Snakes ARE affectionate

[SSSSnakes]

Take your snakes outside and turn them loose. If they love you they will return.

[EL Ziggy]

Originally Posted by SSSSnakes

Take your snakes outside and turn them loose. If they love you they will return.

^^My sentiments exactly.^^

[Sylphie]

Imo some snakes are really calm, inquisitive and don't mind being handled, even for hours. They'll crawl, curl and watch humans and everything just because they are curious and really calm and confident. They can also recognize the smell of one person or get used to woman/man hands... but as eminart said they can't love someone, they just not that type of animal, they don't mate for life like some of the birds or mammals, they don't have complicated structure of the herd like rats etc.
And SSSSnakes is right, dogs, cats, horses, rats or some birds (and a lot of other animals) will make a bond with their keeper, and if turned loose they will come back. Snakes will just go ahead and quickly disappear.

[Aaron_S]

I'm watching this thread closely!

[millertime89]

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

I'm watching this thread closely!

Same here...

[reptiledude987]

Originally Posted by millertime89

Same here...

So am I and laughing my a$$ off the whole way through.

I think one of the most relevant posts on the thread was in refrence to the old addage "if you love it set it free. If it comes back then it loves you too." Which is not at all advisable but would prove the point.

I'm quite sure you wouldnt be willing to put this to the test because 99.9% of the time you would never see the animal again.

Further to the point there are animals that rear their young and mate for life ie. penguins. snakes do neither of these things which in its self should tell you right there the emotional attachment theyre capable of.

If they dont have an emotional connection with their offspring how would they have an emotional connection with you. If someone paid my rent Id appriceate it but wouldnt grieve their loss tha same way I would if I lost one of my children.

[sophiedufort]

Hey, guys, are you actually snake owners, or did you join this forum just for fun? You are acting as if snakes are worthless, brainless, heartless pets. If they are, why do you own them? Just for the thrill of it? Personally, I have snakes because I think they are wonderful animals, and I love seeing them behave a lot more decently than any other pet. And I do have heaps of other pets: ferrets, sugar gliders, chameleons and a dog.
I understand, of course, that opinions are divided on this topic, but I will forever argue that those who think that snakes cannot be affectionate are dead wrong. In most cases, the denial seems to come from people's inability to recognize the signs.
Someone said, in reply to this thread: "The very word "love" is a human construct used to explain biological adaptations that promote the spread of our genes." It is, in my view, the most cynical definition of 'love' that I ever read. We do no longer live in the ice age, for God's sake. But that's another topic, for another forum.
A dog wags his tail, barks, jumps of joy, licks your hand and does a million other things to express his love for you. A cat rubs against you. Sugar gliders bond for life. Ferrets love their play time more than they will ever care to display love, but they still do love their owner. Snakes don't have four paws, a tail to wag, and a voice to make loving sounds. They display their affection in a way that most people are unable to recognize and acknowledge, just because it is so different.
Of course, snakes will not come back if set loose. They are built that way. But that doesn't go against the fact that they are affectionate. You, guys, seem to think that affection is a pre-defined set of exhibited behaviors, and that, in order to qualify, all pre-requisites must be met. That's so wrong. Is like saying that your dog doesn't love you, because he doesn't wag his tail; instead, he only rests his head on your knee and licks your hand, but since not all conditions were met, that's not love.
I don't pretend to know snakes that well. But I do FEEL their love, and that says it all. In return, I treat them with the utmost care and affection and I make sure that they can feel it too. That's what makes a snake-human relationship worthwhile. If you own a snake just for the novelty or thrill of it, then you will never be able to understand what I mean.

[FWK]

Nobody has mentioned venomous yet Aaron, go whine elsewhere.

....

I just said venomous didn't I?

All good DDW. And yes, the same concept applies to lizards.

Yes, MDT, I understood you. You and I are in complete agreement on this and many other issues that arise on this forum. I often find myself nodding along as I read your posts.

Just to be clear, the suggestion to release the animals is purely sarcastic. To do so would be not only irresponsible but illegal.

