What do you like about snakes as pets?

[omnibus2]

Partly because so many people hate and fear them. Cats and dogs are so archetypal and boring.

[Lolo76]

I'm probably going to echo everyone else, but here's why I like them...

1. Easy to care for, and fairly self-sufficient. All they want from you is proper husbandry & a fresh rodent once a week... the rest is "optional" in their world.
2. Beautiful and varied in their appearances.
3. Fun to handle (two of mine do actually like to cuddle - LOL).
4. Inexpensive to maintain, once you have the enclosures set up.
5. Good conversation starter, if you find people who aren't freaked out by them.
6. Leads to related hobbies - photography, genetic research, online & offline socialization, carpentry, etc.
7. Ummmmmm... I dunno, I've always just loved snakes & lizards!

[CoolioTiffany]

Soooo many things I love about snakes, but here are most of the main reasons:

-Quiet/Don't make noise
-Don't poop a lot
-Don't smell
-Most are docile
-Kept in cages
-Easy to feed and water
-Easy to clean up after
-Amazing colors and patterns
-Don't take up much space
-Don't need to go outside to go to the bathroom

That's not even half of what I love about snakes.

[Dalishar]

I'll have to second the "they're fascinating" answer. I love how even my small collection has a wide range of personalities - not as obvious and in-your-face as a dog, of course, but still obvious to their keepers.

I also enjoy watching my only live holdout hunt. Not for the "thrill of the hunt" or to watch the mouse get killed (I always feel terrible that I have to drop the poor thing in there), but to observe the most natural act this wild animal can have in my hands. It's really interesting to see how she sets herself up for the ambush, waits for just the right moment to strike, etc. Definitely can't wait till she'll take F/T though.

... Of course, you can't beat all the shiny colors either

[Lolo76]

Partly because so many people hate and fear them. Cats and dogs are so archetypal and boring.

LOL... when people ask why I'd own a pet that isn't cuddly, I say "That's why I also have a dog & cats." If they STILL don't get it, I explain that it's like having a beautiful fish aquarium - but at least my snakes don't die if I hold them.

[Lolo76]

I'll have to second the "they're fascinating" answer. I love how even my small collection has a wide range of personalities - not as obvious and in-your-face as a dog, of course, but still obvious to their keepers.

Exactly! Why does every pet have to be furry and have legs/arms? I find reptiles to be absolutely enchanting, and always have... I recently reminded my mother of that, when she was asking about my new hobby. I was like, "remember how I used to RUN to the 'snake guy' at Coyote Point (a recreation area we used to visit regularly)?" I can't explain why, but they've always been a fascination of mine.

I also enjoy watching my only live holdout hunt. Not for the "thrill of the hunt" or to watch the mouse get killed (I always feel terrible that I have to drop the poor thing in there), but to observe the most natural act this wild animal can have in my hands. It's really interesting to see how she sets herself up for the ambush, waits for just the right moment to strike, etc. Definitely can't wait till she'll take F/T though.

Ditto to all of the above... Mona is my snake who won't take F/T, and it is kind of interesting to watch the live hunt. Wish I could give her mice instead of a rat, though, because I am much less fond of the former. But if I fed her mice only, she'd have to get 5-6 per feeding! Regardless of whether the prey is live or not, I also find the swallowing process to be really interesting. Never thought I'd say that, LOL...

[mechnut450]

wel i have my morphs are pets as well the rest since ther seems to be a large number of them on Craigslist.

I find the following pro about snakes as pets versus most animals

no rabies , distemper shots, no worries about them maulign the id accross the street ( an such) limit speed if they get out, they are quite no yapping,whining. They can be left a couple days with out a problem.Once people find out yougot snakes no more door to door types.

the only cons I found are the limite vets ( in my area), have to go to showsto get the proper price ones, and the in creas in electric cost irks mom lol..

[wuldier]

I'm probably going to echo everyone else, but here's why I like them...

1. Easy to care for, and fairly self-sufficient. All they want from you is proper husbandry & a fresh rodent once a week... the rest is "optional" in their world.
2. Beautiful and varied in their appearances.
3. Fun to handle (two of mine do actually like to cuddle - LOL).
4. Inexpensive to maintain, once you have the enclosures set up.
5. Good conversation starter, if you find people who aren't freaked out by them.
6. Leads to related hobbies - photography, genetic research, online & offline socialization, carpentry, etc.
7. Ummmmmm... I dunno, I've always just loved snakes & lizards!

ill just agree to this one. lol..

tho this next quote!

Partly because so many people hate and fear them. Cats and dogs are so archetypal and boring.

highly disagree, dogs are wonderful!
they are great workers, great at many sports, great protectors of life and protectors of property and many many other great things..

[Kysenia]

Hrmmmmm good question.........I know there is no bonding like a cat or dog but I do find some of their behaviors interesting, like they will come out of the tub and sit there until you move your hand to them and then up the arm they go, I do think they can distinguish their regular handler versus non handler.

There movement, the way they observe and scan, the way they periscope, the ease of care once cost of setup and husbandry is in place, their control and precision power when needed, so many things that make them totally different but still an awesome pet. Most dogs give that cuddle master your the boss affection feel but at the same time dogs lack many of what a reptile or snake possesses.

[STEW]

Partly because so many people hate and fear them. Cats and dogs are so archetypal and boring.

My dogs are awesome, they make me laugh always doin some retarded crap that just makes me say "why"..... Im not even sure how to pin point what I like about snakes.... its just something about them that makes me want to have a bunch.

I explain that it's like having a beautiful fish aquarium - but at least my snakes don't die if I hold them.

I have a display aquarium and fish to me, are just decorations that eat and require a lil attention to keep em breathing..... If one dies, big deal. The only fish that seem like they know who you are would be Oscars IMO.... I had one of them jump tank and I was almost upset for like a whole minute..... If one of my snakes died, that would be terrible and would bother me for reals.