Vote for BP.Net for the 2013 Forum of the Year! Click here for more info.

» Site Navigation

» Home
 > FAQ

» Online Users: 2,967

1 members and 2,966 guests
Most users ever online was 6,337, 01-24-2020 at 04:30 AM.

» Today's Birthdays

None

» Stats

Members: 75,031
Threads: 248,489
Posts: 2,568,446
Top Poster: JLC (31,651)
Welcome to our newest member, isismomma
Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 28
  1. #1
    BPnet Veteran Valyndris's Avatar
    Join Date
    04-07-2018
    Location
    Ontario, Canada
    Posts
    1,102
    Thanks
    467
    Thanked 708 Times in 418 Posts
    Images: 12

    Proof that snakes can be affectionate

    I know I've mentioned this topic before but I now have video evidence to back my statements, whether you believe it to be affection or not I will always think it is and my heart melts every time Crowley does this. I know there are a lot of mixed feelings about this topic but I wanted to share my experience, keep in mind I've put a lot of work into this little guy and it's payed off.


    The video is of Crowley being very cuddly and affectionate with me. He keeps giving me hugs and is being so very mushy with me. He lets me pet his head and give him kisses on the head and chin. He stays on my nose like he's giving me a hug and stays in that position to hold the hug. If this isn't affection then I don't know what is. Crowley makes it very obvious that he loves his humans.


    I have put a lot of work into this little ball python, starting from having 20 minutes out a day when he was a baby to gradually going up to 4 hours out any day he chooses to come out, which is pretty much daily except for after eating and shed time. Crowley is the most spoiled snake ever, he has his own room to go roam around in, he gets so much love and attention and he just loves it.


    Here is over 15 minutes of Crowley showing affection to prove it's not just a short video with a little coincidence that he landed on my nose making it look like a hug. He actually goes and stays on my nose to give hugs and does it multiple times throughout the video.


  2. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Valyndris For This Useful Post:

    Bogertophis (09-10-2019),Luvyna (09-10-2019)

  3. #2
    Bogertophis's Avatar
    Join Date
    04-28-2018
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    20,183
    Thanks
    28,082
    Thanked 19,740 Times in 11,797 Posts
    I enjoy cuddling my snakes as much as anyone, but no matter whether it's a snake, a dog, or even another human, I think "affection" is in the eye of the beholder.

    A dog may lick our hands...maybe it's love, maybe it tastes good (salty), & likely it's social- seeking attention, care-giving or submission. Humans...well by the time
    we've had a few "significant-others" we probably realize that we cannot assume that our partner feels the same as we do...we rely on words, & words may not be
    true...sorry to spoil the surprise.

    Many of our snakes appear to enjoy a good cuddle once they learn we're not predators & that we're safe to be with...they enjoy our warmth & often seem to enjoy
    our touch, but I wouldn't want to assume what's in their thoughts. We'll never really know. Crowley may well be fantasizing about a female BP right about now.
    Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength.
    Eric Hoffer (1902 - 1983)

  4. The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to Bogertophis For This Useful Post:

    Cheesenugget (09-10-2019),Craiga 01453 (09-10-2019),MarkL1561 (09-11-2019),Valyndris (09-10-2019)

  5. #3
    BPnet Veteran
    Join Date
    05-23-2015
    Location
    South Carolina, US
    Posts
    314
    Thanks
    275
    Thanked 172 Times in 119 Posts
    Images: 6

    Re: Proof that snakes can be affectionate

    Crowley must really trust you because rarely will you see a snake let you stroke and caress it's head like that, most BP's usually jerk back when you get near it's head. Pretty amazing the bond you two have. It shows you have gained his trust and as you say it must have took a quite a bit of handling. They like the warmth we provide.

    Due to the germs they can carry ( like salmonella) I always wash with soap and water before and after handling. and use a disinfect wipe to wipe myself down with after handling.

  6. The Following User Says Thank You to ballpythonsrock2 For This Useful Post:

    Valyndris (09-10-2019)

  7. #4
    Bogertophis's Avatar
    Join Date
    04-28-2018
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    20,183
    Thanks
    28,082
    Thanked 19,740 Times in 11,797 Posts
    Considering that snakes are wild animals at heart, I'm just happy when they're comfortable with me, without assuming or labeling it "affection".

    It's no fun (IMO) to keep (confine) an animal, only to have it live in fear of you, because fear = stress for them, & stress affects their immune system & ultimately their health. So whenever possible, handling a snake so that it learns to relax with us is a win-win...it's relaxing & "in the moment" time for us, but it also helps our snakes to feel safe- to trust us to handle them. Considering that in nature, it's only a predator that picks them up, it's not always an easy thing for snakes to learn, but when they do, they may eat & function better long-term.
    Last edited by Bogertophis; 09-10-2019 at 01:01 PM.
    Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength.
    Eric Hoffer (1902 - 1983)

  8. The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to Bogertophis For This Useful Post:

    Awesomethepossum (09-10-2019),Craiga 01453 (09-10-2019),Toad37 (09-10-2019),Valyndris (09-10-2019)

  9. #5
    Banned
    Join Date
    01-27-2017
    Location
    MA, USA
    Posts
    10,560
    Thanks
    14,297
    Thanked 11,072 Times in 5,330 Posts
    Im sorry, but that's by definition, anthropomorphising.

    I'm not trying to be argumentative, but it's simply trust. My snakes all trust me, I can touch, grab, hold all of their heads. My newest BP will still flinch sometimes, but more often than not he doesn't.
    This doesn't mean they love me. It means they trust me.

