Naming your reptiles

[MDT]

Ok...just taking the temp of the board here. I don't name my reptiles. I'm not really sure why. I kinda figure that if they can't fetch the paper for me, it's kinda pointless. I did name my cat....however, she won't fetch the paper either. She barely tolerates me, but my youngest basically insisted. So, she has a name, that she takes great glee in ignoring when I yell at her.

My diamond python was "named" prior to me getting him. I've tried to use it (Leo), but it's just not working for me. Maybe I'm not clever enough to come up with witty names. Idk....I just can't name something that has basically a pencil eraser for a brain.

So, names or no names? What say you?

[CK SandBoas]

I've named all my snakes that have a permanent home with me. They are my pets, and I've always named my pets, be it dog, cat, bird or raccoon....The only ones I don't name are the babies I produce that I don't designate as holdbacks.

[revent]

I like to name my creatures just so I can have something to call them that I like.

[smy_749]

I don't name animals. Not my thing I guess either. Plus I feel stupid as all hell talking to a reptile and calling it by name. Dogs and cats I understand, reptiles / fish, not so much.

[Hannibalcanibal]

I name my pets, to differentiate between animal A and animal B. pretty simple way of differentiating between different animals.

[LadyWraith]

I like to name my creatures just so I can have something to call them that I like.

This. It's mostly just to have something to call them when communicating with other people about your animals.

[Sharlynn93]

I name my animals...its fun picking out names, and its easier to differentiate between them...instead of saying "the lavender corn" I just say "perri" and hubby knows who I am referring to...

[Sublimeballs]

This is something my girlfriend makes fun of me for. Ill name some of them but I never use the name, and i forget what ive named them because i dont use the name; I always refer to them as what they are(pastave male,lesser female, kalatoa female,etc). But I have 2 snakes that I only refer to them by name when speaking to her(my 13 year old ball python bubbles, and my jampea retic nagini). But if im talking to anyone other than my GF they are the jamp, and 13 year old normal female.

[mclund]

See my signature. Nothing against other people naming them. I had a Black Pine snake that never really settled in to the fact that I was no threat to him. He eventually adopted the name "Satan". He was a great display animal and It wouldn't take much to taunt him into his hissing fury, until he bit me in the eye.

[Shann]

If it's a pet, it gets a name for me. It just feels weird talking about them without it. Plus names help my friends and family connect to them easier. Unless they were a rescue that I didn't intend on keeping. I've taken in a lot of sick/injured turtles and tortoises, gotten them up to health, and then found forever homes for them. I don't name things I don't want to get attached to.

[red ink]

I allocate a designation to them... feel weird calling them names since they don't respond to it.

Easier for me so the wife knows which reptile I'm talking about.

I have a snake called Greyham.... I also have snakes designated number 3 and number 11

[Kera]

If it's a pet, it gets a name for me. It just feels weird talking about them without it. Plus names help my friends and family connect to them easier. Unless they were a rescue that I didn't intend on keeping. I've taken in a lot of sick/injured turtles and tortoises, gotten them up to health, and then found forever homes for them. I don't name things I don't want to get attached to.

This. My pets are my family, whether they know they're own name or not.

[poison123]

Never got around to naming my herps. Had my dog for about 4 years and he just got a name for his last B-day.

[Mikoh4792]

I name my pets because it's an easier label for me.

For example I have a jungle carpet python from Will Bird's Andrew Hare Hellow Yellow x Bradley's Python pete line

So in short I used to label him HY X BR JCP M '13. I just gave him the name "bull" because of a bull nose ring pattern on his face... much easier to remember him by since it's only one syllable.

[Jinxygirl]

I could never imagine not naming my animals... I name all of them, even fish. I had 14 different coloured Poecilia (Mollies) and they all had different names and my Betta that I have now even has a name, it's Tai. :)

Giving them names helps me connect to them on a deeper level. I feel that they are really part of the family once they have a name. Also I tend to name them things that slightly suit their individual personalities. (that doesn't include the fish though.. I just give them names that I like.)

[millertime89]

The majority of mine are named. Not all but most. The ones without names I just can't seem to come up with anything good for.

