Not new, just new here

[possum]

I've been keeping snakes for years and still enjoy my slithery roommates, as well as chatting with others who feel the same about theirs, & sharing tips.

I've bred some kinds in the past but don't anymore...too much temptation to keep just one or two more, LOL! and then there's finding good new owners for them too.

Despite hating public speaking, I've done educational programs with my snakes too...it's so much fun to see people change their minds about snakes, & realize they are beautiful & not all that scary.

Currently I have one larger snake, a boa (BCI) that I've had for 12 of her 13 years, and various ratsnakes, some rosy boas, a spotted python & a Texas longnose (that eats f/t fuzzies & is about 10 years old). My oldest snake is my Bairds ratsnake...he is 22 years old and long-retired from meeting the public.

[possum]

BTW, I do have a fair amount of experience with rattlesnakes (20 safe years) though I no longer keep any. (yes I miss them!) I got into snakes accidentally when I moved to the desert long ago, & that quickly turned into rescuing/relocating those that were unwelcome in peoples yards or houses...most of those were rattlesnakes. Those in bad shape that seemed unlikely to survive a new location stayed... I would never capture any snake just to "have" it as I feel they deserve a 'life' too.

[Donnie]

Hello and welcome

[possum]

Thanks Donnie...I'm so glad to see members from all over the globe here...it keeps things interesting. Many years ago (when I was new to snakes & the dinosaurs roamed) I subscribed to a British publication called "Snake Keeper" (-I think? but they quit publishing after a while.) Anyway, it was written by the subscribers submitting articles, up close & personal experiences. It's a little faster this way, online.

[Hurrok]

Welcome to the forum! You should post some pictures of your beauties :) I'm impressed with how long you have kept your snakes, not a lot of people can make that commitment.

[possum]

Thanks Hurrok...I got into snakes about 26+ years ago, and I guess I'm not creative enough to think up a new hobby? (ROFL) My Baird's ratsnake is positively geriatric...I'm really surprised he is still 'here'....he needs a little help to eat. (I have to guide food well back into his mouth...otherwise he drops it & is too uncoordinated to eat, even though he clearly wants to?) One of my rattlesnakes was about 25 years when he passed of old age...but his age is my best-guess, as he was a w/c adult, then owned for a couple years by a guy who didn't want him any more; he was mine for 17 years. I could tell, in his last year, that age was catching up to him, but he was never like my Bairds is.

[Pirarucu]

Welcome aboard!

[Trent]

hi and welcome!