Hello! I'm new and eager to learn!

[New2Noodles]

Hi there! I'm Trinity, and I'm a teen with a growing interest in snakes, Ball Pythons specifically. For a LOONNG time I was researching and looking into parrots, but I've come to the realization that I just don't have the time to spend the 4+ hours daily that a parrot needs. I stumbled across an article on Ball Pythons and it was actually really interesting! I've never considered myself a reptile person, due to an intense dislike of crickets and other bugs, but I have no qualms about feeding dead mice and rats. They seem to be really good pets for people like me who are already busy between two dogs, sports, and school, and apparently most are even fine with being held! I have about 250$ saved, and plan to "penny pinch" on the tank by scouring Goodwills. However I couldn't afford any of the rarer mutations like ghost or piebald, but I want to go for a pastel anyways, as their bright colors really appeal to me.

The only obstacle is that my parents hate snakes. They've never had a bad experience with one, they are just like most misinformed people, thinking that even small constrictors like balls are dangerous and could strangle people and bite. It's not going to be too hard to convince them, but before I even mention wanting a snake I want to learn as much as possible and wait a few months to make sure I really still want one. After all, my only reptile experience is watching a friend's leopard geckos for a few weeks. My mom fed them due to crickets, but I was responsible for everything else.

That's why I've come here! I'm the type to research, and I want to learn as much as possible about the ins and outs of noodle care. It's nice to meet you all!