[Donnie]

Some of mine have names some don't, I just let me kids choose something and as long as it is not ridiculous then it stays.

[Terranaut]

I name all of my snakes. Mine are "pets" first and it beats saying "the big green one" when talking about them .

[KORBIN5895]

Some of mine have names some don't, I just let me kids choose something and as long as it is not ridiculous then it stays.

This and the wife.

I have only named two snakes Snowfake (a dh snow boa) and snickers an orange corn I had.

[TeaNinja]

i named my 2 dumerils after characters from batman. nigma and oracle :P

[SSSSnakes]

I normally don't name my snakes. Only ID their enclosures for record keeping purposes.

[lady_bug87]

Mine have names and nicknames for record keeping mostly and I have a 6yr old name them. I'm sure when my son is older he's going to want to name them. Right now he calls them all "ssssssss"

[kelzerman]

My fiancée names them. She was so upset when we first got together and I didn't have names for them....

[Starbuck]

all of mine have names, which i like to pick and choose because of their mythological references and they tell a bit of a story;
i.e. my two male corn snake 'brothers' are Castor and Pollux
my hondo milk that disappeared all winter (in someone else's care) and was found in spring outside is 'demeter'
and my normal and albino kings are 'nyx' (a goddess of night) and 'Lux' (latin for light)

i like my names to match, if i have any breeding plans, and i like them to reference literature. However, i rarely reference them by name unless I'm on an education program or talking to someone else about them. In my house i just say the amel corn, the male king, etc

i don't name fish, or tarantulas.

[Will0W783]

I name my snakes. I find it easier to keep records and refer to them in conversation when there's a name. I also find it enjoyable to choose names, based on looks and temperament. I have a running theme where I try to name my tree vipers after Marvel characters.

[EL Ziggy]

I name my snakes and other pets because I love them and because they are all uniquely special to me and not just random 1.0 , 0.1, or 0.0.1 x, y and z's. LOL. When I reference them by name it symbolizes a deeper, more personal relationship between me and them vs. me and another. If that makes any sense.

[Pareeeee]

I like to name my creatures just so I can have something to call them that I like.

Pretty much the same here.

[TheFrogman]

Whatever comes to mind as soon as I see them

[bigsnakegirl785]

I name mine because they're my pets. It's obvious they're not going to respond to their name, that's not why I name them. I name them so that it's easier to differentiate them in conversation and also because it's kind of like a bonding thing. It just seems so impersonal saying "the ball python" or the "boa constrictor."

[MDT]

Hmmmm....interesting responses. It would seem I am in the minority on this one. I gotta get more creative....
:)

[KORBIN5895]

Hmmmm....interesting responses. It would seem I am in the minority on this one. I gotta get more creative....
:)

Since I'm with you we win.

[MDT]

Since I'm with you we win.

*Drops the mic....walks away"

We're done here!






:)

[Charis]

We also name all of our reptiles, for pretty much all the reasons others have stated.

[marvelfreak]

I name most of mine. The ones that are named are named after Marvel comic villains.

[smy_749]

Wow, I was not expecting to see that everyone names their reptiles either. Do people name their fish?

[Sharlynn93]

my daughter named all of our fish...lol

[Charis]

I typically draw the line at fish, although I don't have any now and haven't had for a few years. My dad had fish tanks while we were growing up but even as a kid I only named a few of the fish.

[red ink]

I wanted call one of the snakes "That Evil Mother*bleeeeeepppp"

The wife wasn't down for it... He got called Crawley instead.

[Skits]

I name all of mine. I used to be annoyed when they weren't named as soon as they came home, but now it's not a priority of mine and sometimes they go by "unnamed" for a few weeks. I name everything but fish, unless it's a betta fish.

[loud]

I've been referring to mine as "the snake" but will have a name figured out eventually. I'm bad at names but enjoy having one for my pets - even the hamsters I had were named.

I don't name fish, though. I'd have a hard time telling which was which anyway!

[infernalis]

I have to name mine, it's only for ID reasons.

