Why do we keep snakes and reptiles as pets

[Rcar77]

I get this question all the time. So lets let people know why we keep Snakes or Reptiles as pets. You never know. Some body might be trying to convence a parent to buy them a BP. As for me I love animals and reptiles, I always have. I am Trying to teach my son the value of them. I try to convence People everyday that reptiles are as much part of someone life as dog or a cat. I just though i would like to hear other peoples views too.

[Argentra]

Reptiles are beautiful, quiet (mostly), don't require walks or regular vet trips for shots, don't take up much space (generally), and make very good pets.

I, personally, adore snakes and see them as the perfect pet for a college student who doesn't have much room, money, or time. They are wonderful animals to look at and hold and they don't make huge messes or much noise.

Reptiles are about the nicest and, let's face it, easiest of creatures overall to care for. This of course doesn't mean that they are for everyone, and I wouldn't give any child under 7 a reptile pet of their own, but they are great for most folks.

[anatess]

I wouldn't have thought to own one as a pet but ever since my husband brought home our first bp I was hooked. Usually, the husband and the kids take home a pet (like our dog, for example), they take good care of it for the first month or so and then I end up picking up all the husbandry while everybody else just does the "petting" part. But, amazingly, 2 months later, the kids are still taking great care of the snakes. Yes, I have 2 small children - 7 and 5. They take care of the snakes with supervision. They mist, they handle, they feed, they check all the gauges, they take them to the vet (of course, I drive), I pick up occasional pee and poo and do the monthly overhaul and fix humidity issues and those major stuff. They haven't forgotten to do their daily check-up of the snakes yet. With the dog, I have to remind them to feed the dog, like constantly. So, I know I'm new to this thing, but so far, the snakes haven't been abused by the wee ones. Although, I keep them locked just to make sure they won't take them out when we're not watching. So, why do we have snakes... because they're awesome creatures, my family is captivated by them, and they're EASY for me...

[SvicksTC]

People ask me that all the time up at school and so do my siblings/parents....Ive always wanted a snake as a young boy and now that im old enough to make my own decisons i decided to go for it, because i really wanted a pet up at school, something to occupy my mind, keep me out of trouble, and to take care of.....Well this was the time for me to get my first ball python and IM HOOKED....

They are beautiful, and fairly easy to mantain....

[RobbinRN]

I had wanted a snake all my life...waited long enough I think they are beautiful and fascinating. I enjoy handling them and just watching them in their enclosures. The most rewarding part so far has been the education of some of my family members. My sister thought I was weird and said so in a loving kind of way. Now my nephew is the proud owner of a corn snake and my sister loves her. My oldest neice thought my first BP was "eewww" to say the least, but now she and her boyfriend have a BP of their own and she adores him.

Let's just say snakes are contagious and I love spreading the fever

Robbin

[Bruce Whitehead]

I got a chance to hold one... fell in love... and yeah. GAME OVER.

That and animals with fur can kill me.

Bruce

[8Ball]

I just got my first ball about a week ago. I never thought that I'd own one because they kind of freaked me out a little due to the way they are portrayed in the movies and other media. Then I was over at my bosses house and he had a corn snake that he let me hold. It was nothing like I had imagined. He wrapped himself around my arm and was just a curious little guy. That really put the hook in me. I researched the net and called breeders, visited a pet store and ended up getting a 6 1/2 yr. old, reduced pattern, 1706 gm male bp that I call Kashmir. I've grown so attached to him so quickly that I can't imagine not having him. Friends reactions when I tell them about Kashmir are mostly that they're freaked out and they can't understand until they meet him and then they warm up pretty quickly. He loves to be held, he's quiet, clean, eats once a week, and he's absolutely beautiful. What more could you want from a pet.

[Darkice]

When i was 5 i cought my first painted turtle in a shallow pond and kept it as a pet. I was hooked. After that i started activly searching for reptiles.(Herping) Ive had every kind of reptile there is. And i love them all.

[Beardedragon]

IDK, I have just always liked reptiles. I tell people how easy it is to care for them and all of the ball pythons paint jobs. If they still dissagree with keeping them as pets I deem them weird and walk away

[Montessa Python]

I grew up in the Nevada Desert and was surrounded by reptiles and snakes.
I brought home horny toads, and a bull snake in a cereal box. My mother taught us about how to be careful of rattlers.
They remind me of when I grew up, and they are great pets. I intend to breed eventually. And have cali kings, milks, and two bps.
I did rescue work for about 8 months of BP's in our area and finally found good reptile rescues to refer people to.
I like to use them to educate people, and I love their personalities, their distinct characteristics and how each one is special.

Carol