Why do you like snakes?

[Luvyna]

Everyone here gets it, but to non-snake people there's no denying that this classifies as a "weird hobby". Some people I know are fine with it and think it's cool, while others can't understand why anyone would want to keep a pet that can't love you back, spends most of its time hiding, and requires keeping dead rodents in the freezer.

So what do you get out of snake keeping, and why do you like snakes?

[Snakemom85]

I love watching them move and the feel of their bodies as they move around on my hands and arms. Also, you feed them once a week and if you have to work late or don't feel like it or don't have time to get them out and play with them they don't care. They don't make noise, they don't make a mess in your house and I enjoy creating a habitat for mine. Almost everybody I know thinks I'm nuts. My husband included lol.

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[Zincubus]

I love watching them move and the feel of their bodies as they move around on my hands and arms. Also, you feed them once a week and if you have to work late or don't feel like it or don't have time to get them out and play with them they don't care. They don't make noise, they don't make a mess in your house and I enjoy creating a habitat for mine. Almost everybody I know thinks I'm nuts. My husband included lol.

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^^This ^^

I’d always been intrigued by snakes and I had a decent sized collection of toy rubber snakes as a kid BUT I the only snakes I ‘saw’ where big dark ,motionless snakes at the zoo OR killer Cobras on telly .

Then one day at our local pet shop whilst I was in a queue ( regular customer) one of the guys there asked me to hold a 2’ long yellow Butter Corn snake whilst he quickly cleaned its tub out .

If was a gorgeous thing , warm , slow moving and I was INSTANTLY hooked !!


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[wonderwhitters]

Great question!

They are a huge anxiety relief for me. Which I always found kinda ironic, since for so many folks they are a major phobia/anxiety causer. The second I'm holding one, my anxiety melts, and I'm mellow and calm. It's so comforting to me. I also find them to be such misunderstood creatures, and I hate that. I think they are beautiful, typically rather docile (especially BPs), and just overall such fascinating and lovely creatures. I wish more people realized it. ♥

[wnateg]

I think taking care of something is a rewarding and satisfying experience, and snakes are generally pretty low maintenance. But even still, the dedication helps fill up the time.

Plus, theres an element of danger and trust that make it more rewarding than other pets. Being able to handle something that can go in for a painful chomp is pretty cool.

[Bogertophis]

For me they are all these (already mentioned) things. For me it started because they're so misunderstood, the #1 "underdog"...& for me they're a reminder to always
keep an open mind & learn new things, don't just take the stale opinions of others. And to treat others the way you'd want to be treated if you were in their place, or
in other words, a great chance to practice empathy.

Less demanding than most other pets, I do find their quiet beauty to be relaxing, & that holding them keeps me "in the moment" & meditative at times. Keeping them
successfully throws in a bit of science as well as creativity, & always some humor (when they do silly-looking things) & lots of respect for the natural world and the way
creatures have evolved as part of the interconnected web of life. A bit of mystery too as we all continue to share & learn more about them...so many kinds!

[paulh]

They are beautiful. 'Nuff said.

[RickyNY]

I love the way they eat.

[dakski]

Here's a quick list as most are already mentioned.

1. They have always intrigued me (reptiles in general, but snakes in particular) and I've always been incredibly fascinated with them.

2. I don't mind being different, and reptiles, especially having 12 - soon to be 13 again - are definitely that.

3. Having written #2, I should also like pointing out I like changing minds with logic and truth. I love converting people who are afraid to not be afraid of snakes and reptiles.

4. Love their movements, differences between species and with individuals in species, and like the interaction. I used to breed fish before I became ill (I had a kidney transplant) and had large tanks. 13 reptiles tanks is like taking care of 1 or 2 large fish tanks and there is more margin for error. If I don't feel well for a day and a snake uses the bathroom, I can clean it up the next day - NOT BEST PRACTICE, but missing a scheduled water change for fish can be bad. Going back to my original point, much easier to interact and hold a Boa than a fish.

5. Every color and pattern you can imagine.

6. They are cathartic. Behira, my BI, is my therapy snake and helps me chill (the dogs do this too, but she is reptile therapy animal). Also, along that vein, I like taking care of animals. It makes me feel good and I take pride in proper husbandry and care. Reptiles are pretty easy now a days with great enclosures, thermostats, etc. as well the amount of knowledge that is out there.

7. Snakes/reptiles give me a foray into an awesome world of fellow keepers, both in person, and on sites like this. I really enjoy helping to educate other people on proper care and also sharing experiences, etc.

[Kira]

I'm going to sound like an echo of everyone else but one of the reasons is because I feel empathetic towards snakes because of how misunderstood they are. It's shame that many people are so terrified of them and close their ears just at the word "snake" (or often as media says "python").

I find snakes to be amazing creatures- I love the way they move, eat, and their unique colors and markings. As others mentioned, it feels relaxing to hang out with my snake after a long day. Something about the way she calmly moves around makes me feel more relaxed too. She has never bitten or struck at me, is very cute, low maintenance, and tolerates me putting a birthday hat on her haha.