Too many animals to say snake A. or lizard B. or "that specimen in the third cage over two up from the bottom"

[Jim Smith]

I also name my snakes and try to name them something that seems "appropriate" to each particular snake. I can certainly see how large breeders wouldn't bother naming their snakes unless they had a particular special snake, but if you have more than one snake, especially if they are the same species and color morph, it just seems easier to differentiate between them.

[Terranaut]

This thread reminds me of this.....
d0LaT6qVRpg

[LiL Zap]

Honestly, I just don't see how someone can't name their snakes. The snakes in my home are definitely part of the family. They both have names.

[infernalis]

This thread reminds me of this.....


Thanks...

Pop quiz, why did this just pop into my head? (Besides being old)

"I'm on the run, I kill to eat.
I'm starving now, I'm feeling dead on my feet.
Going all the way, I'm nature's beast.
Do what I want, I'll do as I please."

[marvelfreak]

Thanks...

Pop quiz, why did this just pop into my head? (Besides being old)

"I'm on the run, I kill to eat.
I'm starving now, I'm feeling dead on my feet.
Going all the way, I'm nature's beast.
Do what I want, I'll do as I please."
Because it from a cool song?

[infernalis]

Because it from a cool song?

exactly.... saw them on tour back in the 80's. incredible show.

apKhsA6DeyI

[Pareeeee]

Wow, I was not expecting to see that everyone names their reptiles either. Do people name their fish?

Only one of my fish has a name. He's in a tank all by himself. The fish in the big aquarium don't get names.

[SnoopySnake]

I name my reptiles only because when I'm talking to someone I find it much easier to just say it's name rather than "my little brown boa" or "female rainbow boa".:o

[Jinxygirl]

Wow, I was not expecting to see that everyone names their reptiles either. Do people name their fish?
I name all of my fish. lol Not for any particular reason, I just give them names that go with their colour or the type of fish they are. I give fish the same treatment as any other animal. My Betta Tai is 'hand tame' meaning that if I put my hand in the tank he will swim over and lay his body in my hand so I can transport him to a cup for tank cleaning.

[BIGT FROM F.B.]

My BRB is named "Rainman" and my Albino Honduran Milk Snake is named "Creamy". He looks just like one of those Orange Sorbet Cream sicles.

[KORBIN5895]

I find it very disturbing to sow how many people claim snakes are a part of their "family"". You guys are either over exaggerating or need some serious mental help. I have a bit of money wrapped up in my collection and I really like my snakes but there is no way I would put them on par with my family. I would gladly die for my family if I knew it would keep them safe but there is NO bloody way I would put myself in mortal danger for my snakes..... That's just asinine.

[MDT]

I find it very disturbing to sow how many people claim snakes are a part of their "family"". You guys are either over exaggerating or need some serious mental help. I have a bit of money wrapped up in my collection and I really like my snakes but there is no way I would put them on par with my family. I would gladly die for my family if I knew it would keep them safe but there is Bo bloody way I would put myself in mortal danger for my snakes..... That's just asinine.


That's kinda where I am. I mean, I *like* my snakes...I always have. Ever since I was a little kid...I also *like* my guitars....I always have. Well, I just sold my Gibson Les Paul, but I really really *like* my Telecaster and Taylor..... :)
I have a pretty good chunk of $$ wrapped up in both....but, when the zombie apocalypse comes, they are on their own. I'll likely be taking my wife and daughters with me....(most likely) ;)

[infernalis]

I find it very disturbing to sow how many people claim snakes are a part of their "family"". You guys are either over exaggerating or need some serious mental help. I have a bit of money wrapped up in my collection and I really like my snakes but there is no way I would put them on par with my family. I would gladly die for my family if I knew it would keep them safe but there is NO bloody way I would put myself in mortal danger for my snakes..... That's just asinine.

Mr. slithers died, what do I do??:rolleyes::rolleyes:

[Terranaut]

exactly.... saw them on tour back in the 80's. incredible show.

apKhsA6DeyI
I saw Maiden on the Powerslave tour. It was truly awesome. Next time they are here I want to take my sons....if there is a next time.
I love The Prisoner and probably listen to that entire album once a month. Not big on Invaders but it is the onlyone.



