ball pythons in public?

hi i recently got 3 new pythons and i was wondering if it was okay to bring them out in public? like to the park or just holding them while walking around?

I always thought that would be a really cool idea to do, but I'd be afraid of it getting too stressed out If there are groups of people walking around everywhere..

Hmmmm, first time poster and a hot button topic.

Is that tuna I smell?

Generally not a good idea. Most people are usually scared of them. Unfortunately for us and our hobby we are constantly under attack by such people, this makes it extremely important to consider the image you give our hobby by walking about in public with your snake. You may not see it as a big deal but someone who is not into snakes can view it as a irresponsible aspect of our ownership. If I want to take my snakes outside I will just bring them out in the backyard. No need for me to go out in public when I know 95% of the population is irrationally fearful of them and probably don't want to be forced into close proximity with them.

yeah i thought it would stress them out too, but sometimes i just wanna show them to a few friends while being out. i guess keeping them in is the best.

You definitely shouldn't try it if you walk around the house and when someone in your house walks by the snake jumps or curls in a ball. Get them used to people. I would say a few months before they are almost completely comfortable in your house. But then outside is a different story. I would start off just around your house where if you believe they get stressed, you can take them back inside. And as for the weather, if you have to put on a sweater/jacket, it's too cold for the snake. But when it is warm out I've noticed taking my normal outside under the sun he seems to like the warmth.

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Originally Posted by Spaniard

Generally not a good idea. Most people are usually scared of them. Unfortunately for us and our hobby we are constantly under attack by such people, this makes it extremely important to consider the image you give our hobby by walking about in public with your snake. You may not see it as a big deal but someone who is not into snakes can view it as a irresponsible aspect of our ownership. If I want to take my snakes outside I will just bring them out in the backyard. No need for me to go out in public when I know 95% of the population is irrationally fearful of them and probably don't want to be forced into close proximity with them.

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thanks. that was very helpful :)

If you're just going to a park where there aren't TOO many people then I think its fine. Lots of people will actually come up to me and ask me about my reptiles. But as for a busy area or into town? UHHH. Noooo.

I saw a guy walking around with a bp around his neck in a local mall.....in December! I actually stopped and asked the guy if he knew the kind of stress he was putting on the snake. He said "he loves being out with me". My parting words were "enjoy your vet bill from the RI he's going to have"...that's assuming he would bother.
Some people have a major fear of snakes, and I would not take mine out in public areas like that. I take them out in my own yard for some outdoor time, but that's about it.

I live in a townhouse, so my "backyard" is a semi-public area. When I know that certain neighbors won't be around I'll take one out for some fresh air, but am VERY cautious of who is around.
But for the most part your snake will be happier in its home or wrapped around your wrist where there is no risk of people with fears or parasites.

If your taking your snake out into public, be prepared to accept criticism and disgust. Even rudeness or hostility.

The furthest I would take a snake is my terrace.

I think anyone that takes a snake out into public is needy and desperate for attention. Doing so say more about the needs of the individual than it does about the snake in question.

That and the fact that there are people who are genuinely terrified of snakes, and they deserve to be able to walk down the street without turning around to see a forked tongue level to their face.

So yeah, stressful for the snake, and stressful for those that the snake walker may come across. But hey, fulfilling for the person doing it.

Bruce

What makes any of us think that a snake who a bare 6 generations ago had never even seen a human before is going to prefer outside with us to indoors with us?

Outside is dangerous, it's where the things that eat you come from.

Indoors is dangerous, it's where that thing that thinks you're jewelry keeps you.

Seriously though, thinking your snake has a preference is a bit like calling a toaster the space shuttle.

For some people they dont have a yard and it is good for your snake to get some natural light and fresh air on occasion, especially if your snakes live in racks where they get less light. I wouldnt walk it down the street like a dog but if you can find a nice big open park where you can keep to yourself then there shouldnt be a problem.

I like to do alot of natural photography with my snakes in different nature setting so I go to different parks all the time. Some parks have nicer trees some have nice rocks, etc, so I take mine out for photo shoots.

If you take them out go prepared with a proper transport bag so they can be put safely away at any moment. I also take fresh pillowcases, water, disinfectant and papertowel just in case a snake messes thier carrier.

I have taken my snakes out in public, usually to the local festivals. I do it in a responsible way, and I do it ONLY to help expose people to snakes in a positive manner.
I have had people react to a snake in the traditional "OMG!" fashion. But even most of those end up going "Can I see it? Can I touch it? Can I hold it?" once they get a closer look. I have seen a great many people who walk away from seeing one of my ball pythons with a whole new appreciation of reptile pets.
They see the snake and go "Eww! OMG!"
They leave the snake going "That was cool!"

Is that bad? No. Would I reccomend people run around with their snakes in public? No.
If you just want to take your snake out to see people freak, then DON'T!!!
If you think your snake would enjoy being in a new exciting environment, DON'T!!!
But if you can handle doing it in a very responsible manner, than exposing the public to a pet reptile in a fashion that makes them realize that snakes are pets, and harmless, is not a bad thing.

I woudn't recommend you taking your snakes in public for a few reasons:

1.) People are scared of snakes and act weird towards them.
2.) Your snake can get sick, catch pathlogens or really anything from being around alot of people.
3.) Your snake can get stressed from seeing alot of people crowded him or messing with him.

Now if you want to take your ball python out in the yard or something, that's different, but I wouldn't take him in public around other people.

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Originally Posted by Kryptonian

and it is good for your snake to get some natural light and fresh air on occasion, especially if your snakes live in racks where they get less light.

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Where the hell did you get this idea? You're talking about a snake species that lives in a hole in the ground or an insect mound, and is nocturnal by nature. Tell me more about this need for natural light my rack bound BP's have.

I see it all the time. they are always guys with leather vests, no shirt and lots of chest hair and a mullet and bad tattoos.

Ya go for it.

I wouldn't. If you want to take it out in the yard, that's fine.

The comment about the guy with leather vests and no shirt and that, no offense but that comment was just un-necessary and totally off the whole point.

Ball Pythons, among other pythons and boas are Noctournal, which if you define it, they are only active at night. Your snake doesn't need any sun light.

If mine was, then so was yours. and its your opinion.

If you are going to take them for a walk, just make sure to keep them on a leash.

i like to take my snakes out front and when people drive by some stop and omg and some just keep goin some get out to see them. i only take one at a time out and my fave to take out is my female redtail. but i wont take them any where else in public.