Snake moments

Anyone want to share som snake moments? good or bad and would you mind me using them to persuade my parents to let me have a snake?

:colbert: (Put N at the bottom of post if you dont want me to!!!) :colbert:

Nothing beats the feeling a snake keeper get when someone that "Doesn't Like Snakes" touches one and gets that childish expression of intrigued wonder as they come in contact with one of natures most wonderful creatures.

thank you FF for your experience plz help me as every experience brings me closer to getting a snake
:D :D :D :D :D

LOL welcome!!

I understand Phobia's I am scared of spiders. How ever I can appreciate them as an interesting animal. Heres my suggestion find a friend that has one and see if mom is willing to take it slow. See if she'll agree to at least be in the room with you and it explain to her that you want do anything to scare her and that you want her to be at her comfort level distance from it. Let her see you handling it and just explain about its behavior as it does something. When it jerks its head explain that it does that out of fear of being hurt cause their brains aren't protected like ours. Baby steps are the key. My wife is TERRIFIED of snakes and will never hold them but is comfortable enough to know that they are not going to harm her. Baby Steps Baby Steps.

I did suggest this but she insist she isnt scared of them she just doesnt like them which is why im going to do a powerpoint with facts my point of view and other experiences. Good idea?

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Originally Posted by martyb

I did suggest this but she insist she isnt scared of them she just doesnt like them which is why im going to do a powerpoint with facts my point of view and other experiences. Good idea?

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A dislike is different than a fear. A dislike is a decision not an emotion. She may never like them but your goal is to get her to except them as living animals just as able to fill the role of pet as a dog or cat.

Thats what im doing the Powerpoint presentation to try and show her that they are facinating animals as i have

just a few minutes ago, i took out Tank for a 10-year-old girl i'm babysitting at the moment. she was nervous but she wanted to see him. then she wanted to touch him. she was so giddy! fun to watch! 'omg! he feels like plastic!' the more she touched him, the more comfortable she was and after about five minutes of petting him while i held him, she decided she was ready to hold him. she LOVED it! i had trouble getting her to allow me to put him back away! bet she's gonna go home and start talkin to her mom...

my snake took out the trash this morning.... so they can help out with chores around the house.

There's nothing in the world better than looking at your snake before and after a shed--silly I know but I'm serious! It's like looking at a completely different animal, how pretty and shiny and fresh they are. Their color gets lots brighter and you can just tell they're in a better mood!!

Also, I've got a bigger girl about four feet long which I raised from the time she was a baby--and she's gentler than any dog or cat I've ever met. I take her out with me sometimes because she's so calm and relaxed, she's happy to just hang out on my shoulders like a scarf while I'm driving or walking around. Sometimes I take her to the pet stores with me while I pick up dog and cat food, and one time there were a lot of kids in there, ranging from 4 to 11, I think. They all came over and started asking questions, and at first everyone was a little hesitant, but within five minutes they were passing her around and petting her and holding her and everyone was smiling and laughing and talking excitedly--all the kids were so happy and excited about it, and you could see they were having fun. Even the parents were okay with it, and when the four year old started patting her on the head--you know how little kids do sometimes, unintentionally rough--she just let her, without any protest. It's so fun and rewarding to watch the kids interact with your animal, the one you raised from a baby to be as gentle as a lamb.

But four years ago before I got my first snake, my mom disliked snakes, too. It took me years to convince her to let me get one, but now? Now she actually likes snakes, she wants me to get an axanthic BP and she wants a GTP for herself next year!! I'm sure that if your mom just holds them and gets used to them she'll realize how sweet and wonderful they are.

I hope you end up getting your snake, and I hope this helps. Good luck!!!

thanks for your replies keep them coming and ill post you to tell you if this whole thing works or not ( hopefully does )

one time, floyd was at the park with us. it was a nice day and there weren't many kids because it was during school hours. well, there was a couple there with a young boy- prolly about 4- who was very interested in our little guy. the mom started freaking out, yelling at her hubby to keep their son away from 'that nasty thing!' the husband just smiled (his back was turned to her) and continued to let his son admire (and even touch) the nasty critter! hehehe...