I find it very disturbing to sow how many people claim snakes are a part of their "family"". You guys are either over exaggerating or need some serious mental help. I have a bit of money wrapped up in my collection and I really like my snakes but there is no way I would put them on par with my family. I would gladly die for my family if I knew it would keep them safe but there is Bo bloody way I would put myself in mortal danger for my snakes..... That's just asinine.

I am one who may comment that our snakes are part of the family but it is a figure of speech. If my family was starving we would eat the snakes. I think that says it all ;)

[infernalis]

Wow, I was not expecting to see that everyone names their reptiles either. Do people name their fish?

Mr. Tasty with tartar sauce. :)

[EL Ziggy]

I find it very disturbing to sow how many people claim snakes are a part of their "family"". You guys are either over exaggerating or need some serious mental help. I have a bit of money wrapped up in my collection and I really like my snakes but there is no way I would put them on par with my family. I would gladly die for my family if I knew it would keep them safe but there is Bo bloody way I would put myself in mortal danger for my snakes..... That's just asinine.
I don't think we're exactly equating our affection for our animals to our love of human relatives, at least I'm not. I just mean that my pets are members of my household that I love, protect, respect, and care for. Of course they don't have the same emotional value as a child, parent, sibling or spouse. I may not put myself in mortal danger for my animals but I'll do everything short of that to make sure they are as healthy and happy as they can be.

[Lankyrob]

I don't think we're exactly equating our affection for our animals to our love of human relatives, at least I'm not. I just mean that my pets are members of my household that I love, protect, respect, and care for. Of course they don't have the same emotional value as a child, parent, sibling or spouse. I may not put myself in mortal danger for my animals but I'll do everything short of that to make sure they are as healthy and happy as they can be.

This^^^^^^^

[CK SandBoas]

I find it very disturbing to sow how many people claim snakes are a part of their "family"". You guys are either over exaggerating or need some serious mental help. I have a bit of money wrapped up in my collection and I really like my snakes but there is no way I would put them on par with my family. I would gladly die for my family if I knew it would keep them safe but there is NO bloody way I would put myself in mortal danger for my snakes..... That's just asinine.

Well, then consider me one of those who need mental help.....I do consider my animals a part of my family.......as all my pets over my lifetime have been...... I value their lives over most people, except my family, and the few friends I have.......So if you want to say I have a few screws loose, have at it.....

[Jinxygirl]

I find it very disturbing to sow how many people claim snakes are a part of their "family"". You guys are either over exaggerating or need some serious mental help. I have a bit of money wrapped up in my collection and I really like my snakes but there is no way I would put them on par with my family. I would gladly die for my family if I knew it would keep them safe but there is NO bloody way I would put myself in mortal danger for my snakes..... That's just asinine.
Hm, well this is just your opinion. I put my animals on the same level I would put my child.. but since I don't like kids and never plan on having any my pets ARE my kids. So it may seem stupid to you but you obviously aren't able to connect to animals in a more meaningful way and that makes me pity you.

[smy_749]

Hm, well this is just your opinion. I put my animals on the same level I would put my child.. but since I don't like kids and never plan on having any my pets ARE my kids. So it may seem stupid to you but you obviously aren't able to connect to animals in a more meaningful way and that makes me pity you.

If you don't have any children, then you have no clue what it means to put an animal on the same level as your child. Just sayin....

[Mikoh4792]

If I had children, I could imagine I'd take a bullet for them out of instinct, no hesitation. I don't see myself doing that for my snakes.

Not to say that I don't care for them, it's just on a different level.

[Jinxygirl]

If you don't have any children, then you have no clue what it means to put an animal on the same level as your child. Just sayin....
You may be right, but I won't ever know what it's like to have children so in my life my animals do come first. Others may not understand that and that's fine.

[valid]

I tried to name my reptiles, I really did. More often then not I just called them by what they were then their actual 'names', so I just dropped the names.
Then again that seems to be a theme among pets in my family, the two animals I remember growing up with best, were the 'red' cat, the 'black' cat . While they originally had "names" I could not tell you what they were.

