question about snakes

[Gordon Bombay]

hi all i just registered.



i recently became interested in snakes and i though it would be cool to have an exotic pet around..anyway, i got to give you guys some background info in order for you guys to help me out. please read

my family has never had any real pets, only 2 hamsters that i got when i was 8. after awhile i didnt like cleaning the cages and doing all the crap taking care of the animal.

sometimes when i get videogames and other stuff i will really like the games and stuff but after a month i quit playing. this is what i have to consider before getting a pet. there is other times i will get a game, not sure whether the game is all that good, but i end up playing that game for years.

im 17 now and im responsible and im trying to get a job which will help pay for the snake and all...

sorry for the read, i hope getting a snake will be cool and will last long.


-peace

[greenmonkey51]

If you want a snake just because it would be cool to have a pet around then snakes arn't right for you. Alot of snakes live can for 10 to 15 years. Do you have the dedication to feed it every week and clean the cage for the next 15 years. Get a job first though before getting a snake. Then you can learn how much time you will have left over to take care of it.

[elra]

im also 17 (almost 18 yess), and a college student and i have a ball python cause i wanted a pet that i could keep in my townhome. i dont understand how anyone could get bored with a snake! do TONS of research on it. talk to breeders and such and make sure its something you want to committ to. although there are times you may need topay extra attention to your pet, most of the time they are independent and low maintenance.

[tigerlily]

My suggestion is too do OODLES of research. If you are still interested look at how much they will cost you. The cost for a setup, including thermostat can be vaery daunting. I would go to local pet stores handles babies and handle adults. Get yourself very comfortable with them. If after say several months you are still VERY excited about owning one, then take the plunge. Don't let it be an impulse buy, those never work out well. These snakes can live almost 20yrs (I believe some higher?) This is a very big commitment, so make sure to treat it as such. I wish you the best of luck on making the right decision for yourself.

[frankykeno]

Well I will say this...just be the very fact that you recognize your own personality and are questioning whether a snake is the right pet for you is a great first step! A lot of people, both teens and adults, don't care one bit about that and it's all...I want! I want!...and nothing about what the snake needs.

Do your research well. There are a lot of different kinds snakes out there and if you look at what level of care you want to do and that snake requires, how much a certain snakes attracts your interest in looks and temperment, how much that snake will cost to maintain, it will all help you make a really informed decision.

Researching before you buy is probably one of the best time savers, money savers, stress savers and life savers (for the snake) that you will ever do. Starting this thread is an excellent first step and welcome to the forum!


~~Joanna~~

[Gordon Bombay]

getting a snake for an exotic pet would be coool, but my main reason is to have something that chills on my neck/arms during a movie.
its about friendship, personally.

i did hold a baby cornsnake at my local petco and it was so awesome it was better then i thought it would be...i called another petco and fortunately theyn have some pythons

right now i dont even have enough money to buy the snake let alone a cage!


ill be hanging around here if its all right with u all..


thanks for the help

[tigerlily]

You couldn't have found a better place to talk snakes, even if you don't have one. We're obessive and love to spread the sickness. Welcome to the site!

[frankykeno]

Actually one of the best parts of having ball pythons is their normally placid nature. No they aren't puppies or kittens and shouldn't be treated as an animal that actively seeks your companionship maybe but they are interactive in their own beautifully subtle manner.

I do like that with my busy life if I run a bit short on time I don't feel just awful if each snake isn't out for a handling session every day or so. They truely don't mind as long as their habitats are fine and their bellies are full LOL. When I do have time it's lovely to just sit quietly and read or watch TV with one of the snakes lazing about with me. Course because we are fascinated with them they rarely miss their "out of tub" time LOL.

We have children from ages 17 to 4 (well some of them are hardly kids anymore LOL). It's nice to see the snakes teaching them to slow down and appreciate a little quiet time without Xbox, DVD or a computer. They are also learning a great life lesson about self-sacrifice, just because they want to handle this or that snake, doesn't mean it's in the best interest of the snake right now....not a bad thing for a "pet" to teach my kids.

Glad to see you here and learning all you can before you make your first snake purchase.


~~Jo~~

[Leon]

I advise you to read over this post -

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=25371

Then deeply think over if you can handle a reptile as a pet.