Help with Next Snake! - Page 3

StudentoReptile · 08-16-14, 03:57 PM

For the OP, this is my thoughts (reposted from another thread):

Our society just had a presentation on "Beginner Herps." In fact, that is why I created 4 different threads (lizards, turtles, amphibians, snakes), just because I wanted to see what people would say. In short, I think it is hard for us veteran herpers to step outside the box and evaluate what would really be the best starter ______, because we've kept most of them, and know (or think we know) everything about them.

A beginner coming into the hobby, we have to assume, knows nothing. That's not an attack on anyone personally, but its the truth. We can say "Well, if you do your research, ____ would make a good choice." Well, that's kind of an oxymoron. Most beginners do NOT do any research before getting the animal, so that really narrows down the choices. You want to suggest something simple, that few people can screw up.
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I was very surprised on how many people suggested carpet pythons for beginners. In short, they do get fairly large, and they can be snappy (or at least cage-aggressive).

I recommend something native to the OP's area, and easy: a ratsnake, cornsnake (do they have corns in Michigan?) or a kingsnake. The reason I suggest this is because: exit strategy. If you get bored with it, you can let the thing go. No "I gotta rehome this because of ____. I need it gone asap!" etc etc etc.

I also suggest getting the beginner herp, keep it for a year and don't get anything else. We all know herps are addicting, but this mentality often leads to a mini-hoarder situation. We've all done it. We get something, but every trip to the reptile show, we bring home more, and within a matter of months, you got a roomful of herps. Many people get overwhelmed shortly after, and those herps start popping up on local classifieds ads. Get ONE snake, keep it for a year to show you are dedicated to it.

Some of you scoff, and are probably rolling your eyes, but our rescue group, and several foster homes are filled with ball pythons, corn snakes, carpet pythons and boas....all of which were "beginners" where the previous owner only had for a few months.
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In your case, I'm not attacking or commenting on your parenting either. Just sharing thoughts. Personally, it sounds like you have enough snakes.

Here's my question: how long have you had the ones you already possess? It sounds like your daughter is getting bored with those and wants something "cooler." Is that right? Sorry for presuming, but if this is the case. I suggest not getting any more and let her be satisfied with Blaze and the others. If this is just a boredom/whim issue, is that a real reason to keep adding to the menagerie?

Mikoh4792 · 08-16-14, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StudentoReptile

Here's my question: how long have you had the ones you already possess? It sounds like your daughter is getting bored with those and wants something "cooler." Is that right? Sorry for presuming, but if this is the case. I suggest not getting any more and let her be satisfied with Blaze and the others. If this is just a boredom/whim issue, is that a real reason to keep adding to the menagerie?

It's for her other daughter. Each daughter get's a snake.

NewSAHSnakeMom · 08-17-14, 05:12 AM

Blaze is my other daughter's snake it was her bday present. Plus a way to teach responsibility, and how to to care for another living being. We also use the animals as study objects in home school. He is our only pet right now. No, final decision has been made on my oldest daughter's pet yet her birthday isn't until October and she by far the more difficult of the two because she's harder to persuade. We have put limitations on her choices, they must come from our local pet store and not cost us a security deposit ($500 non refundable) so she will no be getting a GTP! Our pet store doesn't carry them. I apologize again for the problems I caused. I am not sure what my daughter will end up with but it will be taken great care of that is given. I'm not a new pet owner. I'm only new to snakes. I love my daughters Blaise's Blaze as much as she does and I'm thankful my landlords allow small caged animals as no charge. My depression would be much worse without a critter around to talk to. We will however be stopping at two! I have enough to do as a stay at home mom and home school teacher! Two pets is all I can handle to keep up with, I know this. (See I can be calm and think things through when stable lol) I really hate this disease!

StudentoReptile · 08-17-14, 07:27 AM

Understood. I didn't catch the part that you had 2 daughters [shows me for not reading sigs!]

Thoughts and prayers going out for your depression, and good luck on the search for her next B-day gift.

**EL Ziggy** · 08-17-14, 09:03 AM

I feel you Amy. My animals help a lot with calming my anxieties. Keeping them helps me stay Zen. Hang in there sister. Best wishes

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NewSAHSnakeMom · 08-18-14, 06:42 AM

She chose to learn Archery instead. She's been asking for awhile now and since she couldn't decide on a pet we got her a cheap bow and some arrows to see if she'll even enjoy it, if so when her birthday gets here she will get a good bow. She has a deep love for animals but the problem was she kept wanting things out of what we felt she couldn't really handle. She even asked for a king cobra, emperor scorpion and pink toed tarantula. She's going to be a handful as a teen! I should start meditating for strength now! I'm gonna need it!

Moreau · 08-18-14, 12:11 PM

That is super cool! I always wanted to learn archery. And fencing!

If she does change her mind about the snake, I have to disagree with all the comments made in this thread about carpet pythons. They make EXCELLENT beginner snakes. They are super hardy, beautiful, semi-arboreal, really great eaters and can be so docile. Plus they are fun to handle. Most of my carpets are gentle enough to be handled by my 4 and 5 year old sons. If you get one from a reputable breeder, then can help you pick out a really calm one. I can't think of a better beginner snake. They come in so many types and patterns too.

NewSAHSnakeMom · 08-18-14, 04:17 PM

Good to know, I'm sure some one in this house will want another snake eventually. My husband is already talking about "his" snake since Blaze tends to use him as a restroom. But it makes cleaning up after him so much easier and the tank stays nice and clean. I have yet to find poo in the enclosure, I think he saves it up special for him. We've even done a full clean and found nothing! I try really really hard not to laugh! I'm not supposed to even like them and he'll let me get him out with a problem. He settles down quickly, not musking, no pooing. I don't get it?

Mikoh4792 · 08-18-14, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewSAHSnakeMom

Good to know, I'm sure some one in this house will want another snake eventually. My husband is already talking about "his" snake since Blaze tends to use him as a restroom. But it makes cleaning up after him so much easier and the tank stays nice and clean. I have yet to find poo in the enclosure, I think he saves it up special for him. We've even done a full clean and found nothing! I try really really hard not to laugh! I'm not supposed to even like them and he'll let me get him out with a problem. He settles down quickly, not musking, no pooing. I don't get it?

You must have the magic touch lol. I guess snakes tolerate interaction and handling on an individual basis. Some people may be gentler/rougher on others, or it could do with scent...etc.

NewSAHSnakeMom · 08-18-14, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikoh4792

You must have the magic touch lol. I guess snakes tolerate interaction and handling on an individual basis. Some people may be gentler/rougher on others, or it could do with scent...etc.

I think I'm slower, my husband has ADHD so he fidgets a lot, less patience I guess. Maybe the snake is trying to lull me into a false sense of security until he's big enough to eat me? He does also hunt me when he's hungry!