How would you handle this?

[xFenrir]

Well my parents said I'm welcome to move back in but my scaly friends are not. I don't have much choice now since I actually got laid off last week (go figure). But one of our friends has graciously said he'll house Satin until one of us can take her back so we don't have to give her up. It didn't work out the way I wanted it to but at least it worked out to where we don't have to rehome her.

I already told him that NO ONE, NO HOW is allowed to take her out of her tank. My boyfriend and I will visit often and take care of feeding and cleaning her enclosure. It's not that I don't trust him (and he doesn't particularly like snakes anyway. Doesn't have a problem with them, he's just not a reptile person) it's just I don't want something to happen while I'm not there.

[Daybreaker]

Well my parents said I'm welcome to move back in but my scaly friends are not. I don't have much choice now since I actually got laid off last week (go figure). But one of our friends has graciously said he'll house Satin until one of us can take her back so we don't have to give her up. It didn't work out the way I wanted it to but at least it worked out to where we don't have to rehome her.

I already told him that NO ONE, NO HOW is allowed to take her out of her tank. My boyfriend and I will visit often and take care of feeding and cleaning her enclosure. It's not that I don't trust him (and he doesn't particularly like snakes anyway. Doesn't have a problem with them, he's just not a reptile person) it's just I don't want something to happen while I'm not there.

Glad to hear that you won't need to give her away, and I too would say no one is allowed to take her out. I hope you guys find a place and will be able to take her back quickly.

[Libby]

I'm new to owning a ball python and am new to the forum, so I'm a little hesitant get on here and "mom" you, but since you asked for advice...

First, I would figure out what your goal is and what all your actual options are. It sounds as if not only would the ideal situation be to live with your parents, but to have them accept and appreciate your love of snakes.

It also sounds as if this is not only about the snakes, but also about your relationship with your parents. Your father especially sounds as if he is demanding that he you acknowledge his authority, despite the fact that you are an adult.

My best suggestion is to try to have a non-confrontational discussion with them. Avoiding a power struggle will probably be the hardest part. I would explain to them that you take your responsibility as a pet owner very seriously, which was how they raised you, although you understand they don't have the same feelings about the snake as you do. (I know, it may be a little hard to lay it on, but it doesn't hurt to be nice.) Then I would ask them respectfully what specifically they are concerned about, give them plenty of time to express how they feel, then try to go point by point. Don't try to over educate, simply address their concerns, and ask outright, what would it take to make you comfortable? This isn't about facts, rather about feelings. Showing that you take what they say seriously and responding as an "adult" rather than a rebellious teenager may be what it takes.

Even if you don't get the outcome you want, hopefully the discussion will improve the relationship between you and your parents. Of course, it could also go badly, but it's worth a try for your snake's sake. Best of luck to you, and I hope you post how the situation turns out!

[PorcelainxDoll]

I'm new to owning a ball python and am new to the forum, so I'm a little hesitant get on here and "mom" you, but since you asked for advice...

First, I would figure out what your goal is and what all your actual options are. It sounds as if not only would the ideal situation be to live with your parents, but to have them accept and appreciate your love of snakes.

It also sounds as if this is not only about the snakes, but also about your relationship with your parents. Your father especially sounds as if he is demanding that he you acknowledge his authority, despite the fact that you are an adult.

My best suggestion is to try to have a non-confrontational discussion with them. Avoiding a power struggle will probably be the hardest part. I would explain to them that you take your responsibility as a pet owner very seriously, which was how they raised you, although you understand they don't have the same feelings about the snake as you do. (I know, it may be a little hard to lay it on, but it doesn't hurt to be nice.) Then I would ask them respectfully what specifically they are concerned about, give them plenty of time to express how they feel, then try to go point by point. Don't try to over educate, simply address their concerns, and ask outright, what would it take to make you comfortable? This isn't about facts, rather about feelings. Showing that you take what they say seriously and responding as an "adult" rather than a rebellious teenager may be what it takes.

Even if you don't get the outcome you want, hopefully the discussion will improve the relationship between you and your parents. Of course, it could also go badly, but it's worth a try for your snake's sake. Best of luck to you, and I hope you post how the situation turns out!

She just did a few posts up

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[Libby]

She just did a few posts up

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I scanned the thread, started to reply, stopped to get my son into bed, then came back an hour later and finished without seeing the last update! Oops.

[DooLittle]

At least you don't have to get rid of her. Hope all goes well with her "babysitter". Best of luck to you.

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[Dark Lady Kat]

Well my parents said I'm welcome to move back in but my scaly friends are not. I don't have much choice now since I actually got laid off last week (go figure). But one of our friends has graciously said he'll house Satin until one of us can take her back so we don't have to give her up. It didn't work out the way I wanted it to but at least it worked out to where we don't have to rehome her.

I already told him that NO ONE, NO HOW is allowed to take her out of her tank. My boyfriend and I will visit often and take care of feeding and cleaning her enclosure. It's not that I don't trust him (and he doesn't particularly like snakes anyway. Doesn't have a problem with them, he's just not a reptile person) it's just I don't want something to happen while I'm not there.

Well I know this thread is months old but I had to comment because I have a unique situation as well I have owned reptiles for a while now and my mother is completely horrified by snakes and has told me on several occasions if I ever get a snake she will never visit again. I have tried reasoning with her with out telling her I have snakes again. And then my brother called me the other day and he has had a ball python in his home for over a year now my mother walked into his bedroom to put something away and saw it and immediately left his house and now when she visits she sits on the porch she wont even come inside some parents just will not give in their fear of snakes ever but on the bright side hey I dont have to host family gatherings any more lol