[Aaron_S]

Originally Posted by sophiedufort

Hey, guys, are you actually snake owners, or did you join this forum just for fun? You are acting as if snakes are worthless, brainless, heartless pets. If they are, why do you own them? Just for the thrill of it? Personally, I have snakes because I think they are wonderful animals, and I love seeing them behave a lot more decently than any other pet. And I do have heaps of other pets: ferrets, sugar gliders, chameleons and a dog.
I understand, of course, that opinions are divided on this topic, but I will forever argue that those who think that snakes cannot be affectionate are dead wrong. In most cases, the denial seems to come from people's inability to recognize the signs.
Someone said, in reply to this thread: "The very word "love" is a human construct used to explain biological adaptations that promote the spread of our genes." It is, in my view, the most cynical definition of 'love' that I ever read. We do no longer live in the ice age, for God's sake. But that's another topic, for another forum.
A dog wags his tail, barks, jumps of joy, licks your hand and does a million other things to express his love for you. A cat rubs against you. Sugar gliders bond for life. Ferrets love their play time more than they will ever care to display love, but they still do love their owner. Snakes don't have four paws, a tail to wag, and a voice to make loving sounds. They display their affection in a way that most people are unable to recognize and acknowledge, just because it is so different.
Of course, snakes will not come back if set loose. They are built that way. But that doesn't go against the fact that they are affectionate. You, guys, seem to think that affection is a pre-defined set of exhibited behaviors, and that, in order to qualify, all pre-requisites must be met. That's so wrong. Is like saying that your dog doesn't love you, because he doesn't wag his tail; instead, he only rests his head on your knee and licks your hand, but since not all conditions were met, that's not love.
I don't pretend to know snakes that well. But I do FEEL their love, and that says it all. In return, I treat them with the utmost care and affection and I make sure that they can feel it too. That's what makes a snake-human relationship worthwhile. If you own a snake just for the novelty or thrill of it, then you will never be able to understand what I mean.

1. Please don't assume that because people differ from your opinion that they somehow "love" their animals less or care for them improperly.

2. Why did you come here and make this post if you're so adament about your views? Are you open to changing them or discussing them in a way that they may change? If not then seriously, why? To get a rise out of my forum?

Originally Posted by FWK

Nobody has mentioned venomous yet Aaron, go whine elsewhere.

....

I just said venomous didn't I?

All good DDW. And yes, the same concept applies to lizards.

Yes, MDT, I understood you. You and I are in complete agreement on this and many other issues that arise on this forum. I often find myself nodding along as I read your posts.

Just to be clear, the suggestion to release the animals is purely sarcastic. To do so would be not only irresponsible but illegal.

Huh? What am I whining about? I mentioned that I am watching this thread closely so everyone reading and participating know a moderator is already watching this as it can turn into something that we don't necessarly want on the forum any longer. If you have issue with this please let me know in a private message.

I will be quick to end heated discussion that has nothing to do with debate.

If you have an issue with me on a personal level you can private message me.

[lady_bug87]

hahaha I skimmed this thread for 2 seconds and saw the words snake parents, separation anxiety, and all kinds of other malarkey. I take very good care of my snakes and half of them would love nothing more to bite me multiple times.

Tolerance isn't love people.

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

1. Please don't assume that because people differ from your opinion that they somehow "love" their animals less or care for them improperly.

2. Why did you come here and make this post if you're so adament about your views? Are you open to changing them or discussing them in a way that they may change? If not then seriously, why? To get a rise out of my forum?



Huh? What am I whining about? I mentioned that I am watching this thread closely so everyone reading and participating know a moderator is already watching this as it can turn into something that we don't necessarly want on the forum any longer. If you have issue with this please let me know in a private message.

I will be quick to end heated discussion that has nothing to do with debate.

If you have an issue with me on a personal level you can private message me.

Party pooper.

[sophiedufort]

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

1. Please don't assume that because people differ from your opinion that they somehow "love" their animals less or care for them improperly.

2. Why did you come here and make this post if you're so adament about your views? Are you open to changing them or discussing them in a way that they may change? If not then seriously, why? To get a rise out of my forum?

With respect, I don't make assumptions. I just wonder how some people speak of these animals, with such detachment and (almost) disdain. As for your second question, I didn't come here to get a rise out of the forum. I just posted something else before, asking about loss of scales, and one of the replies that I received also brushed on snake affection, which prompted me to try to find out how other snake owners perceive their pets' behavior. I am surprised to see that so many have snakes, but they claim there's no affection. The very few who agree with me are being kind of laughed at, I noticed. I have no intention to provoke anyone; I just feel that this is a poorly explored, misunderstood subject. And what best place to discuss it, if not a snake forum? Pleasant or not, it is an interesting topic, and I am glad to read people's opinions, whether I agree with them or not.

