Proper response when asked....

[MrBrute]

People like to ask. Why am I getting a snake? Why would you want one of those things etc etc..lol So what is the best response to give a person that ask me these type questions with such disgust? and hate? Can I like what I like? It's not like they have to take care of it right? What is the proper response to give without sounding like a complete MAD MAN?

[Mike41793]

Because theyre awesome. See, im a rather awesome person so its only fitting that i own an awesome pet.

Thats the approach i would take.

[kitedemon]

Perfect modern pet. Snakes do well with the hectic modern lifestyle. They can be left for days will little attention with absolutely no adverse effects. The often only need to be fed once a week and cleaned up after about the same. The do not smell or make much noise and are hypoallergenic.

Gentle and fascinating creatures, that are basically unchanged for millions of years.

[TheSnakeGuy]

My typical answer

"The same reason people by the million have fish tanks. You think they're pretty, interesting, and require a special kind of care. No, they don't bond with you like a cat or dog, but taking care of them brings great personal satisfaction."

[Savannelee]

Personally I dont care what anybody thinks...

[RoseyReps]

Because theyre awesome. See, im a rather awesome person so its only fitting that i own an awesome pet.

Thats the approach i would take.

I have actually said this before. ^^^

Being awesome isn't for everyone, but if you are awesome, you need a pet that accents your awesomeness. You might not be able to handle the awesomeness of reptiles, but I can.

I'm Tiffany, and I approve this message.

[Pyrate81]

I think there was a thread similar to this called 'Why Do You Own Snakes' or something but I digress.

My answer is be honest with the person and tell them why specifically you like having them around. For me specifically I think reptiles and fish are more fascinating/interesting to watch and learn about than dogs and cats. It's also a hobby, I consider reptiles and fish "hobby pets". I also like my 'reptile house' cause I like a quiet apartment when I come home.

Although I would not recommend the "I just like watching them kill mice/rats and eating them up" answer is not so good cause then it just feeds their fear/disgust with our animals/hobbies.

[decensored]

Mike is pretty awesome.

I always tell people that snakes make awesome pets. There is a huge community associated with them, and there are so many side projects to explore with owning them. It's a great learning opportunity, and it's something that isn't overly mainstream. They don't require the same attention domestic animals do, however they come with a responsibility that changes you in a very positive way IMHO. It can be an investment if you want it to be, and a chance to network either professionally and/or personally within the community.

I love this community, not just here on BP.net, but in the reptile world all together. Snakes specifically attract people of all ages, from all different walks of life. One of my closer contacts I've met through this site is a 50 something family man that I may have never had the chance of meeting and befriending him if it wasn't for our commitment to ball-pythons. As cheesy as that sounds, I am grateful for the chance to know him, and am proud to consider him a friend of mine.

I can honestly say that having snakes has been one of the most rewarding hobbies I have ever had. And no matter what life throws at me I will never completely walk away from it.

I've gone from being afraid of snakes. I was pissed off when the gf brought home our first ball python, to owning over a dozen reptiles, operating dozens of rodent colonies, and breeding for the first time this year. I learn new things all the time, and I'm no where near an expert. Again, sounding cheesy here but I find reptiles kind of take over, and become a life style choice. At least that's how its been for me.

[Spirit_Scale]

Well coming from the chick who likes to wear leather handcuffs for both function and looks, plus a tail and fuzzy ears depending on how I feel... I own Ihysius because I damn well feel like it and I don't care what anyone thinks.
I take care of him because he's a beautiful, primal, mystical animal who fascinates me and keeps me calm.

I always try to educate though, especially with people who are afraid and think he's 'slimy and disgusting'.
I always answer their questions as honestly and truthfully as I can.

Yes---he eats frozen rodents---you eat chickens, cows and pigs don't you?
No---he's not a threat, most snakes bite defensively or because you smell of rat and are warm so he can't tell the difference
No---he's dry and smooth and soft, he makes no noise and doesn't stink

But for the right hysterical ones....not much you can do.
Just roll your eyes and move on. The longer their around snakes the more they calm down and come around though usually, so you may convert them yet lol.

Certain ones though, they're all part of that scary 'keeping up with Joneses' suburban mind-cult thing wherein everyone has to prescribe to 'the rules' and own a golden retriever---------buuuuut screw that.

[Mike41793]

I have actually said this before. ^^^

Being awesome isn't for everyone, but if you are awesome, you need a pet that accents your awesomeness. You might not be able to handle the awesomeness of reptiles, but I can.

I'm Tiffany, and I approve this message.

Mmm. The force is strong in this one.