    The snake wanting to be pressed up close to you makes perfect sense, from a scientific standpoint. It's obviously well known that snakes are cold blooded. Your body offers warmth. It's also well known that they crave security. Your body also offers that. Since the animal trusts you, it feels confident using your body for safety. The animal is protected and feels secure. Other predators aren't likely to attack a snake pressed against a human body.

    I wouldn't call this video "PROOF" of affection however. Proving this would require the animals brain to be monitored to see what neurological changes take place when the snake comes in contact with you.

    I'd feel safe saying this video is a great example of a snake acclimating to human contact and developing a trust.

    I'm sorry, but the only love and affection in that video is OP loving her snake.
    ....and there's not a darn thing wrong with that.

    Like Bogertophis said, affection is in the eye of the beholder. If you feel your animal loves you I support that 100%.
    But proof....well, sorry but no.

  10. The Following 10 Users Say Thank You to Craiga 01453 For This Useful Post:

    Awesomethepossum (09-10-2019),Bogertophis (09-10-2019),EL-Ziggy (09-11-2019),GoatBoy (09-12-2019),GoingPostal (09-11-2019),ladywhipple02 (09-11-2019),MarkL1561 (09-11-2019),MissterDog (09-10-2019),sur3fir3 (09-10-2019),Valyndris (09-10-2019)

  11. #6
    BPnet Veteran Crowfingers's Avatar
    Join Date
    09-27-2015
    Location
    Hayfield Virginia
    Posts
    909
    Thanks
    416
    Thanked 691 Times in 400 Posts
    Images: 11

    Re: Proof that snakes can be affectionate

    That's so cool! My boy lets me rub the top of his head and under his chin as well - it's especially cute when I rub under his chin and he completely relaxes and tilts his head up like hes a little para-scope. He also arches his back like a cat when I lightly scritch him along his spine. Its wonderful when an animal trusts you that much.
    No cage is too large - nature is the best template - a snoot can't be booped too much


  12. The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to Crowfingers For This Useful Post:

    Awesomethepossum (09-10-2019),Bogertophis (09-10-2019),Valyndris (09-10-2019)

  13. #7
    BPnet Veteran Awesomethepossum's Avatar
    Join Date
    07-09-2019
    Posts
    255
    Thanks
    275
    Thanked 435 Times in 161 Posts
    Images: 8

    Re: Proof that snakes can be affectionate

    What matters is that you clearly love Crowley. Based on your posts that I've seen, you obviously put a lot of time and care into making sure he lives the best life he possibly can. He's a very fortunate snake.

    In regards to emotions, I ease on the side of caution when it comes to attributing human-level emotions to animals. But he clearly feels comfortable around you, and trusts you. It's a great feeling in of itself.



    1.0 Pumpkin Pied BP, 0.1 Bearded dragon, 1.2 Leopard gecko, 0.1 Ornate Pacman Frog

  14. The Following 5 Users Say Thank You to Awesomethepossum For This Useful Post:

    Bogertophis (09-10-2019),Craiga 01453 (09-10-2019),EL-Ziggy (09-11-2019),FollowTheSun (09-11-2019),Valyndris (09-10-2019)

  15. #8
    Banned
    Join Date
    01-27-2017
    Location
    MA, USA
    Posts
    10,560
    Thanks
    14,297
    Thanked 11,072 Times in 5,330 Posts

    Re: Proof that snakes can be affectionate

    Quote Originally Posted by Awesomethepossum View Post
    What matters is that you clearly love Crowley. Based on your posts that I've seen, you obviously put a lot of time and care into making sure he lives the best life he possibly can. He's a very fortunate snake.




    1.0 Pumpkin Pied BP, 0.1 Bearded dragon, 1.2 Leopard gecko, 0.1 Ornate Pacman Frog

    Well said, I second this.

  16. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Craiga 01453 For This Useful Post:

    Awesomethepossum (09-10-2019),Valyndris (09-10-2019)

  17. #9
    Bogertophis's Avatar
    Join Date
    04-28-2018
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    20,183
    Thanks
    28,082
    Thanked 19,740 Times in 11,797 Posts

    Re: Proof that snakes can be affectionate

    Quote Originally Posted by Craiga 01453 View Post
    Well said, I second this.
    Me too. Every snake should be so lucky.
    Last edited by Bogertophis; 09-10-2019 at 07:04 PM.
    Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength.
    Eric Hoffer (1902 - 1983)

  18. The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to Bogertophis For This Useful Post:

    Awesomethepossum (09-10-2019),Craiga 01453 (09-10-2019),FollowTheSun (09-11-2019),Valyndris (09-10-2019)

  19. #10
    Registered User
    Join Date
    03-21-2018
    Location
    Houston, Texas
    Posts
    188
    Thanks
    38
    Thanked 177 Times in 75 Posts

    Re: Proof that snakes can be affectionate

    One of the great parts of keeping several snakes is learning all their personalities. I have one that reminds me of your Crowley. Super chill. She will actually stop moving around and let me rub her head, and acts like she is enjoying it (don’t know if she is but who knows). I have one who will “huff” when I reach in and pick him up, but never shows any real signs of stress once I have him out (stiffening up, hiding his head, or actively trying to get away). It’s almost like a reflex for him to do that little huff every time I first pick him up. And my retic, that is a smart animal. He is ready to eat every time I come near. One touch with the hook, and he is out of food mode and will either slither back away, or crawl out into my hand. He gets to chose.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  20. The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to bhsurf4 For This Useful Post:

    Bogertophis (09-10-2019),Craiga 01453 (09-10-2019),FollowTheSun (09-11-2019),Valyndris (09-10-2019)

Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v4.2.1