New Here; New to Snakes

Hello all, this is my first post here. After waiting nearly 40 years, I got my first snake yesterday, a baby ball python. (6 months old?) I've scoured the Web for as much info as possible and found these message boards today. I hope to learn a lot here.

It's good to have this snake-friendly place, instead of the why-do-you-want-a-snake and they're-just-cold-blooded-killers responses I've already endured.

Hello again! :)

Welcome!

Don't let the negative people bring you down!

:welcome: Patricia :), you'll love it here!

This is a great, informative site! We all understand your interest in these wonderful pets. We even have a thread about how cute snakes are ;)

I only have one warning. Ball pythons are ADDICTIVE!

Welcome, glad to see you found a place you feel comfortable.

Mike

Welcome to BPNet, Patricia. If you need any assistance please don't hesitate to contact either an Admin (names in red) or a Mod (names in green) for help. :)

I'm glad you've joined us and saddened you've already been on the receiving end of the bad feelings some people have about these wonderful, fascinating creatures. We'd love to see pictures of your new BP.

Wow, so many replies in less than half an hour... thanks, all!

Of course, I have questions, but don't want to post the same question that has been asked/answered a million times already. Is there a way to search prior threads? Or should I go ahead and post anyway?

Like, here's one: Why on earth would the packet containing a frozen mouse say "not for human consumption"??? :confused: :O

Welcome :D

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Originally Posted by Patricia

Wow, so many replies in less than half an hour... thanks, all!

Of course, I have questions, but don't want to post the same question that has been asked/answered a million times already. Is there a way to search prior threads? Or should I go ahead and post anyway?

Like, here's one: Why on earth would the packet containing a frozen mouse say "not for human consumption"??? :confused: :O

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lol, you'd be surprised

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Originally Posted by Spaniard

Don't let the negative people bring you down!

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Well, after today's news about a python killing a toddler, over on another message board a thread with the title "The only good snake is a dead snake" appeared. The person was adamant (and the ignorance/hate overwhelming), as were others who chimed in. After finally getting a snake (which will become a much loved family pet), that title alone is so hurtful.

Makes it doubly nice to have found this forum. :)

How do you guys deal with such snake hate? :tears: Of course, owners who don't make sure their snakes can't escape and then call it a "stupid snake" only fan the flames.

Welcome to the forums! Your going to love it here.

I think we all get weird looks when we tell people we keep snakes, especially those of us who have more than one or two. I just deal with it, some people dont and will never understand my love for the cold blooded and scaley.

Where ya from? The local news message board had somebody saying that and I about lost it. Welcome to BP.net, enjoy your stay and the wealth of knowledge available to you. Oh and..make some room...because 1 is never enough.

Patricia, never worry about asking questions here. Helping newcomers to become confident snake owners is a huge part of why this site exists in the first place.

There is a pretty decent search function here as well. On the top bar of the page you'll see a Search function which also includes an Advanced Search as well. Just make sure the word you search is more than three characters long. As well, in almost every area here, located at the top of that area, are stickies of particularily informative threads. Google also is very helpful to new owners but with the downside that due to these snakes being so popular there are a number of caresheets out there on the web that were written by less than experienced folks so do take care there. Most of the major breeders of BP's, however, do include very informative caresheets on their sites and those are certainly worth your time to read over.

One of the tricks I used when I was very new to things was to keep a list by my computer. As I learned things about these snakes (temps, feeding styles, etc.) I would make notes. Once I'd seen the same information at least three times by seperate and experienced sources, I considered it valid, circled it in red and made my own ball python cheat sheet, so to speak. I also created a file in my Favorites list that held websites that were recommended to me so I could read them at my leisure and learn even more. Genetics and morphs alone are a fascinating part of ball python keeping even if you never intend to breed.

:welcome: Patricia! You're going to love your new pet.

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Originally Posted by frankykeno

Once I'd seen the same information at least three times by seperate and experienced sources, I considered it valid, circled it in red and made my own ball python cheat sheet, so to speak.

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Hey, thanks for that great idea! I've been looking up a lot of BP info on the Web these past couple of weeks, and the confusing part is when much of it contradicts. I don't know who's right, but over the years have found forums like this of real owners to be more accurate than books and self-created hobby web sites. Thanks again. :)

Pavlovk, I'm in Southern California. I forget in which state that snake incident happened. If and when I have half a dozen BPs, I'll remember your warning, LOL!

Greetings and welcome to the site!

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Originally Posted by Patricia

How do you guys deal with such snake hate? :tears:

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Not well, I have some bitter feelings toward people that ignorant. But this site definantly helps you deal with it.:gj: