How do you convince your parents into getting you a boa?

[Ajzboss12]

I have been wanting a boa for the longest time but my parents have a rule no boas or pythons. Personally I think it is the stupidest rule ever but they are persistant and won't budge. My birthday is coming up so I think that it would be the best time to get one. The boa I want is the Hog Island Boa which is short and docile. If anyone has any tips I would be very happy.

[redshepherd]

If they are that against owning a boa/python or fear them, then I suggest not to get it. You live under their roof, their money, and their rules. Say one day your boa does tag you- your parents may overreact and force you to rehome it. Or even more importantly, say that your snake gets sick and needs a few hundred dollars of vet bills... (exotic vet bills are much more expensive than dogs/cats) If you don't have the money earned yourself, your parents may not be willing to pay that amount for an animal they didn't want.

It's more fair to the snake to go to a home where there's an assurance that it will be cared for financially and likely won't be rehomed for sudden reasons.

You can still try to convince them with all the reasons you know... That you'll be the one to take care of it, bites are treated like a puncture wound and aren't venomous (lol), boas just hide all day and don't move much, they're very low maintenance animals, etc. Assuming you don't have a job and are a minor, if you can have your parents accept the new pet and they are willing to financially care for the animal, that's the only proper way to get it.

[Ajzboss12]

Well I would do all the cleaning, feeding, and would pay for everything.

[redshepherd]

Well I would do all the cleaning, feeding, and would pay for everything.

You're not trying to convince me, you need to convince your parents.

[Ajzboss12]

Lol true

[Tigerhawk]

Are they opposed to you having any reptiles. If not you may try to get some other reptile that you like. However you need to be very responsible with it. There by proving that you can care for something like a boa. However all animals are very important, and deserve the best care and environment we can provide. So if this works for you. Remember that there are no throw away animals. As far as your parents go, you must respect their rules. Once you are grown, with your own house you can have all the boa's you want.

[gaitedappy]

Honestly, and it sucks, but if your parents are against the idea, and you live with them and/or a minor, there is nothing you can do. Save up, learn, maybe find a place to volunteer where you can be around reptiles, then eventually get your boa when you have your own place.

[Ajzboss12]

I have had reptiles before, but my most successful reptile was a uromastic lizard I had him for around 5 years but sadly he died of old age. The would let me get a snake but I just like boas the most. are there any snakes you recommend that are similar to boas and pythons?

[Tigerhawk]

Try corn snakes or Kingsnakes.

[Sallos]

The only way to convince your parents to willingly let you do something they are against, is to prove to them that you're responsible and mature enough to take care if it.

Make sure you're putting a ton of effort into school and staying out of trouble. Don't do things to piss them off, or act overly immature when they say no to things. If there is a local breeder, or pet store in your area, maybe talk to your parents about the possibility of part time work or volunteering a few hours a week with them so you can gain experience on working with the animals.


They may not agree to it in the end, but there is a chance they might reward your efforts. Either way, it will benefit you.

Good luck!