as it isn’t a recognizable food source. You can’t go againsts thousands of years of prey instinct.

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Originally Posted by Dianne

I had a similar conversation recently with a friend on FB. I’d posted a really cool video of an owl where the handler was showing what narrow spaces they could fly through. The reward was a rat. My friend thought it was so cruel to feed “babies”. I explained that some raptors needed recognizable prey, much as my snakes do. There was no option for “chow” as it isn’t a recognizable food source. You can’t go againsts thousands of years of prey instinct.

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Remember when PETA was all about trying to convert snakes to eating Sausages over Rodents? LOL.

Paul

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Originally Posted by Mc.mischievous7

"Knowledge replace fear" I really do like that! You are funny and very helpful. Love the advice you've been giving me in regards to this. Thank you so much for replying and making me laugh.

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It's just practice- once when I was giving a lecture about snakes to adults & holding one, I was asked how you can tell the males from the females, & inexplicably right
at that moment the snake I was holding decided to head down the open collar of my shirt, so I said "obviously, this is a male". :rofl: It made them all laugh, & that can
really help ease tension for those that were there in spite of their own fear.

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Originally Posted by Mc.mischievous7

I have noticed that recently whenever someone take note that I have a snake as a pet, they say something negative. Like, "Hes going to eat you", "did you not hear about the woman who got ate by a python", "you are insane." I never knew that their were so many individuals put there in the world that were afraid or thought negatively about a snake. Like I had someone who ask me if I did my research on snakes. As if I got my snake spontaneously. Yes, I did my research. When I was in the proof getting a snake all I wanted was a pet to have around and not your normal pet either. But I never expected so many negative comments. I will be lying if I said it didn't effect me a little bit. [emoji45] Does anyone else have to do deal with this or is it just me?

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As someone who shows them publicly to people for education, Yes, I have herd it all. I simply tell people, "Spend 10 minuets with some of my animals. You might find what you think about them is wrong?" Cant change everyone's mind but I now have a few people who have done a 180 and now respect them for what they are. Some tell me they will only hold my animals. Some will never change their minds. Short answer. As long as they don't take away my right and ability to love them and have them, they can feel how they so choose.

I think what most people ask about (negatively) are bites from our snakes, & that's one of the easiest things to deflect. Remind them that a bite from a pet snake
does VERY LITTLE damage (not counting giant or venomous snakes) & usually doesn't even get infected (because snakes don't eat sugary foods that bacteria thrives
on), whereas birds (not only parrots but even little parakeets) can take a chunk out of you, dog bites can do a lot of damage as can the bites & scratches from cats
(& cats especially carry LOTS of germs), & even those cute little rodents have bites that hurt much more & can get infected. And as much as I love horses (& used
to ride), even a well-meaning horse can kill you....statistically you're better off with snake pets.

Also, once you understand why snakes bite, most bites are preventable. I wish I had a dollar for every time someone said "aren't you worried about snake bites?" ;)

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Originally Posted by pbenner

Remember when PETA was all about trying to convert snakes to eating Sausages over Rodents? LOL.

Paul

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Oh yeah, I remember. I think some places still sell them. As if ground up processed mice are any different than whole mice. :weirdface In all fairness, Duncan (Bci) would have probably eaten them and I think Piper (pied bp) would probably try it. Both of them are total garbage disposals. lol

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Originally Posted by Skyrivers

As someone who shows them publicly to people for education, Yes, I have herd it all. I simply tell people, "Spend 10 minuets with some of my animals. You might find what you think about them is wrong?" Cant change everyone's mind but I now have a few people who have done a 180 and now respect them for what they are. Some tell me they will only hold my animals. Some will never change their minds. Short answer. As long as they don't take away my right and ability to love them and have them, they can feel how they so choose.

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Seeing IS believing! It really changes many minds when we can demonstrate our docile & beautiful snakes to people...doesn't have to be a formal talk, just a "meet &
greet"...10 minutes is about right...it changes minds. I've met many who say they always hated snakes but never saw one up close, much less EVER actually touched
one...and once they do, many can't get enough & end up HOLDING them with a smile.

There's always some pathetic jerk that walks by & says "that looks just like the one I chopped up last week" & about all you can do is ignore them. You can win over
many, even most, but not all. It's still worth the effort.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Let's just say that the town I live in has MORE than it's share of churches & church-goers, and when someone says something nasty about snakes I respond with "if God
created the world & made all the creatures then didn't he (or 'she' ;)) make snakes too?" :rofl: That has actually sunk in... (sigh)

But on the plus side, one of the churches here has a yearly "Blessing of the Animals" and whenever the weather is good (it's outside)
I've attended with a snake, and got surprisingly open & friendly interest...so there's hope!

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Our neighbor, who is a devout Christian (usually in a t-shirt with something like, "Got Jesus?"), and teaches science at a Christian school (not sure how they handle evolution there) keeps a BP and other critters in his class room. My breeder rats came from him. Since no one around here who I know of keeps snakes, he is the only person in real life with whom I can chat about the hobby.

On another note, I always wonder how that blessing assembly works when people carrying parrots or pet rats on their shoulders are standing in line with the big boa and python keepers.

