need information for my son any helep would be appreciated

[frustrated mom]

hi...my son is doing a report on the angolian python...but all i can find is information on the angolan and anglolan pythons.i don't even know the difference between the 3..nothing on the angolian python...hes looking for general information...like length area found in...how u would care for one..species name ....that sort of stuff ...any information would be appreciated..we have been searching...a distant friend and a few conservationists have given my 4 year old this challenge..and if he can get the info required they will set him up with a rescue snake and all the equipment..please anything would be appreciated any info...we honestly don't have much money and our son loves snakes he watches videos and looks at pics all day...this is probably the only chance hell have to own one for awhile... so please any info u know on the angolian python or where we could find the info would be greatly appreciated and would make a young kids dream of getting his first snake come true..its all we hear about is how he wants a snake...lol he makes his own little habitats and pretends with a lego or clay snake he has made pretending he owns an actual one

[frustrated mom]

sorry if this double posts but it said it didn't work the first time...i really need information on the angolian python...all we can find is info on the angolan and anglolan pythons..my son was asked to do a basic report on the angolian python scientific name, length habitat care, where they originate that type of info...well my son if 4 he was asked to do this by a friend and his conservationist friends..my son has a month to get the info for them if he does they will give him a rescue ball python and full setup...we don't have alot of money so this is his opportunity for at least a few years to get a snake...my son loves snakes he goes and plays with our friends ball..he watches vids and pics all day long..his favorite thing to play it to make clay or lego snakes set them up in habitats and pretend they r real and he has to care for them.....so any info anyone has would greatly be appreciated...or at least what the difference is or where i could start looking to get the information...please and thank u...i want to make my sons dream of getting his first snake come true and they have it all set up for him to recieve he just needs to get the information for his report for them and yes i know as a parent i shouldn't be doing it for him but hes 4 he cant even read yet ...so it will basically be me finding the info and teaching him the info...please help extremely frustrated

[infernalis]

sSnakeSs.com - Rules (http://www.ssnakess.com/index.php?page=rules)

http://www.varanid.us/mat.jpg

[CameronVarnish]

They are all the same snake. Here is a care sheet: Angolan Python Care and breeding | Premier Morphs (http://premier-morphs.co.uk/articles/angolan-python-care-and-breeding/)

However, I do NOT think a 4 year old should take care of a snake. It is harder than you think, and it would be terrible for the snake to die. Also, there is ALWAYS a risk involved. For your safety and the snakes, I would wait until he is AT LEAST 6 years older.

[Detroitboa13]

Cameron, you are 15 years old. I am sure the original poster is fully aware of the risk involved in any child handling a snake. As far as your ignorant comment about "the snake could die" isn't the entire point of her thread obtaining information about the proper husbandry and care for said python?

In my opinion I applaud you frustratedmom for seeking out information for your son to have a snake. I got into snakes when I was 4 years old and even though I was not allowed to be the sole caregiver for the snake I certainly learned a ton just from helping clean the cage, feed, and observe the behavior of the snake. Because of my experience at such a young age I have just that much more experience with snakes.

As far as risk...there is risk in owning ANY pet. Risk of bite, risk of parasites etc. As long as you are mindful and knowledgeable of the animal you are keeping you will be fine. I wish you the absolute best of luck with your child's project and look forward to updates.

[Aaron_S]

sorry if this double posts but it said it didn't work the first time...i really need information on the angolian python...all we can find is info on the angolan and anglolan pythons..my son was asked to do a basic report on the angolian python scientific name, length habitat care, where they originate that type of info...well my son if 4 he was asked to do this by a friend and his conservationist friends..my son has a month to get the info for them if he does they will give him a rescue ball python and full setup...we don't have alot of money so this is his opportunity for at least a few years to get a snake...my son loves snakes he goes and plays with our friends ball..he watches vids and pics all day long..his favorite thing to play it to make clay or lego snakes set them up in habitats and pretend they r real and he has to care for them.....so any info anyone has would greatly be appreciated...or at least what the difference is or where i could start looking to get the information...please and thank u...i want to make my sons dream of getting his first snake come true and they have it all set up for him to recieve he just needs to get the information for his report for them and yes i know as a parent i shouldn't be doing it for him but hes 4 he cant even read yet ...so it will basically be me finding the info and teaching him the info...please help extremely frustrated

Angolan pythons is what you're looking for. The rest are just typos.

