Snakes: Pro's and Con's

[Matt Never Existed]

Heya, I was just wondering if anyone who owns a snake could maybe list some pro's and con's, and maybe some funny stories and whatnot. I've been thinking about getting a Ball Python for quite awhile now, and might be able to do so in the very near future. Thanks!

 

[indigo tree]

I have never owned a snake before. However, I believe you're making a good choice in getting a ball python. I've researched them before (as I have always wanted one myself) and I hear they make excellent pets.

I think the hardest thing for me would be feeding it. Its not like I'm squeemish of mice and such, it becuse I like them, and It would be difficult for me to ever feed the snake something alive. However, I belive you can feed them pre-killed mice, so thats not much of a problem.

Good luck.

 

[ShetlandRose]

My step-daughter has had ball pythons. I was sitting on her couch holding one of her pythons and it was smoothly gliding around my body and arms and it quietly slipped through the cushions into the darkness of the frame of the couch. Not paying attention, I only looked and saw the tip of the tail disappear. My step-daughter was quite upset, as her husband decided he would have to tear the couch apart to get the snake back. But I had an idea that if I placed my hand and arm into the crevice where the snake vanished...if I was real lucky...the python would be attracted to the warmth of my arm. It did work. In about 20 minutes the snake curled around my arm, happy in warmth and darkness, and I was able to carefully drag him back out.

 

[TheOtherDude]

You should get a Boa. Ball pythons are stressful first pets.

 

[MediocrityInAction]

I would say that the first snake you should get should be something like a Garter Snake. They're cute little creatures. But be prepared for some friends and relatives to stop visiting you. My grandmother refuses to come within twenty yards of even a toy snake.
http://www.umass.edu/umext/nrec/snake_pit/pages/cgarter.html

 

[J.A.I]

I had 4 snakes at one time - 2 ball pythons and 2 burmese pythons. I disagree with TheOtherDude about ball pythons being stressful 1st pets.

Ball pythons are sweet natured, and very easy to take care of. All you need is a heat rock, newspaper, and a nice aquarium, and you're good to go. I fed my ball pythons mice and for a treat, I'd feed them gerbils

I fed my burmese python rabbits and guinea pigs.

You have to be sure your room is kept at a comfortable temperature. Even though I had a heat rock, my baby python got sick because she was cold because my room was cold. She was dehydrated, the vet said. I took her to the vet because she had regurgitated the mouse she'd had that morning.

Indigo - Snakes don't really like prekilled animals. It's the warmth of the animal that they can sense.. the blood.. and that is what draws them to it. Prekilled animals aren't a challenge so to speak, and sometimes the snake won't touch it.

As far as funny stories....

My baby ball python was very small and VERY cute. She loved to wrap herself around my wrist and just stay there. Once, I was hanging out with my boyfriend at the time, and she slithered up his arm and perched herself on his shoulder while he played a video game. She was very loving and loved being near people. Most ball pythons do. Her name was Little One and the older ball python was named Bella. My burmese pythons.. One was albino and it's name was Whathisname (lol), and the one that was bigger (12 feet long, 75 lbs) was named Flex

 

[ShetlandRose]

I fed my ball pythons mice and for a treat, I'd feed them gerbils

I fed my burmese python rabbits and guinea pigs.

Sheesh. That makes me sick! Feeding cute animals supposed to be pets to a snake! I'm outta' this thread right now.

 

[Iktomi]

Hello everybody! I'm new here and saw this thread and it's right up my alley!
I currently own 3 snakes along with a host of other exotics. My favorite snakes are boa constrictors.
One...they won't get bigger than the very rare 10 feet. Usually stay between 6 and 8 max.
Second, they tend to be less skitish than pythons. Especially the big ones like Burmese and Retics.
Third, they won't take up half your living room, though a good 75 gallon tank will be needed at least.
Fourth, this is an animal that eats BIG rats, and later on probably rabbits.
I have to respectfully disagree with a couple things posted here though. (Sorry. )
One, I would not suggest a heat rock. Snakes are very prone to thermal burns, and heat rocks are usually the culprit.
Second, I ONLY feed prekilled animals to my snakes for a number of reasons.
First, they do eat it. Most snakes kept in captivity will eat pre killed. They scent the rats with their tongue. Only pit-vipers detect the heat. Mine will even eat rats straight out of the refrigerator! Feeding live will almost always lead to a beautiful snake with battlescars. Rats have REALLY BIG teeth and when they get your snake (and they will) watch out!
I love the boas because they are large, but not HUGE. Beautiful and mostly calm. I suggest buying a good boa book and learning as much as you can about them, though. PM for suggestions!

(I tried to post some pics, but got rejected as I don't have enough posts. ) Go here to see my boa pics...
Meh. Can't do that either. I guess you'll just have to wait or PM me so I can give you the site.