[MDT]

Originally Posted by FWK

Yes, MDT, I understood you. You and I are in complete agreement on this and many other issues that arise on this forum. I often find myself nodding along as I read your posts.

Oh..sorry FWK....sometimes i lose the intent on the intrawebz

We're good!

[eminart]

Originally Posted by sophiedufort

Hey, guys, are you actually snake owners, or did you join this forum just for fun? You are acting as if snakes are worthless, brainless, heartless pets. If they are, why do you own them? Just for the thrill of it? Personally, I have snakes because I think they are wonderful animals, and I love seeing them behave a lot more decently than any other pet. And I do have heaps of other pets: ferrets, sugar gliders, chameleons and a dog.
I understand, of course, that opinions are divided on this topic, but I will forever argue that those who think that snakes cannot be affectionate are dead wrong. In most cases, the denial seems to come from people's inability to recognize the signs.
Someone said, in reply to this thread: "The very word "love" is a human construct used to explain biological adaptations that promote the spread of our genes." It is, in my view, the most cynical definition of 'love' that I ever read. We do no longer live in the ice age, for God's sake. But that's another topic, for another forum.
A dog wags his tail, barks, jumps of joy, licks your hand and does a million other things to express his love for you. A cat rubs against you. Sugar gliders bond for life. Ferrets love their play time more than they will ever care to display love, but they still do love their owner. Snakes don't have four paws, a tail to wag, and a voice to make loving sounds. They display their affection in a way that most people are unable to recognize and acknowledge, just because it is so different.
Of course, snakes will not come back if set loose. They are built that way. But that doesn't go against the fact that they are affectionate. You, guys, seem to think that affection is a pre-defined set of exhibited behaviors, and that, in order to qualify, all pre-requisites must be met. That's so wrong. Is like saying that your dog doesn't love you, because he doesn't wag his tail; instead, he only rests his head on your knee and licks your hand, but since not all conditions were met, that's not love.
I don't pretend to know snakes that well. But I do FEEL their love, and that says it all. In return, I treat them with the utmost care and affection and I make sure that they can feel it too. That's what makes a snake-human relationship worthwhile. If you own a snake just for the novelty or thrill of it, then you will never be able to understand what I mean.

You're assuming that in order for an animal to be worthy of our admiration and "love" that it must have human attributes and emotions. What if we love reptiles for what they really are?

I'm not going to argue with the rest of your comment, but, in my opinion, it's a very irrational and unscientific view of nature. What you "feel" and what is true and scientifically documented, may be two very different things.

[Minkness]

Originally Posted by eminart

You're assuming that in order for an animal to be worthy of our admiration and "love" that it must have human attributes and emotions. What if we love reptiles for what they really are?

I'm not going to argue with the rest of your comment, but, in my opinion, it's a very irrational and unscientific view of nature. What you "feel" and what is true and scientifically documented, may be two very different things.

So well said!!!

One of the main reasons I love all my reptiles is their undemanding, ease of care, and I don't have to worry about their feelings so long as I am taking proper care, which is so different compared to my mammals. I personally handle all my reptiles, but I also know that if I don't have the time or I'm mega tired, I don't have to worry about them.

[bigsnakegirl785]

I love my snakes quite a bit, and would be absolutely devastated if they disappeared, and they certainly are not a display animal for me. I believe they can come to trust certain people, people who they've been with for awhile and that have not harmed them. But they are not capable of love. None of my snakes care a single bit for me from what I can tell, they're just as quick to go running off as they are to climb on me. They do things that could be misconstrued as affection, such as reaching up and flicking their tongue on my nose as if to say "hello," but more likely it's just them sniffing your nose because hot smelly breath is coming out of it. None of my snakes come to me unless I am the only thing they can hide under. The garters will come out to the front of their tanks to come see what's going on, but it's not them being like a dog and coming wanting attention, it's merely them being interested in movement. Snakes don't want attention, they merely put up with it.

That said, as long as your animals are well taken care of, and not the reptile equivalent of dressing a dog up and treating it as a human baby, then how you view it isn't harming anyone and you can believe as you wish. Maybe one day we'll learn they actually are capable of some form of affection, I'm sure many members on this forum would like that to be true. But from the scientific studies we have currently, they physically just don't have the structures for complex emotions let alone love or affection.