They are very similar to ball pythons.

[JonahTakalua]

I also don't think a 4 year old should have a snake. And it is very possible it could die.

[Detroitboa13]

Jesus. Did this turn into an "lets all give our approval weather or not to let HER son have a snake" thread? I don't think so. I am VERY positive it does not state that she is looking for the peanut gallery's opinion. Plenty of adults kill off snakes including members of this very forum so please people keep the IGNORANT comments to your self.

[Detroitboa13]

frustratedmom my 4 year old daughter keeps an adult corn snake that is over 5 feet long. She has had the snake since she was 3. The snake is the pinnacle of a healthy snake and the only assistance I offer her is when she handles the snake or needs my help offering the prey. It has taught her responsibility not only with animals but with all other aspects of her life. Like I have stated before as long as you understand the proper care and husbandry you and your child with be in good shape. After all if you are responsible enough to join a snake forum to obtain formation about this then I am sure you are up to the task of assisting.

It amazes me how dense some people can be. Like she is going to make her child the SOLE caretaker of a snake, get real people.

[Sharlynn93]

my step-kids are VERY into our snake care...they have extensively researched species we have no intention of even getting..every time they are here they tell us what they have learned over the past 10 days...they are 9 and 10...and they have been doing this for 2 years now...as long as the parents are the actual "caregivers" I see no reason why a child cannot "have" a snake...as long as said parents can support the care involved...i.e feeding, heating, enclosures, etc...

[EL Ziggy]

My son is 4 and he helps take care of our three, soon to be four, snakes. He changes their water, heats the mice with a hair dryer at feeding time, and helps me clean cages once a month. He's also very comfortable handling them. Adult supervision is definitely required for these tasks but I'm grooming him now so he can do these things by himself as he gets older. I definitely don't think 4 is too young to introduce a child to snakes, the parents just have to be prepared for the responsibility too. Do your research on the snake you plan to get and you'll be fine. Best wishes.

[frustrated mom]

thank u...yes he wants on in return for the report he is recieveing a well started ball python...it is already really good with children and used to being handled ...and i will be the main onre to care for it ..hell help of course..and if there r any problems i have a network of snake rescue places and avid snake owners and alwasy the forum to ask...thank u so much for ur help ...i didnt know they were all the same just typos,,,makes finding the information so much easier...thank u everyone

[frustrated mom]

the reason the person wants a reporty on angolan pythons is he is getting one soon to add to his extensive collection.and he hadss been talking to my so and showing him pics of his various burms retics and venomus snakes...he knows my son wants one so he got together with his freinds who run rescue centers they r trying to learn more about the snake and he knows how much my son wants one..so they found a ball at one of the rescue centers his freind run that they think would be a perfect fit and will throw in full cage setup and food for awhile....just to clarify im not getting him an angolan for hs first snake..e will be recieving a ball.he is already used to them my freind owns one and he loves to go over to her house to help her care for it.plus he spends all day watching vidoes on how to care for snakes just to see the snakes..he loves watching the videos of cage setups then telling me what he thinks they r doing wrong what he would do different or what he likes..he is fairly knowledgeable about the subject and can tell u by looking at the food and the snake if its too small or big...i think getting him one would be a great experience for him and he has an awsome network of people to heklp him out if he needs it on here and thru facebook..and thank u i so didnt know they were the same..so less frustrated..thank u...

[CosmicOwl]

frustratedmom my 4 year old daughter keeps an adult corn snake that is over 5 feet long. She has had the snake since she was 3. The snake is the pinnacle of a healthy snake and the only assistance I offer her is when she handles the snake or needs my help offering the prey. It has taught her responsibility not only with animals but with all other aspects of her life. Like I have stated before as long as you understand the proper care and husbandry you and your child with be in good shape. After all if you are responsible enough to join a snake forum to obtain formation about this then I am sure you are up to the task of assisting.

It amazes me how dense some people can be. Like she is going to make her child the SOLE caretaker of a snake, get real people.

No offense dude, but you should cool it.

