Got a new ball python!

[calmolly1]

I spent probably two years trying to convince my hubby that we needed a snake. He is Irish (first gen) and was petrified of even the idea. We had a rather large king snake in our barn and the first time he actually saw it he ran so fast I thought he'd have a heart attack. Of course I had no sympathy and laughed Til I cried. Anyway I've ways wanted a snake...I decided a little corn snake would be a great introduction for Steve. Except I can't own them in GA. I only discovered this after months of reading and research, when I tried to buy on I was devastated.

Then one day Steve wandered into a small exotic pet store run by a local good Herp breeder that happened to be next door to his favorite gun store. He was still wary and I was to do all the handling but got agreement to buy a BP. A few weeks later the breeder called and said he'd had a bunch of babies born and come choose one. So I chose Preciousess. She was a "fancy" one, a Fire but I didn't understand all that and she just looked normal to me. It took Steve about a month to finally touch her. I think now he is more in love then me if possible!!

Friends said the usual but I'm pretty thick skinned and said love me, love my horses, donkey, mule, goats, dogs, cats and my snakes...and two mice from failed feedings we've kept as pets.


Molly & Steve
0.1 normal BP 'Precioucess'
0.1 BCI 'Luna'

[Smarion0006]

I got the same reactions from EVERYONE that I know. EVERYONE. My dad said the exact same thing about eating the cats and size lol. I wanted a snake since I was 15, and I finally got one when I turned 25. 10 years of learning, and people for some reason didn't think I knew anything at all. Granted, learned about and doing is completely different. You can read all about ball pythons and their care, but when it comes down to it, it's a little bit different when you do it all yourself. It's a learning curve though. Congrats on your new baby.

[raidcrasher]

I've been raising snakes for over 50 years and I think I've heard about every funny, rude ,.....and mainly ignorant comment that can be made
from people who (obviously) know absolutely nothing about reptiles. I learned to ignore them and do what it is that I do. Besides, I love my snakes more than most family members. Enjoy!

[jadab123]

I've been raising snakes for over 50 years and I think I've heard about every funny, rude ,.....and mainly ignorant comment that can be made
from people who (obviously) know absolutely nothing about reptiles. I learned to ignore them and do what it is that I do. Besides, I love my snakes more than most family members. Enjoy!

I'd be curious to hear some of the more outlandish comments people threw your way!

[Karokash]

When I had Vivica, my Banded King: "You own a snake? Like as a pet in your house? Are you one of those non-christian people? I just don't get it, but i'm not judgin'

[The Golem]

I got the same reactions from EVERYONE that I know. EVERYONE. My dad said the exact same thing about eating the cats and size lol. I wanted a snake since I was 15, and I finally got one when I turned 25. 10 years of learning, and people for some reason didn't think I knew anything at all. Granted, learned about and doing is completely different. You can read all about ball pythons and their care, but when it comes down to it, it's a little bit different when you do it all yourself. It's a learning curve though. Congrats on your new baby.

I read up for weeks and watched hours of youtube videos on care, handling and setting up habitat. Then on a Friday evening the local pet store delivered everything. 2 guys came in with 55 gallon sized terrarium, coco husk bricks, etc and a small cardboard box containing the snake...then they left and I stood there looking at all this stuff not knowing what the heck to do with it all! It took hours to get everything set up and the snake in his home and I didn't sleep that night, I kept going in to check on him and quietly freaking out. Now a few months later, we're buddies!



My favourite dialogue:

"You have a snake?! What do you feed it?"
Have you ever heard of Purina Snake Chow?
"No"
Oh then I guess I feed it...rats

Then if they're still interested, I show a short video clip on smartphone of a typical feeding.

[The Golem]

How can I delete this post.