Looking for family pet and dance partner.

[JoDirt]

We have dogs and cats and sheep and goats and horses and a guinea pig (guinea pig is the only one who stays inside.) My son would like a pet snake. I do Middle Eastern dance as well and would like a partner to dance with (would add a touch of whimsy to my performances, I think.) I saw a corn snake and ball python at Pet Smart, and I think I like the ball python's head shape and pattern. My brother had one but it got loose under the house and my mother's cat killed it.

Anyway, I wouldn't rush out and buy a snake on impulse, I am just in the early stages of research. Does anyone know of a gentle variety who would tolerate being handled enough to go through a dance performance, as well as be docile enough for the family to handle?

[MustBeSatan]

Corn snakes and Ball Pythons both make good pet snakes, although between the two Ball Pythons are definately more docile (but also larger). A corn snake seems small for snake dancing, but then again I'm not all up on my snake dancing so maybe I can only imagine dances with large snakes.

Ball Pythons are probably alright as dance partners, but they're not very big... I'm not sure what size an audience you usually dance for (if any), but I suspect that, as a stage performer a BP, unless it was a very large BP wouldn't be very dramatic.

I would think a Boa Constrictor or a Brazilian Rainbow Boa would be the best choices for dancing. Decent size, good temperment (on the BCI/BCC anyways, I've heard Rainbow Boas can be a bit tempermental). However, it depends on how much snake experience you have. I wouldn't start off with an 8ft snake personally, but to each their own. Do lots of research and meet/hold some adult snakes if at all possible. You may find one just 'clicks' with you.

[WingedWolfPsion]

I think the ball python would be likely to disapprove of the proceedings, and live up to its name. It's hard to dance with a rigid little ball of snake. lol

A large corn snake might work, and they can be extremely colorful. A carpet python might work out, but I would be concerned about its temperament under such circumstances. I have to second the suggestion of a boa constrictor, but get one of the more modest subspecies--unless you're experienced, have someone around who can always be with you when cages are opened, and have a good bit of space, you don't want any snake that grows over 8 feet long.

You should also be prepared for the fact that the snake you choose may not be as enthusiastic about dancing as you are. You'll need to learn to read their behavior and warning signs. All snakes can bite, and all can become agitated under some circumstances, even the most docile.

[BPelizabeth]

Chance are you would have one stressed out ball python. They like it quiet areas....not allot going on....they are very private snakes.

[JoDirt]

I'm a nurse in a nursing home and a couple of times a year have a recital for the patients. Me and my human dance partner sometimes dance around in eateries and smaller, more intimate places. I'm not sure a snake would be welcome at the home on pet therapy day (lol)--oh, who knows, maybe he/she would. Anyway, when I was younger we had this rather eccentric neighbor who had these exotic birds, reptiles, fish...and we use to see him walking his dog wearing a snake on his head, coiled around, looking like a turban. My mom would say, look at that idiot, but us kids thought it was funny.

Anyway, I don't dance on a big stage, more intimate type places. With my dancing being more on the comical side (I probably look more like a 200 pound drag queen than a sultry and seductive temptress, lol) just a cute little critter who wouldn't be too nervous to coil around my arm as I shake my hips to "Stop, Stop, Stop" by the Hollies while the audience laughs is what I'd like. I'd even paint a sign to set up, "Featuring (Ernie, Harvey, etc.) the snake!" I understand snakes are wild creatures and probably strike out from time to time, a bite once in awhile is okay, I just don't want one I have to worry about one squeezing me to death. The handler at Pet Smart says the BP will get about 36", which sounds good to me. I was just attracted to the shape of the BP's head and pretty pattern, they weren't allowing anyone to handle the corn snakes because they had just gotten them and said it might send them into shock.

Anyway, thanks for the advice.

[dembonez]

i think a ball would be to frightened to be a dance partner and a corn would try to explore to much!

[Jchris1212]

I think that a jungle carpet python might be the right size and color for what you are looking to do. I personally don’t own a carpet python but have done a little reading on them. They can be a little temperamental as juveniles but many who own them claim that they calm right down as sub-adults. I would think that if you were going to dance with it that working with it as a juvenile would help it become used to it as an adult. BTW I think carpet pythons are some of the most beautiful snakes out there. I love my ball pythons, but I don’t think that they would make the best dance partner Good luck on your search and keep us posted

Chris