[Detroitboa13]

Cool what exactly, dude? Unless you have personally overseen a child taking care of an animal you have absolute no business saying ignorant things like "the snake will die" or anything of the sort. I am passionate about bringing correct information to new or soon to be snake owners because of people who make comments like the ones above scare them off by saying ignorant things. I used no profanity I did not make any untrue statements and I did not attack anyone, just their comments.

Please show me in the rules and guidelines where it says I cannot challenge another users comments when they have neither the experience nor the knowledge to back their statements. Thank you. Class dismissed.

[Detroitboa13]

If I were new to snakes and had a similar issue as the original poster I would not pursue my child's dream to own their own snake due to the comments on this thread. This raises huge issue with me because the ones making these statements have absolutely no clue what they are talking about and are speaking out of ignorance.

[CosmicOwl]

Cool what exactly, dude? Unless you have personally overseen a child taking care of an animal you have absolute no business saying ignorant things like "the snake will die" or anything of the sort. I am passionate about bringing correct information to new or soon to be snake owners because of people who make comments like the ones above scare them off by saying ignorant things. I used no profanity I did not make any untrue statements and I did not attack anyone, just their comments.

Please show me in the rules and guidelines where it says I cannot challenge another users comments when they have neither the experience nor the knowledge to back their statements. Thank you. Class dismissed.

You're going to be one of those posters, aren't you? Somebody who reacts to everything with overblown intensity and aggression. No, you didn't use profanity, but you did attack CameronVarnish's comment with unnecessary hostility. It's not helpful in any way. But somehow I doubt you're posting to be helpful in any way.

[Detroitboa13]

What part of use private message was unclear to you? I am one of those posters that really dislikes people who speak out of ignorance. I attacked cameronvarnish's comment because he obviously is too young to have kids so exactly how would he know what age is idea to start keeping snakes. As far as it being helpful I think that nipping unfounded comments in the bud is extremely helpful as it could determine weather or not this person decides to take stock in all of our hobby.

Speaking of being helpful what role do you play in this thread again? Defending people who have no idea of what they are talking about? Right.

[Detroitboa13]

and once again, I did not attack cameronvarnish personally. I attacked his comment. Please read and understand the posts before commenting.

[Detroitboa13]

I have said my peace. Have a nice day.

[CosmicOwl]

What part of use private message was unclear to you? I am one of those posters that really dislikes people who speak out of ignorance. I attacked cameronvarnish's comment because he obviously is too young to have kids so exactly how would he know what age is idea to start keeping snakes. As far as it being helpful I think that nipping unfounded comments in the bud is extremely helpful as it could determine weather or not this person decides to take stock in all of our hobby.

Speaking of being helpful what role do you play in this thread again? Defending people who have no idea of what they are talking about? Right.

If you wanted to have this discussion in private form, then why do you keep responding to me in this thread?

As for what role I played in this discussion, I'm merely trying to make this place less hostile to everyone involved. I didn't say you had to stop posting, I only suggested you stop being so aggressive. Why couldn't you have simply expressed your opinion in a less hostile manner and without insulting the intelligence of other posters?

And even though Frustrated Mom didn't ask for advice, at least one piece of information in the OP warrants it in my opinion. She said that they don't have a lot of money. The snake will be given to her with caging and equipment, but what about the cost of food, or medical care for the snake if it becomes sick? Whether the OP asked for this information is irrelevant to the fact that it is very important for her to consider.

[Detroitboa13]

I'm sorry. Next time I will attach a picture of a flower after I challenge the intelligence of another member. I couldn't have expressed my EXPEREINCE in a different manor because the other words for "ignorant" are considered "swear "words. Stating that a comment is ignorant is not aggressive nor hostile. It is simply a descriptive word for someone who makes a remark that is not factual.

As far as the money issue I have limited funds also, many people do. I support my animals just fine. I breed my own food and I make sure my animals do not get sick of the point of going to the vet, but if they happen to contract an illness I utilize community vet resources so if I am able to do it so can they. Any other topics you wish to discuss? I can do this all day.

[Detroitboa13]

I feel like at this point you are examining every comment I make with a microscope so please once you have any valid points to make I'd be happy to discuss.

[Aaron_S]

I thought you said your piece?

[Detroitboa13]

I thought you said your piece?

fair enough.

[KORBIN5895]

I couldn't have expressed my EXPEREINCE in a different manor because the other words for "ignorant" are considered "swear "words.