On the flip side all my livestock usually had names, but that because we usually had mass amounts and 'black cow' could account for almost all of them. ..

[CosmicOwl]

I name my snakes, but it's for me. Like I give them a name for my enjoyment, or if I feel like it fits them. However, if I'm talking about my snakes to another reptile person, i just usually mention the species and possibly the morph.

[Marmoset]

I name everything except fish and insects (used to keep mantises). Its part of the enjoyment for me. It doesn't matter if they can't understand they have a name or whatever. Naming gets the family involved in the animal and it seems easier for non-herp people to get over apprehension when they are introduced to an animal with a name. I'd rather introduce them to Minh Giang (jade river) than rhynchophis boulengeri.

[lady_bug87]

If I had children, I could imagine I'd take a bullet for them out of instinct, no hesitation. I don't see myself doing that for my snakes.

Not to say that I don't care for them, it's just on a different level.

Not only will you take the bullet you'll tear the guy who shot at you apart with your bare hands.

I greatly enjoy all my pets named or not but if my son needed anything they would be gone faster than anything.

[Mikoh4792]

Not only will you take the bullet you'll tear the guy who shot at you apart with your bare hands.

I greatly enjoy all my pets named or not but if my son needed anything they would be gone faster than anything.

Well I'm not that strong but that's the idea lol.

[lady_bug87]

When you have them you'll realize that if someone were to try and hurt them yes, you are its crazy,

[marvelfreak]

I am I the only one that names the different voices in their head?

[EL Ziggy]

I am I the only one that names the different voices in their head?
Not at all ;)

[KORBIN5895]

Well, then consider me one of those who need mental help.....I do consider my animals a part of my family.......as all my pets over my lifetime have been...... I value their lives over most people, except my family, and the few friends I have.......So if you want to say I have a few screws loose, have at it.....

You do have a few loose screws ;).

Hm, well this is just your opinion. I put my animals on the same level I would put my child.. but since I don't like kids and never plan on having any my pets ARE my kids. So it may seem stupid to you but you obviously aren't able to connect to animals in a more meaningful way and that makes me pity you.

Congratulations on being able to meaningfully connect with an animal that has absolutely no higher thought process than a rock. That's really impressive. Your statement just reiterates what i said.

[CK SandBoas]

You do have a few loose screws ;).





Well........duhhhh!!! Also I like to say i'm a few fries short of a happy meal ;)

[MDT]

Congratulations on being able to meaningfully connect with an animal that has absolutely no higher thought process than a rock. That's really impressive. Your statement just reiterates what i said.


Dude...this is why I love you!!!

I just lawl'd...

[LoLzMachine]

i decided to wait a little while before trying to name my animals ive had too many animals die like a day or two after naming them *Frogs* that plus its hard to think of good names

my 2 carpets are called
Shisha (female)
Nishgin (male) *One eyed carpet python* ;)

[Skits]

I agree with Korbin in some ways. I would see my snakes as my pets, and I would do a lot for them and put money and a lot of time into saving them, but I'd value my family, friends, cats and dogs over them. I would never choose my reptiles over a person by any means but I do love all of them a lot! I just see a cat or a dog more part of a family over something that doesn't show much emotion and isn't constantly around.

[EL Ziggy]

Any sentient being can feel love on some level. I don't love my animals with the expectation or requirement that they love me back.Even without the gift of higher intelligence I'm amazed and fascinated by many animals, especially snakes. My pets are a BIG part of my life, they bring me great joy, and I believe they deserve to be called by a unique name rather than just being "it's".

[psychocircus]

I have a tough time naming my snakes. I'll usually just say "albino brooks kingsnake" or "male Brazilian rainbow boa".

However, my tegu has a lot more "personality" and the interactions with him are much different than with my snakes. He is named.

[Mikoh4792]

El Ziggy you are saying snakes can feel love?

[red ink]

I am I the only one that names the different voices in their head?

Is it weird that I hear the voices in your head?

I feel like such a voyeur sometimes... makes me feel all tingly inside

[marvelfreak]

Is it weird that I hear the voices in your head?