That is so true ive previously owned bps and my girlfriend told me she would never touch on in a million years. About 2 weeks ago i bought a juvenile corn snake and she felt comfortable around it and let her crawl around on her hands. finally after getting used to handeling the corn snake she picked up the bp and i never seen such a big smile on someones face. that was one of the best feelings to be able to share something i love with someone i love and to see her overcome her feer.

when i hold crowley he somehow manages to make it up around my shoulders if not draped behind my neck and under my hair. or he'll try and climb up my head or wrap his tail around my ear.

now, if he's with my boyfriend on the bed he's always, ALWAYS trying to get into tony's pocket or his shorts if he's wearing them.. once he had his head in his pocket and his tail 'fishhooked' on tony's shorts. it was like he just couldnt decide.

back when i still had my pastel from NERD (sold her a few months ago) she was more active than my corns, especially in testing if she could get out. every time i'd see her with her head flat on the top of the tub, i'd pull the top off, watching her try and stiffen and act like a stick or branch of wood was hilarious. she always had a look of "oh.. you caught me"

then last night when i was changing the waterbowls in my new female's tank, she's a fat fatty and decided to try and get under the water bowl rather than her hide, i just watched her crawl under, get stuck not even 1/3 the way under and then try to wriggle out. lets just say she has not tried that again. i just sat and laughed at her thinking she was going to fit in that space.

My significant other has helped wrangle and rescue crocs and alligators. also has bred and raised iguana's and other reptiles. But still has a fear of snakes and spiders. Honestly I like my BP much better then any of the iguanas and dragons I have seen and held. But each day my significant other's fear of snakes is getting smaller. He gets braver and will touch it and watch it but still wont hold it or have it around his neck yet. Yet he is the one that got my Whodini :D

this one time my snake was hiding, in his hide. it was the strangest thing. :carrot:

the other day another homeschooling family came over to see all our critters. the mom didn't want to hold a snake, but her daughter gingerly agreed to do so. we took out two... our ball python and a corn snake (gandalf the grey... anery a).

i talked about the differences between them. their personalities... she really enjoyed holding dexter (ball python) she loves the way he wrapped around her arm and just laid there like a big pile of pudding.

in the end, she was so proud of herself. she felt she achieved something... like she'd just climbed a mountain... she smiled at me and said, "i will never forget this day, thank you aleesha".

for me... that's what it's all about. assisting others to find their passion, their love or even just simply their tolerance of snakes. because without snake owners... no one will know what wonderful creatures they truly are.

they are amazing an beautiful (yet somtimes misunderstood)creatures ask your parents to help you pick a snake from a store so they will know they are makeing a choice on a non aggersive snake.

i was looking through my old threads and thought this would be an interesting 1 to get restarted and thanks for all the old posts that i just read through again

oo and an update on the snake thing i think i might be getting somewhere becuase when i first ask my mum she wouldnt even go near one but recently she went to a pet store and touched a corn and she touched my sisters partners ball python

I'm a Mom like your Mom. When my daughter turned 16, she wanted a ball python. I really didn't want a snake. I asked her to do all the research on the snake because they take some caring that's very specific. She did that and after a family meeting - we all agreed that she could have the bp if she realized that she was the one that had to care for it. In general, I'm afraid of snakes! Now, she's gone away to college and I have to take care of Dakota. I'm actually finding him fascinating to watch and I'm committed to helping him stay happy in his home. I pet him last week and am wanting to pick him up and hold him. I've used this site to get some helpful hints. It might help to have your Mom talk about her concerns with folks on this thread. Everyone is incredibly helpful. They're certainly not dangerous animals and once you start working on the relationship, it seems that a trust develops between you and the animal. For example, when I first started taking care of Dakota about 6 weeks ago, every time I put my hand in his enclosure to change his water, etc. he'd come right out of his hide to smell me. It was scary at first. Now, he doesn't even move his lazy self off his branch in the evenings when I open up his enclosure for something. He knows me at this point. I'm surprised at how much fun I'm having learning about him and taking care of him.