Speaking of ignorant, the word you are looking for is manner. I can tell by your uneducated response that your vocabulary is very limited because you are unlearned, dense, misinformed or just witless. See what I did there? I called you ignorant without swearing by using words that mean the same or synonyms. You are dismissed from class now.

@op
I personally think it's great that you are helping to fulfil your child's dream just make sure youare will to take over the responsibility if his inteinterest disappears. I also would consider a garter or a corn snake as their husbandry is bomb proof and a trip to the vet would be highly unlikely.

[Detroitboa13]

Haha, so you caught a grammar error. Congrats. However that is far cry from having solid evidence of my intelligence. Also, please show me where I used ANY swear words. It was a cute effort but you still remain the village idiot.

Why don't you go play with your friends. If you have any.

[KORBIN5895]

Haha, so you caught a grammar error congrats But are far c from having solid evidence of my intelligence. Also, please show me where I used ANY swear words. It was a cute effort but you still remain the village idiot.

Why don't you go play with your friends. If you have any.

I called you ignorant because you claimed to be incapable of using a word other than ignorant without swearing. You are the one that claimed to have the limited vocabulary and and used the wrong homonym or words that sound the same.

Your true ignorance is how you treated that 15 year old when if you followed his posts he is learning and doesn't claim to be an expert BUT you sure showed him.

[Detroitboa13]

You know Korbin, maybe I misspoke. Perhaps I should have said there isn't a more fitting word than ignorant. I have not once mentioned anything about vocabulary. Perhaps you should READ a post before making a complete fool of yourself. A 15 year old does not have any idea of the pros or cons of letting a child help raise a snake. Maybe he is trying to learn more and that's great however he put his opinion in the mix while not stating it was an opinion. Once again. It's cute but you fall short yet again.

If you don't play well with stupid people how do you live with yourself? If you are incapable of reading something as simple as a thread how on earth do you even consider yourself bright let alone intelligent. You have misquoted me by saying I was pushing vocabulary lessons so get your facts right first. You are not NEARLY as smart as you think you are bud. You would be a great editor...but that's about it.

[CosmicOwl]

I'm sorry. Next time I will attach a picture of a flower after I challenge the intelligence of another member. I couldn't have expressed my EXPEREINCE in a different manor because the other words for "ignorant" are considered "swear "words. Stating that a comment is ignorant is not aggressive nor hostile. It is simply a descriptive word for someone who makes a remark that is not factual.

As far as the money issue I have limited funds also, many people do. I support my animals just fine. I breed my own food and I make sure my animals do not get sick of the point of going to the vet, but if they happen to contract an illness I utilize community vet resources so if I am able to do it so can they. Any other topics you wish to discuss? I can do this all day.


Oh you! You're so clever and edgy!

Nobody is asking you to sugar coat your opinion or hold people by the hand I only suggest that you not be a complete *** when criticizing the opinions of others. Also, I'm sure you can do this all day, because I doubt you have anything better to do. You seem to be one of those posters who doesn't come to a forum to learn or to help others. Rather, you merely wish to grace us with your "superior intellect" and your vast knowledge of reptile husbandry, by tearing down the comments of anybody you disagree with.

And don't flatter yourself, I'm not examining your posts with a microscope. I don't need to. Your hypocrisy and hubris could be seen from space.

[infernalis]

Are you people even capable of having a conversation anymore???

I guess it's time to adopt a zero tolerance, tenure means nothing...

Next snippy remark gets the ban hammer, I am tired of it.

[Aaron_S]

Soooooooooo angolan pythons are awesome.

Similar care to ball pythons but apparently I have heard they tend to be semi aboreal and need a set up similar to a carpet python in that regard.

Also, I think they look way cooler than normal ball pythons.

[KORBIN5895]

My buddy may be giving me one.....

[Terranaut]

Omg another one of these threads :(

I see nothing wrong with getting a child a pet given that mom and dad keep the amount of care appropriate to the age of the child. A 4yr old isn't going to do to much but it should still be positive and enriching even if they are not doing much of the care. Young ages are great to teach kids about the value of life and care needed. Responsibility will follow.

[aRepDysfunction]

Soooooooooo angolan pythons are awesome.

