Three years ago I went inside a "Reptile Zoo" to view the owner's pets. He had everything from Kenyan sand boas, crocodiles, cobras, and green mambas and everything in between. None of the animals were for sale as they were his pets! Because I have two bearded dragons I naturally had an interest in reptiles. I went in December and his store was slow........my wife and I were the only occupants with the exception of the owner and his staff.
I mentioned to the owner that I owned bearded dragons and did not want anything to do with snakes as I was very scared of them. While looking at a baby ball python he begin educating me on the ball python. He mentioned to me that the ball python in the snake world is the same as the bearded dragon in the lizard world.........now he had my attention.
After talking to me about the ball python for 10 minutes or so he reached inside and picked up the baby ball python and asked me if I would like to hold one. I looked at the little fella and consented thinking that he prolly would not eat me and I could tell all my buddies that I held a snake! While holding the little guy the owner began describing every move the snake was making and what it was "thinking". My fear of snakes plummeted after talking with the owner. While devoting all of my attention on this little ball python I was holding the owner, without me noticing, picked up an adult and placed him on my arms with the smaller snake!
After leaving the store I was HOOKED! The next 2 1/2 years I began doing research on them and read article after article. A friend of mine who owned one convinced me to buy one at a reptile show. I was shocked to find out that they only cost $20-$35 for a normal. Four months later I got my second normal for $20. I would like to have more but I have enough mouths to feed! I now understand how addicting they can be.
I am just thankful that that owner took the time to talk to me about the ball pythons...........or am I? Wow I have spent some money having these little guys.......but it is all worth it!
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