i keep emeralds and they are about the most beautiful thing in the world. getting a first snake? you have to start somewhere. it's a rewarding hobby. keeps the old brain working...

thanks for the support and experiences

One angle you might use Marty is what a snake will teach you about life's lessons. Most any parent is always interested in that sort of thing. From my own experiences with our snakes and our 3 younger children I can say I've seen the following good life lessons taught by the snakes...

- patience because you cannot handle the snake at certain times (post feed, during shedding, etc.)

- empathy because you must use this skill to understand a creature that has a very limited way to communicate it's needs to you

- scheduling and routine/habit building because ball pythons do best when they are kept on certain schedules and routines, they don't adjust to humans so we adjust to them

- calmness of spirit and self because a snake doesn't do well or react well to a jumpy, nervous handler

- the drive to understand and "know" because these are fascinating creatures and most every snake loving human ends up addicted to wanting to know more and understand more about their snakes, a seeking mind is a wonderful thing any parents wants fostered in their children

- limit setting by self not parent because in the end it will be you that sets the limits of handling when your friends come over or you want to handle the snake and it's not appropriate to do so

There's a ton more but these are some of the things I've noticed in my own kids. Hope it helps.

I don't really have any cool moments.. just wanted to chime in to say I hope your mom lets you get one. They're probably the best pet I've owned and one of the least demanding. (by that, all I mean is you don't see too many sigs w/ 2.5 Rottweiler, 1.1 PitBull, 0.15 Bulldog)

My buddy had a similar problem with his mom. He convinced her to let him get ONE BP. He just got his 9th! I think it took his parents almost a year to figure out there was more than one. ..So there's always that..

JUST KIDDING
For anyone that wants to ban me from the site and take away my birthday for telling him to sneak a BP behind his parents back, I'm not. It was a joke.

NEVER HIDE SNAKES FROM YOUR PARENTS.

:)

thank you for your experience frnk and thanks for the support mike :gj:

i might have to try the sneaking in a snake

u know just as a joke

" here mum come have look what got into my room "

" please let me keep him/her " :please:

(im joking too)
:)

Nobody?

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Originally Posted by martyb

Nobody?

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when i was a kid i use to catch snakes and turtles in the creeks and take them home. But one time i caught a copperhead and brought it home and my mom freaked.... Needless to say i put it back where i found it a half hour later.

Sneaking a snake home is not a good idea; that's showing quite the opposite of being responsible.

***
Funny snake story...recently, I had a friend who's moving but wanted to see my snakes before she did. She wasn't sure she would have enough courage to hold any of them, but decided it would be okay to hold Jenson, the cornsnake. As I was putting him away and heading towards our bp's cage, I was talking about how Cleo, although bigger than Jenson, was easier to hold because bp's are generally calmer snakes.

I'm saying this as I'm unlocking and sliding back her glass door...WHAM! She bit me right on the finger, good blood too (sorry no picture).

Moral of the story: as soon as you build up your calmest, layed back snake as being your calmest, layed back snake, they'll bite you because they're hungry. =)

Needless to say, my friend *didn't* hold Cleo. :8:

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Originally Posted by cassandra

Sneaking a snake home is not a good idea; that's showing quite the opposite of being responsible.

***
Funny snake story...recently, I had a friend who's moving but wanted to see my snakes before she did. She wasn't sure she would have enough courage to hold any of them, but decided it would be okay to hold Jenson, the cornsnake. As I was putting him away and heading towards our bp's cage, I was talking about how Cleo, although bigger than Jenson, was easier to hold because bp's are generally calmer snakes.

I'm saying this as I'm unlocking and sliding back her glass door...WHAM! She bit me right on the finger, good blood too (sorry no picture).

