I need your advice.....

[Spaniard]

I've been keeping ball pythons for the last 4 years and I have not been bit yet. At the same time its not something I even think about. If it happens it happens; it can't be any worst pain than stubbing your toe. (Nothing hurts more than a stubbed toe IMO)

Unless you're handling rodents and then handling your snake I would say the likelyhood of you getting bit is pretty low.

[L.West]

SPANIARD, were any of your snakes ever aggressive???

[Spaniard]

Yup I mentioned in my first post I had an agressive pastel.

[L.West]

Oh yeah, I did read that - sorry.

So, do you all feel that I should get him and work with him to turn him around?? Or would you pass on this one??

Thanks.

[likebull1]

If you think your up for it and your not just buying it on a whim than i say go for it.

[Spaniard]

I actually enjoyed the aggressive nature, made routine things like cleaning interesting and got the blood going. Now that he's mellowed out I wish he still had that spunk to him.

In short I think you should go for it. Like many things in life the anticipation is always more extreme than when the event takes place. If you really like the animal then go for it; there are ways to work out the aggression problem.

[L.West]

Thanks, I really appreciate you guys helping me out. Its hard when you have your heart set on a specific snake because of how beautiful its markings are and then to find out he is a stinker. LOL

I will make my final decision tomorrow - I am supposed to get to hold him and all - if I live to tell about it.

[Spaniard]

Just don't hang out in a jacuzzi with any rats and you'll be fine

[TheOtherLeadingBrand]

Temperment is important to me, and I must confess I would not get an aggressive snake purely as a pet. This is why I was happy to get my Brazilian Rainbow from a show, so I could handle him. He has bitten me once, but he was startled, and they are known to be nippy babies.

[L.West]

I know, the aggression scares me too - which is why I posted on here to get some insight from all of you with much more experience than me.

I will attempt to hold him tomorrow and see how it goes - if I decided against it - I can always attend the next show and see what they have to offer.

I sure don't want to regret my decision to get him and then be miserable and afraid of him.