I feel like such a voyeur sometimes... makes me feel all tingly inside

It not weird at all. As loud as they are it doesn't surprise you can hear them half way around the world. They do tend to get me in trouble quite a bit. I really need to stop listening to them but what fun would that be? They have all kinds of fun and crazy idea for me to do to get on people nerves.

[EL Ziggy]

El Ziggy you are saying snakes can feel love?

They may not define it as love but that's what it is. It's the caring energy that we extend to them. They just feel safe/secure and full :)

[KORBIN5895]

Well........duhhhh!!! Also I like to say i'm a few fries short of a happy meal ;)

All I got was the toy :(

Any sentient being can feel love on some level. I don't love my animals with the expectation or requirement that they love me back.Even without the gift of higher intelligence I'm amazed and fascinated by many animals, especially snakes. My pets are a BIG part of my life, they bring me great joy, and I believe they deserve to be called by a unique name rather than just being "it's".

I like you but you are WEIRD!

I'm not against people naming pets.

[Mikoh4792]

They may not define it as love but that's what it is. It's the caring energy that we extend to them. They just feel safe/secure and full :)

And how can you know this other than the fact that this is what you interpret their behavior to be?(Similar to when a girl looks a guy, and he's so full of himself that he takes it as flirting....)

[KORBIN5895]

And how can you know this other than the fact that this is what you interpret their behavior to be?(Similar to when a girl looks a guy, and he's so full of himself that he takes it as flirting....)

It's based on his personal belief system. I am not sure of what exactly he believes but I have read up enough on enough of them that I understand what he is saying. I can respect that.

[Mikoh4792]

It's based on his personal belief system. I am not sure of what exactly he believes but I have read up enough on enough of them that I understand what he is saying. I can respect that.

I don't know what his beliefs about this matter are, so I'd like to see how he can back up his claim that snakes feel "love" in his definition.

Personal beliefs are fine, so long as you don't pass them off as fact. Then you'll need to prove them.

[EL Ziggy]

I don't know what his beliefs about this matter are, so I'd like to see how he can back up his claim that snakes feel "love" in his definition.

Personal beliefs are fine, so long as you don't pass them off as fact. Then you'll need to prove them.

Can I 'scientifically prove' that the force of love exists and can be transferred and felt between beings? NO. Do I believe that snakes, and most animals, can tactically and instinctively sense whether they are in danger or if they are safe, secure and cared for? YES. I believe this strongly enough to say I know. Could I be wrong? Of course. It doesn't matter to me if they 'feel' my love. I give it to them unconditionally because I want them to be happy, healthy, whole and well. The same wish I have for everyone and everything everywhere.

[Mikoh4792]

Can I 'scientifically prove' that the force of love exists and can be transferred and felt between beings?

I agree that even amongst human beings you can't scientifically prove that we feel love from another person. However at least we can say we do. At least individually we can "feel" something when we think of loved one. Although it's not scientific proof, it's still forms of evidences via facial expressions, glimpses in the eye....etc. Snakes don't have this capability. To say that they feel the love we have for them is mere wishful thinking.

Do I believe that snakes, and most animals, can tactically and instinctively sense whether they are in danger or if they are safe, secure and cared for? YES. I believe this strongly enough to say I know. Could I be wrong? Of course. It doesn't matter to me if they 'feel' my love. I give it to them unconditionally because I want them to be happy, healthy, whole and well. The same wish I have for everyone and everything everywhere.

If you want to distort the word love to define instinctively feeling a sense of security then so be it, but that's the wrong use of the word.


You say that all sentient beings can feel love, and they feel "full" from our love. How is that the same as just feeling a sense of security/safety?

[Pareeeee]

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg121/ShadowWario/DERAILED.png

Seriously though, I think we should get back on topic before a religious debate begins and people get in deep doo-doo. :/

I don't believe snakes have 'feelings' per-se either, but this thread is about reptile names not reptile feelings.

Just a suggestion....

[EL Ziggy]

I agree that even amongst human beings you can't scientifically prove that we feel love from another person. However at least we can say we do. At least individually we can "feel" something when we think of loved one. Although it's not scientific proof, it's still forms of evidences via facial expressions, glimpses in the eye....etc. Snakes don't have this capability. To say that they feel the love we have for them is mere wishful thinking.



