Help! I found a ball python in the wild

[ballmom]

It was my idea (the wife) to get a snake for our oldest son. Husband was not really into it but now that Chrissy has been in the house for about a month he is now ready to build me a rack so that I can keep getting snakes. This from a man who decided 4 animals ago that we had enough.

She may come around. Good Luck.

[Jenn]

Thanks for stepping-up Robin! This is exactly the type of story those idiots in Washington don't want people hearing.

[Patricia]

said he was cute but definitely could not come home with me!

Ask her what her exact reasons are. Does she think it will get out of its enclosure? Does she think it will be set up in a visible part of the house? BPs need to be away from heavy traffic in the first place, so the lesser used parts of the home are better. Ideally, it'll be almost out-of-sight-out-of-mind.

Is she so terrified of snakes that she can't fathom even having one in the house, even if it is out of sight? BPs aren't only nocturnal, but during the day when they're asleep they do so completely hidden away in their hides. This is not a display snake. They're hardly ever visible! They don't need exercise either, and so don't need to do laps around the livingroom.

Is she grossed out by the notion of having to feed it rodents? Me too, but I can handle frozen ones, so that's what we feed. She won't need to be around when it's feeding time.

Does she think it'll grow to be 15 ft. long and eat the dog? Her? They grow to about 5-6 ft. long, but look much shorter since they're always curled up. Mine is nearly 3 ft. long but looks more like 2 ft.

Does she think it'll bite? All animals can bite, but BPs are amongs the most docile of snakes, if not THE most docile outright. Like the first picture you posted on this thread, they don't fight back or even run, they just curl up. Sitting ducks.

What other reasons could there be? I'm sure the others here can think of other possible reasons with answers for them. Let's nail down the facts first, then work on any fears there might be.

[dc4teg]

i say beg and pleed and beg some more!

[Vypyrz]

...Ball Pythons are magical snakes and they have the ability to cast a spell on you that makes you fall in love with their cuteness and become addicted..."

My wife said he was cute but definitely could not come home with me!

See what I mean? Your wife doesn't know it but, she is now under the spell. Resistance is futile. One more suggestion that might help. You could always name the snake after your wife or mother-in-law. Baby steps.

Have you gave anymore thought to setting up more permanent heating for the tank and are you planning on trying to feed it soon?


Rob

[straydog1980]

My BP had cloudy eyes when I got in this morning. That means he/she is about to shed right? Should I still be able to handle it? Today is the day I pass him/her off to Rabernet

[rabernet]

My BP had cloudy eyes when I got in this morning. That means he/she is about to shed right? Should I still be able to handle it? Today is the day I pass him/her off to Rabernet

Yes, sounds like he/she is in shed. He/she should be fine to handle. I look forward to meeting you - and as I said, we can consider this a foster if you think that you and your wife may decide at a later date to welcome him/her into your home!

[Jenn]

They are all different. Some of mine I can handle just fine while in shed. But most snakes like to be left alone while in shed. They can't see very well and feel vulnerable. It must be uncomfortable for them too. You could try to get the humidity up a bit by misting.

[Patricia]

Any updates?

[rabernet]

He called me on Wednesday to re-schedule for next week, but when we talked, I think he's going to try to keep Kismet at his office as he's grown quite attached to him. I've offered to help him get him set up in a more permanent enclosure and be available to answer any questions he might have!