Parents and reptiles!

[BuckeyeBalls]

How about taking a trip to the Dollar Store and buy some plastic bowls (not see through) so you'll have two identical, tight fitting hides

You can also buy small dog/cat dishes at the Dollar Store, I use small cat dishes for my snakes, and a dog dish for my largest Ball and my Dumeril's.

oh what the heck! I just posted and u posted before me, Sorry to bring u into it even tho u seemed to bring urself into it before i could

[djansen]

When I was 15 I was taking care of multiple reptiles also. Handling tarantulas, scorpions, snakes. Had a few turtles, frogs. I took great care of my stuff. But the big point I was trying to make was also that so much changes between the ages of 15 and 16.

When your 15 you cant work, when your 16 you can. You can mow lawns or whatever but you cant legally have a real job. Also, maybe he will want to start playing high school sports? Playing high school football takes 90% of your free time.... No lie. What else, maybe he will get a girlfriend, and become whipped? And lose interest in snakes and start to dig pie? Heck IDK but anything can happen between 15 and 16. It's a big deal to care for a snake that may live up to 30 years when your only 15.

A ball python is like the most low maintenance pet you can have, the time spent caring for 1 bp would not be much at all and I played highschool sports as well. You could say this about any age, if he is responsible then I say go for it. you said yourself you had multiple reptiles at his age.

[BiggBaddWolf]

I know 15 yr olds that are more grown up and responsible than some people two or three times that age. Dont let "some people" here discourage you. If you can get your parents to let you have one, then by all means go for it

[BuckeyeBalls]

I will agree tho most 15 yr olds would not provide the proper care for it. But that does not mean there isnt any that wouldnt

[djansen]

djansen, Thank you so much for that post, I spend alot of my time at a local reptile store and talk to ball python breeders I am extreamly educated on ball pythons, I almost have enough money for everything I need
- Three shelf high cb-70 rack system = 240$
- 41 qt sterilite tub with trio of African soft fur rats, substrate, and food. = 50$
- Bumble bee ball python = 500-600$
- Thermostat = 120 $
- Temp gun, hummidity and temp gage = 35$
- Paper towel substrate 5$
- Feeding tongs = 15$
- Hide = 15$

-Payson!

Dang! sounds like you know what your doing. I was thinking super basic beginner here but sounds like you did your homework. If you have any questions this is the place to ask. good luck!

[PurplePython]

If anybody took the time to actually read my first post I said "dont let him get it unless hes a very mature 15 year old". Like I said I owned multiple reptiles when I was 15 but honestly tons of kid my age at that time couldn't have even kept themselves alive if they were left alone for 3 days.

Just make a smart choice dude, don't rush into it. That's all I wanted.

[Jay_Bunny]

I have no doubt that there are many 15 year olds (and younger) than can properly care for a ball python or even several. And the OP seems to have a good idea of what they need for their ball python but when it comes down to it, it doesn't matter how ready YOU are. If you parents are not ready for the responsibility (and trust me, it will be partly their responsibility too. It is living under their roof, sudden vet bills, electricity, etc), then the answer will be no and you should respect their decision.

[musicalKeyes]

I've had snakes and frogs for as long as I can remember, long before I was fifteen. It can definitely be done,you just have to understand the responsibility that goes along with caring for something that is utterly dependent on you.

Here's my advice: Wait. Not long, just a couple months. In that time, do everything you can to learn about these animals, and show your parents that you are ready to handle the responsibility. If they are still against it, find a store or a breeder near you and show them what an adult is like. During this time, also think really hard on your decision. Be open with your parents and let them know that there can and will be unexpected costs, and make sure they are willing to help you out. Since you still live with your parents, and don't drive, some of the responsibility will be theirs as well, so make sure they are okay with this before jumping in.

Good luck!


Edit: I think the fact that you're on here asking questions and showing interest is at least some credit to your responsibility. Just remember, you can never stop learning new things about these animals!

[Moofins07]

If anybody took the time to actually read my first post I said "dont let him get it unless hes a very mature 15 year old". Like I said I owned multiple reptiles when I was 15 but honestly tons of kid my age at that time couldn't have even kept themselves alive if they were left alone for 3 days.

Just make a smart choice dude, don't rush into it. That's all I wanted.

I understand PurplePython's point of view. Rushing into in is never a good idea (especially if it's against your parents' will), and yes, there are a lot of youngsters who won't bother to do the research.

However, I believe the fact that he came online, found this site, and even bothered to post something, shows enough incentive to want to be a good ball python owner. I say go for it, kid. (Provided you've researched and gotten permission!)

[BiggBaddWolf]

Yeah if mom and pop say no then that is the answer, and you have to respect them...Good Luck