Similar care to ball pythons but apparently I have heard they tend to be semi aboreal and need a set up similar to a carpet python in that regard.

Also, I think they look way cooler than normal ball pythons.

angolans are on my wish list for sure, maybe sometime next year if i can find room.

[CameronVarnish]

Thank you Cosmic Owl & Korbin for understanding my point of view.
And to DetroitBoa, my point wasn't that he shouldn't get the snake, it would just be that he doesn't take care of the snake by himself.

[LiL Zap]

I got my first (and only) snake when I was 10 years old. I did my own research whether it was getting a snake book from the library to using the Internet whenever I could. I pretty much taught myself how to raise a snake and to this day, she is healthy with no problems whatsoever.

A ball python is a good starter snake. Just PLEASE do extensive research before it comes to your home. Remember...a snake isn't a puppy or kitten. Your son can't walk around with the snake constantly because they can get stressed from over handling and refuse to eat.

Good luck! :)

[Aaron_S]

angolans are on my wish list for sure, maybe sometime next year if i can find room.

Most of the time, only sold as a pair! $2500 I THINK I was quoted for the pair...if not each...

How's your business by the way?

[CameronVarnish]

Angolan Python for Sale (http://www.backwaterreptiles.com/pythons/angolan-python-for-sale.html)
they have a male for 500. would't order from backwater though, they have BAD reviews. And I mean BAD.

[Aaron_S]

Angolan Python for Sale (http://www.backwaterreptiles.com/pythons/angolan-python-for-sale.html)
they have a male for 500. would't order from backwater though, they have BAD reviews. And I mean BAD.

1. So why even post the ad?

2. Canada is different than the States. It would cost me an additional $1000 to import a pair of them so even if they were $500 a piece I'd be paying $2000 roughly anyway.

Just easier to buy up here for the additional $500 if need be.

[CameronVarnish]

1. So why even post the ad?

2. Canada is different than the States. It would cost me an additional $1000 to import a pair of them so even if they were $500 a piece I'd be paying $2000 roughly anyway.

Just easier to buy up here for the additional $500 if need be.

I wasn't posting it for someone to buy it, I was posting to show the price of one. Therefore, I didn't think it mattered to worry about shipping costs.

[Aaron_S]

I wasn't posting it for someone to buy it, I was posting to show the price of one. Therefore, I didn't think it mattered to worry about shipping costs.

Shipping costs matter when posting prices to Canadians and the ad is from the US....

What do we care what the price is down there when it costs an additional $1000 to ship?

To be honest, the price I quoted was from the show a few months ago.

Here, I was correct, it was for the pair as the guy from the show said he got his from this breeder.

Latest Pythons | Don Patterson Reptiles (http://donpreptiles.com/latest-pythons)

[aRepDysfunction]

Most of the time, only sold as a pair! $2500 I THINK I was quoted for the pair...if not each...

How's your business by the way?

good and bad, shortly after i started up we were robbed and lost that beauty ghost you sold us. Then a brick and mortar store opened. I still have my business licence but i mostly just do little arrangements on the side. I am importing some stuff though and working on a website and youtube channel, breaking into the blue tongue skink market in force too. Love those guys.

[Aaron_S]

good and bad, shortly after i started up we were robbed and lost that beauty ghost you sold us. Then a brick and mortar store opened. I still have my business licence but i mostly just do little arrangements on the side. I am importing some stuff though and working on a website and youtube channel, breaking into the blue tongue skink market in force too. Love those guys.

Cool. Good luck in that market. It has never been steady up here from what I have seen.

[aRepDysfunction]

Cool. Good luck in that market. It has never been steady up here from what I have seen.

im working almost full time from home, so it is just a side project, not looking to get rich off of it, just trying to produce some awesome animals for people to enjoy.