If you want to distort the word love to define instinctively feeling a sense of security then so be it, but that's the wrong use of the word.

So define love for me Mikoh. Is it a feeling, a force, action, or just a word that different people attach different meanings to? My snakes can't tell me that they feel safe, or that they feel anything at all. But they show me they feel safe to some extent by eventually not biting me or trying to constantly run away from me once I've established a sense of 'trust' and they no longer feel/think/believe that I'm a giant predator that's going to eat them. They also show me that they feel safe/secure by thriving and growing well because they're in a relatively stress free environment which should make any animal 'happy'.

[EL Ziggy]

You say that all sentient beings can feel love, and they feel "full" from our love. How is that the same as just feeling a sense of security/safety?[/QUOTE]

No I meant they feel full from the food that we so generously provide :D

[EL Ziggy]

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg121/ShadowWario/DERAILED.png

Seriously though, I think we should get back on topic before a religious debate begins and people get in deep doo-doo. :/

I don't believe snakes have 'feelings' per-se either, but this thread is about reptile names not reptile feelings.

Just a suggestion....

Copy that, didn't mean to derail the thread. ;). I like to name my animals because it makes me feel better. they could care less :D

[Mikoh4792]

You say that all sentient beings can feel love, and they feel "full" from our love. How is that the same as just feeling a sense of security/safety?

No I meant they feel full from the food that we so generously provide :D[/QUOTE]

ohh in that case I retract that part of my argument.

[Mikoh4792]

So define love for me Mikoh. Is it a feeling, a force, action, or just a word that different people attach different meanings to? My snakes can't tell me that they feel safe, or that they feel anything at all. But they show me they feel safe to some extent by eventually not biting me or trying to constantly run away from me once I've established a sense of 'trust' and they no longer feel/think/believe that I'm a giant predator that's going to eat them. They also show me that they feel safe/secure by thriving and growing well because they're in a relatively stress free environment which should make any animal 'happy'.

Again, if you want to call the feeling of safety and security love then so be it. I can't define the word love, but it usually has to do with affection, something that we don't know snakes to be able to feel.

You are not answering the original question on how all sentient beings can feel love. You are just choosing to explain to me that snakes can feel safe and secure by their owners. I'm not arguing that. I'm arguing the point on how you know that snakes can feel love.

In other words, you are saying snakes can feel love, yet when asked how you know, you give the word a meaning of a sense of safety and security.

http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a594/mikoh4792/ScreenShot2014-01-22at105711AM_zps83a1171e.png

[EL Ziggy]

Again, if you want to call the feeling of safety and security love then so be it. I can't define the word love, but it usually has to do with affection, something that we don't know snakes to be able to feel.

You are not answering the original question on how all sentient beings can feel love. You are just choosing to explain to me that snakes can feel safe and secure by their owners. I'm not arguing that. I'm arguing the point on how you know that snakes can feel love.

In other words, you are saying snakes can feel love, yet when asked how you know, you give the word a meaning of a sense of safety and security.

http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a594/mikoh4792/ScreenShot2014-01-22at105711AM_zps83a1171e.png

Don't get me in trouble here Mikoh ;). Parreee already told us not to get into snakes' emotions. BUT... if I were to use the Webster's definition of love that you provided, the most applicable words would be fondness, tenderness and warmth as opposed to harshness, aggression and indifference. Again, I'm not trying to prove that my snakes 'feel' anything. That doesn't matter to me and doesn't stop me from loving them.

[Mikoh4792]

lol not trying to get you in trouble. Just trying to have a friendly argument.

And I agree with you, if snakes lack the capability to feel "affection" towards their owners that doesn't stop me from caring for them either. That's not why I keep reptiles.

People are just either for it or against it(The notion that reptiles can feel love) and in that case I'd like to know the reasons for either position.

[EL Ziggy]

lol not trying to get you in trouble. Just trying to have a friendly argument.

And I agree with you, if snakes lack the capability to feel "affection" towards their owners that doesn't stop me from caring for them either. That's not why I keep reptiles.

