Kids with Reptiles - Picture Thread

[dakski]

Here are some pictures of my 7 year old niece, Meghan, who adores my reptiles.

Shayna, the albino spider BP is her favorite, as yellow is her favorite color (and they have known each other since Meghan was 2). Behira (Ghost BCI) is now a close second and Meghan cannot wait until she gets "HUGE!"

I was literally a foot or two away when she handled the snakes and Frank, and she is getting good at redirecting them herself or with my prompting.

I think it's very important to educate and expose youngsters to reptiles and let them grow up curious and interested, instead of scared or nervous.

Please post pictures of your kids, friends kids, nieces, nephews, etc. with reptiles!

Without further ado, here's Meghan!

[richardhind1972]

Nice to see your niece relaxed with the snakes,she looks like she’s having fun with them


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[Neal]

I'm also happy to see kids with reptiles. Too many people are taught to fear snakes when they only need to be educated on which ones to avoid and so on.

[Reinz]

I love seeing kids bonding with animals, especially pets. It brings joy to my heart. That bond and interaction teaches kids so much about life and character building.

I feel sorry for kids that are not allowed to have a pet. I think it is selfish of parents that forbid animals.

Reptiles can take a person to a new level in appreciation of life with a deeper understanding that haters and fear mongers just don’t get. For that reason, I really enjoy seeing kids with snakes.

[dakski]

My niece (Meghan) and nephew (Christopher) came over today and got to spend some time with the reptiles.

Christopher usually gets bored quick and is off to do something else, but today he was curious and spent about 45 minutes with me and Megan and met everyone.

Here are some pictures. Meghan was amazing with the reptiles, as always, but is getting more and more confident handling them without assistance (I am never more than a foot or two away). She even said today that, "Behira is my favorite now. She's going to be really big and I can't wait." I asked her if she was scared and she said no, that Behira is really nice. She asked if people who were scared thought she would bite them and it scared them more when she was bigger. I told her that was a big concern for people who were afraid of snakes. She's spent time with Shayna since before she was 2 years old and doesn't seem to get people being afraid, but she understands how they could be.

Christoper did really well and even held Behira and Figment's tails while I held the rest of their bodies.

My favorite picture is Christopher with the look of pure glee on his faces as Behira, wrapped around his arm, began slithering more towards my outstretched hand and arm. He really enjoyed the reptiles this time. Makes me happy.

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[dakski]

More pics!

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[Bogertophis]

Those are fantastic photos- you're a very good influence! It tickles me how you keep saying you're never more than a foot or so away, & I understand
why you're doing that...but how many people say such things when their kids play with their dogs or cats? And we all know which pets pose the greater
risks...but if we all keep up the education, maybe some day people won't think anything more of close encounters with reptiles than they currently do when
it's a "traditional" pet (dog or cat) that kids are handling.

[dakski]

Those are fantastic photos- you're a very good influence! It tickles me how you keep saying you're never more than a foot or so away, & I understand
why you're doing that...but how many people say such things when their kids play with their dogs or cats? And we all know which pets pose the greater
risks...but if we all keep up the education, maybe some day people won't think anything more of close encounters with reptiles than they currently do when
it's a "traditional" pet (dog or cat) that kids are handling.

LOL. More worried about the kids hurting the reptiles. Hence being a foot or two away.

They were very good with them though.

Well written post.

[Craiga 01453]

A) Dakski, awesome pics and update!!! Seeing how well you are teaching them is really cool. Great work spreading the live for reptiles to the next generation!!

Those are fantastic photos- you're a very good influence! It tickles me how you keep saying you're never more than a foot or so away, & I understand
why you're doing that...but how many people say such things when their kids play with their dogs or cats? And we all know which pets pose the greater
risks...but if we all keep up the education, maybe some day people won't think anything more of close encounters with reptiles than they currently do when
it's a "traditional" pet (dog or cat) that kids are handling.

Great reply, very well said.

LOL. More worried about the kids hurting the reptiles. Hence being a foot or two away.

So funny you say that!! My brother had my BP out yesterday and my father's girlfriend was holding him. As always, I was never more than a few feet away, watching every move.
Well I had to run inside to get some food going so quietly pulled my brother aside and said "keep an eye on Tyson".

And he said "Cheryl has him, she's comfortable with him" to which I replied "I'm not worried about her, but that's my boy in her hands!!!"

Hahahaha! I wasn't worried at all about him biting or anything, his well being was my concern!! My snakes are either locked safely in their enclosures, or if they're out I'm right there with them.

[Skyrivers]

So funny you say that!! My brother had my BP out yesterday and my father's girlfriend was holding him. As always, I was never more than a few feet away, watching every move.
Well I had to run inside to get some food going so quietly pulled my brother aside and said "keep an eye on Tyson".

And he said "Cheryl has him, she's comfortable with him" to which I replied "I'm not worried about her, but that's my boy in her hands!!!"

Hahahaha! I wasn't worried at all about him biting or anything, his well being was my concern!! My snakes are either locked safely in their enclosures, or if they're out I'm right there with them.

I am always prepared to take the hit or protect my animals when letting others hold them or even pet them. I do education first then stay right there looking out for them. First thing someone always wants to do is put Rainbow around their neck. I try to discourage the practice in general. Not that she would intentionally hurt them but that she will grow much larger and could eventually hurt someone doing this. Technique and no-go zones are always discussed before hand as well as not grabbing and just guiding them where to go.