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Originally Posted by Dianne

Oh yeah, I remember. I think some places still sell them. As if ground up processed mice are any different than whole mice. :weirdface In all fairness, Duncan (Bci) would have probably eaten them and I think Piper (pied bp) would probably try it. Both of them are total garbage disposals. lol

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I remember when those first came out...I read the ingredients & they were like hot dogs...lots of beef parts etc.-not even their natural prey! :O

I don't recall the company name but there are some now that at least have the proper ingredients...they're pricey though.

Funny that many of the ones who object to snakes eating rodents are NOT vegetarians themselves. -Always fun to ask! ;) Nor are they aware of the cruelty involved
in the commercial livestock trade, whether cows, pigs, chickens, etc. :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by Dianne

Oh yeah, I remember. I think some places still sell them. As if ground up processed mice are any different than whole mice. :weirdface In all fairness, Duncan (Bci) would have probably eaten them and I think Piper (pied bp) would probably try it. Both of them are total garbage disposals. lol

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I've had snakes that would probably eat them, but no desire to actually try. I'll stick with my cheap dead rodents. lol.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Seeing IS believing! It really changes many minds when we can demonstrate our docile & beautiful snakes to people...doesn't have to be a formal talk, just a "meet &
greet"...10 minutes is about right...it changes minds. I've met many who say they always hated snakes but never saw one up close, much less EVER actually touched
one...and once they do, many can't get enough & end up HOLDING them with a smile.

There's always some pathetic jerk that walks by & says "that looks just like the one I chopped up last week" & about all you can do is ignore them. You can win over
many, even most, but not all. It's still worth the effort.

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Just let the photos do the talking. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c727e27f06.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...68d83b9f87.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...2c37182721.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...cf99733f9a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...99b44dac7b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...57bae2eb6d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...0eb72b6033.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c521127efa.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c5466f51c5.jpg

Sent from my N9560 using Tapatalk

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Originally Posted by distaff

...On another note, I always wonder how that blessing assembly works when people carrying parrots or pet rats on their shoulders are
standing in line with the big boa and python keepers.

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I can't speak for others, but here the blessing is outside on the large church lawn, & everyone just spreads out & stays out of range from any incompatible pets.

There have been horses & cats+ here, but I've been the only one with a snake. (*ever since my first time, their church bulletin makes a point of welcoming "ALL pets,
even snakes" and brags a little afterwards..."we even blessed a snake" LOL.) Instead of a line, the minister makes rounds through the gathering...it's lots of fun, many
ppl visit with each other's animals...it's mostly dogs & even the local Humane Society brings a few adoptable dogs. So far I haven't seen any rats, & few birds, rabbits.

The first time I went (with my sil who attended there) I did get there early to ask the minister beforehand if he was OK with a snake...it was NOT my intention to
frighten anyone, certainly not him. He actually got a kick out of it...especially after the first year, when my snake laid his head peacefully on his arm. He'd never met
a snake before & I'd call it a successful "conversion". ;) (his, not mine)

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

I think what most people ask about (negatively) are bites from our snakes, & that's one of the easiest things to deflect. Remind them that a bite from a pet snake
does VERY LITTLE damage (not counting giant or venomous snakes) & usually doesn't even get infected (because snakes don't eat sugary foods that bacteria thrives
on), whereas birds (not only parrots but even little parakeets) can take a chunk out of you, dog bites can do a lot of damage as can the bites & scratches from cats
(& cats especially carry LOTS of germs), & even those cute little rodents have bites that hurt much more & can get infected. And as much as I love horses (& used
to ride), even a well-meaning horse can kill you....statistically you're better off with snake pets.

Also, once you understand why snakes bite, most bites are preventable. I wish I had a dollar for every time someone said "aren't you worried about snake bites?" ;)

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That's exactly right. We have an Amazon Parrot and let me tell you. She could take your finger off if she decided she wanted to. We had a cat that felt like testing her and when I ran in to see what the commotion was the poor cat was literally hanging from her beak by her paw. Not to mention our German Shepherd. I hate to imagine what one of those would do under the wrong circumstances.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

I remember when those first came out...I read the ingredients & they were like hot dogs...lots of beef parts etc.-not even their natural prey! :O

I don't recall the company name but there are some now that at least have the proper ingredients...they're pricey though.

Funny that many of the ones who object to snakes eating rodents are NOT vegetarians themselves. -Always fun to ask! ;) Nor are they aware of the cruelty involved
in the commercial livestock trade, whether cows, pigs, chickens, etc. :rolleyes:

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Hmmm, I hadn’t seen the hotdog version. The ones I saw were ground whole rodents...and they were not cheap.

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Originally Posted by pbenner

I've had snakes that would probably eat them, but no desire to actually try. I'll stick with my cheap dead rodents. lol.

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I agree, I’ll be sticking with the real deal as well. Can you imagine trying to switch a fussy bp to a sausage? Shoot, I’m still trying to get Artemis switched to f/t. :rolleyes:

Hard enough to go from Mice to Rats or Live to Frozen. Screw the idea of trying to make a snake thing that Beef is an acceptable food smell. LOL.

Maple eats whatever I put in front of her that smells close to food. This includes my hand if I've been doing feeders, silly girl.

Paul