People are just either for it or against it(The notion that reptiles can feel love) and in that case I'd like to know the reasons for either position.
I like you Mikoh and I like healthy debate. To each his own and live and let live as they say :).

[kelzerman]

My snakes show me they love me, because they give me kisses that make me bleed and hugs that I cant get away from....

[KORBIN5895]

lol not trying to get you in trouble. Just trying to have a friendly argument.
.

Why? Who are you to question his personal beliefs. And try yo draw him into an argument? This isn't about just some stupid notion or misinformation. It is about his personal belief system, something the rules say we are not to argue. I understand that you don't believe in a a spiritual belief system but that is really irrelevant to this forum .

[EL Ziggy]

Why? Who are you to question his personal beliefs. And try yo draw him into an argument? This isn't about just some stupid notion or misinformation. It is about his personal belief system, something the rules say we are not to argue. I understand that you don't believe in a a spiritual belief system but that is really irrelevant to this forum .
It's all good brother. I enjoyed my discussion with Mikoh. I think we both respect each others POV, we just look at things a little differently, and that's perfectly fine. I wouldn't consider it an argument at all.

[Mikoh4792]

Why? Who are you to question his personal beliefs. And try yo draw him into an argument? This isn't about just some stupid notion or misinformation. It is about his personal belief system, something the rules say we are not to argue. I understand that you don't believe in a a spiritual belief system but that is really irrelevant to this forum .

The argument El-Ziggy and I were having was not about spirituality. We were talking about reptiles so I would say our discussion was relevant.

If I had to put it in quotes, the question we were arguing would be " Can reptiles feel love ?". Do you think arguing that point would be violating anyone's right to their personal belief? I don't think so. It's just a topic for debate and as shown, El-Ziggy and I argued in a civil manner.

If someone is going to say " All sentient beings can feel love", I am going to question them as to how they know such a thing. There's nothing wrong with that.

[Mikoh4792]

Besides one of the purposes for a forum is to have debate. A debate will always include personal beliefs and biases when two sides disagree on a topic.

[Mikoh4792]

It's all good brother. I enjoyed my discussion with Mikoh. I think we both respect each others POV, we just look at things a little differently, and that's perfectly fine. I wouldn't consider it an argument at all.

Yup we see things differently and was just having a short argument. Nothing even that serious. We agreed to disagree and left it at that.

[EL Ziggy]

See what YOU started Mikoh!? J/K, it takes two to tango :). I told you we were going to get in trouble! ;)

[kwhitlock]

My snakes show me they love me, because they give me kisses that make me bleed and hugs that I cant get away from....

True snake love! ;)

[bigsnakegirl785]

Any sentient being can feel love on some level. I don't love my animals with the expectation or requirement that they love me back.Even without the gift of higher intelligence I'm amazed and fascinated by many animals, especially snakes. My pets are a BIG part of my life, they bring me great joy, and I believe they deserve to be called by a unique name rather than just being "it's".

Yup, this right here. Just because snakes don't have or show emotion doesn't mean I'm going put a dog or a cat above them. They are all equal in my mind, and they are a part of my family in that they are my responsibility and I care for them. I'm not going to put my snakes above my immediate family, but I'm also going to do as much as I possibly can for them.

[psychocircus]

In my case, and I believe many other herpers' as well, interest is showed in a species more often than an individual animal.
Of course there will always be certain animals with sentimental value, but when you are shopping for a dog you will look through a variety of options and look at different dogs, play with them, etc.
If you want an albino retic, you go and find an albino retic breeder.

[TheZoo]

i think the snakes listen better then the dogs.... all joking aisde they get a name i usally dont use them everytime...ofton names like chubby snake get used when i talk to them or about them...

[Snakefood]

All my snakes have names, except my 2 rescued Corns, who I am trying to find new homes for, and any babies produced that I do not intend on keeping. The rescues and babies for sale should be named by their new people (at least I think so!!)

[Teal]

I name all my pets, from dogs to tarantulas. I get worried when a name doesn't come to me for a new animal, because I take it as a sign that the animal isn't going to fit in.