Moral of the story: as soon as you build up your calmest, layed back snake as being your calmest, layed back snake, they'll bite you because they're hungry. =)

Needless to say, my friend *didn't* hold Cleo. :8:

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I was like 10 years old though. Now that im 25, im a little more responsible now adays.

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Originally Posted by cassandra

Sneaking a snake home is not a good idea; that's showing quite the opposite of being responsible.

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I don't know if I agree... I've done it before and I did it with my money and I was fine... my mother found out soon after but she was just mad for maybe a couple of minutes.. I am responsible for all of my snakes not my mom so if I can handle another snake and have the cash.. I'll get another one.
No one I know supports me... they don't care or are against it, even my mother. I guess you guys here and other sites are the only ones that will say "Cool! congrats!" But I will keep on doing it until I move out and have a nice house with a snake room... yeah.... that will be awesome I tell ya! Maybe a nice snake keeping husband too.

Does that make any sense? LOL

You are trying to approach an illogical problem with a logical solution. We all have fears. Most people are more afraid of speaking in public than they are of death. Sure, it doesn't make sense but that's the way fear works. And more important to your situation, everyone deals with their fears differently. I am afraid of heights, water, and snakes. So I got my pilots license, became a white water raft guide, and bought a snake.

Your mom doesn't sound like the type of person who will be swayed by logic or your power point presentation, (although I think you may have a future in business)!!! If I were you I would focus on her heart rather than her head. Get her a little gift!!! Do the dishes for her!!! Then sit down with her and tell her that you understand and respect her fear of snakes but that this is something you feel quite strongly about, let her know how much this means to you. She will probably still say no but she will respect your approach and it may bring you one step closer.

Good luck sweetie.

thank you for the replies and i might try the heart way now ive run out of head ways

and thanks for encouragement

:D:):D

any more

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Originally Posted by martyb

I did suggest this but she insist she isnt scared of them she just doesnt like them which is why im going to do a powerpoint with facts my point of view and other experiences. Good idea?

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OMG and your 15? :partyon: i just thought id say that! maybe you should put my sig on your powerpoint slide. maybe she will understand it and help her rethink. im currently taking biology for stupid college *wanna be something when i grow up :P*, there was a discussion and some lady was like.. omg snakes. you have kids! blah blah blah blah. 1st thing she said is "arent you scared that they will kill your kids" i pretty much quoted the sig. i also said, its awesome to watch my little 3yr old wanna grab my snakes, play with them, touch them, hold them etc. then a full size adult comes by and runs in the corner and is like "KEEP IT AWAY"... pretty much what the sig says. but i laugh cause its what TV and society puts in your head. i told her, snakes are not the devil, they did not kill adam and eve, their ''forked tongue" is not devilish.. etc..
Tell your parents the truth. Snakes require by far more TLC then a dog or cat. Its a great learning experience/hobby if done properly. a snake is less willing to bite compared to any other animal. when my daughters get old enough, they too will be handling/cleaning and caring for my babys. 1 reason i love my snakes so much besides everything else is that when i get off of work. i go to their room, sit down in a chair and go through each cage and hold, change water, clean and handle. With my job being so stupid most of the time, it takes my mind of work, worries, stress and everything. when im with my snakes im happy and i concentrate on them. GL with what happens with your moms decision and i hope for the best.

I call holding our BP "snake therapy" and my husband calls it "getting my fix." It's healthier than drugs or alcohol, safer than anonymous sex, you don't end up pregnant, and you are at home where your parents know where you are. That should do it.

Good luck.

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Originally Posted by MelissaFlipski

I call holding our BP "snake therapy" and my husband calls it "getting my fix." It's healthier than drugs or alcohol, safer than anonymous sex, you don't end up pregnant, and you are at home where your parents know where you are. That should do it.

Good luck.