[frustrated mom]

thank u guys for ur concern....i have vets who specalize in snakes i can get ahold of if needed...when i meant funds r limited i meant i dont have 600 to go drop on snake and setup....as far as food my son s goin to be givin a year supply ..plus my freind breeds them and said no prob on helping with a good food supply...and yes he has researched it extensivly and so have we..its not something we have entered lightly...we have been researching balls for almost 2 years and have introduced him to freinds that have balls so he knows what to expect...he even reminds the owners when we go over to wash hands before and after...i appreciate the concern but yes we can take care of vet and food an the electric it uses...and we have researched extensively..a freind was goin to use sand for substrate my son chewed him oyut for 10 min on how it can get under the scales and cause problem and insisted he buy the approved subsrate ...preferably the cedar cuz it smells better..but thats his opimon..he even added to the reind they make a cork one that is similar to sand but safe for snakes u can get that instead.if u use sand i not speak to u ever again...so no worries we have done our research on it..and have calculated in the costs of upkeep of a snake....

[aRepDysfunction]

I am going to be the polite one on this one, cedar substrates can cause serious damage to snakes and other reptiles. i am hoping that you meant either aspen or cypress.

[CosmicOwl]

I am going to be the polite one on this one, cedar substrates can cause serious damage to snakes and other reptiles. i am hoping that you meant either aspen or cypress.

Also, I pretty it's a myth that you shouldn't keep snakes on sand due to it getting under their scales. I'm probably possible that sand could get under a scale, but I don't think it happens often. Pure sand would probably be bad for various other reasons, but a lot of people use the sand/soil mixture without issue.

For something that is a complete anecdote, my corn snakes scales have looked shinier and nicer since switching from aspen to dirt. The dust you get from a lot of bedding is probably worse the the potential risk of getting sand under a scale.

[Terranaut]

Cedar and pine can be toxic to reptiles. Do not use them.

[Aaron_S]

thank u guys for ur concern....i have vets who specalize in snakes i can get ahold of if needed...when i meant funds r limited i meant i dont have 600 to go drop on snake and setup....as far as food my son s goin to be givin a year supply ..plus my freind breeds them and said no prob on helping with a good food supply...and yes he has researched it extensivly and so have we..its not something we have entered lightly...we have been researching balls for almost 2 years and have introduced him to freinds that have balls so he knows what to expect...he even reminds the owners when we go over to wash hands before and after...i appreciate the concern but yes we can take care of vet and food an the electric it uses...and we have researched extensively..a freind was goin to use sand for substrate my son chewed him oyut for 10 min on how it can get under the scales and cause problem and insisted he buy the approved subsrate ...preferably the cedar cuz it smells better..but thats his opimon..he even added to the reind they make a cork one that is similar to sand but safe for snakes u can get that instead.if u use sand i not speak to u ever again...so no worries we have done our research on it..and have calculated in the costs of upkeep of a snake....

You should double check all the research done. I am really liking the enthusiasm of your son but I don't know what they teach in school in regards to how to differentiate between good and bad sources.

You should do more research and sift through it for more advice.

For ball pythons, aspen, cypress, cocohusk,eco earth, paper towel, newspaper are all great substrates to use. I personally have used each one with my ball pythons and all have their pros and cons but currently I stick with newspaper/paper towel as it's just easier for me.

I would shy away from any other wood bedding.

[frustrated mom]

yes i ment cypress sorry...that is the one my son wants to use...i count think of the name that late..lol i had brain shut down nd yes we r continuing to do research u can never do enough
he isnt in school yet...hess very excited about starting next year

[Hyokenseisou]

Right, because kids shouldn't handle snakes...
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1/q75/s720x720/988791_428494310617710_696329489_n.jpg
(A child at an event dealing with my 6'3" guyana boa just fine, he was respectful, gentle, and calm; he loved Bear.)

I've seen plenty of kids this age, younger, or older, handle snakes JUST fine without then dropping dead. I also know plenty of friends, breeders, enthusiasts with kids of all ages handle snakes, sometimes better than the parent and they're all just fine. Some people grow up around that and so they know how to handle them. Now I wouldn't suggest a 4 yr old handling a hot herp.... But that's just suggested for anyone, at least not without EXTREME precaution and care.
I say, good on ya for letting your son be exposed to herps. I understand that it just isn't for everyone, some people have true phobias and can't get over it no matter what, but exposed and education is key to understanding the mysterious and beautiful.

[aRepDysfunction]

dude no one here was debating the benefit of exposing them to herps, or letting them touch, learn or play with them. The concern is with letting someone so young adopt one as a pet when said pet will potentially still be around after the kid is done college.

I have a few young nephews, i try to buy them gifts and by the time i have delivered them gifts, they are on to their next obsession.