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HHAHAHAHAHA.... anonymous .... HAHAHA.. thats nice! thats therapy in itself but i will keep this PG-13 :P

thanks for the support i definitely be using the signature and the going out late doing bad things or at home with the snake/s

Another thing you could point out to your mom (if she hasn't noticed already) is that this isn't a passing thing with you. You've been a member on these forums for 2 months now. I know for lots of parents the concern with their child getting a pet of any sort is that the parent will be the one who ends up taking care of it after the child gets bored.

Another thing is to show her that you have thought into the future. Do you have a plan for your snake for when you go off to college?

You can also market it as an educational experience. Are you thinking of studying zoology, animal husbandry, or veterinary science?

Do you currently go to reptile shows, breeders' studios, and pet stores to get your "fix"?

well i have only been into (i mean obsessed) for three months (Ive always been intrigued) but with no people in my household that takes an interest in reptiles = no shows :(

i am going to try and get a part time job at a pet store but not having anyone to get my fix from Ive sort of turned to this site for my fix lolz :rolleyes:

as for college i had enough of school so no college for me but my Gcse's are going well(English) im predicted 8 A-C grades which is bassically what is useful for getting a job (just Incas you didn't know)

Anybody?

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Originally Posted by Seneschal

There's nothing in the world better than looking at your snake before and after a shed--silly I know but I'm serious! It's like looking at a completely different animal, how pretty and shiny and fresh they are. Their color gets lots brighter and you can just tell they're in a better mood!!

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Thats so true. We have had herbie for two sheds now, the first one was pieces but this one was a FULL shed. I had to pick him up and look at him, their colors are so rich after a shed, they're beautiful!

Also, does your mother not like them because they kill their prey? Cause theres frozen!

good point ill raise it


as for what she doesnt like it is how it moves

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Originally Posted by martyb

as for what she doesnt like it is how it moves

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Ah, well, that problem is easily fixed. Just wrap it up in duct tape or maybe get one of those sticky rat traps... it won't move at all! :O

OK, seriously, don't do that! But, it might help your mother to know that BPs spend the vast majority of their time curled up in their hides and not moving. So she won't see it moving very often unless she wants to watch when you are handling it, or if she looks into the enclosure at night.

Have you thought about where you'd keep your snake if you were allowed to get one? They prefer low traffic areas, so that would help it be less in her face. If you kept it in a tub, you could choose one of the brands that is less see-thru, so that might help also.

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Originally Posted by martyb

well i have only been into (i mean obsessed) for three months (Ive always been intrigued) but with no people in my household that takes an interest in reptiles = no shows :(

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Can you go to a show with a friend? You don't have to be 18 to get in, do you?

none of my friends that like snakes that i could go somewherewith (probably 1 that would spend money to go and see a snakes)

next problem is the lack of snake shows in england and my area there was 1 about 3hrs away

see my problem?

I guess you have to be creative. Find a friend/relative with a car. Find a show. Then find something near the show that the friend likes (a great shopping mall, a restaurant, a movie theatre, etc.). Have them drive you to the show and drop you off with an understanding of what time they are to pick you up. Then they can go do what they enjoy nearby.

Good luck!

I hope you get one. If not, you'll be 18 someday and on your own. No worries!

yeh thanks i know

and thanks

:( i cant go to most snake shows. most are 9 hours away :( i'd love to go but hell paso, tx is not a big "reptile" city. suxs alot

lol i havent got it that bad just need to wait untill i can drive which could be anything from 1yr-2yrs if they raise th driving limit:mad:

hey, a 3 month obsession is pretty good for a 15 year old!

I see few things for you to do:

1) Understand where your mom is coming from. Think about her perspective instead of your own. From there, it will be much easier for you to try to break down the barriers. Be willing to comprimise.

2) Make it easy for her to change her mind. Sometimes, a parent just feels the need to be respected or worries about losing control. If she feels like you aren't being cooperative, she might dig in her heels to make a point. To put it another way, you want her to WANT to change her mind.

And, if you crack these two problems, then you're in good shape if you decide to go for the corporate career. :D