Comments on: SNAKE EXPERT REQUIRED

By: Expat mum

Expat mum — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:46:15 +0000

OK. Sorted I would say!!!

By: family affairs

family affairs — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 22:58:00 +0000

No prob with negativity Claire – looking for all the ammunition I can get….although maybe that's a good idea to think about a lizard like thing – at least doesn't grow so big….or swallow you whole, or poison you or constrict you or freak you out generally to the same degree….they're still dry and clammy and don't want to be loved though….Lx

By: Claire

Claire — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:46:52 +0000

Sorry about the negativity – not a big fan of things that move without legs and things that move with more limbs than me! Having said that, I only know this stuff cos I was really curious after I found out she had kept snakes a while ago. The mouth infection thing was really weird – had no idea they could even get such a thing! Although when I said large snakes these things were huge – one was so big and strong if it was underneath a 3 person sofa it could lift it up even with people sitting on it! she did also say that the stories about constrictors squeezing their owners to death was a myth. Couldn't you daughter try having a smaller slightly more interesting reptile like a lizard of some sort?

By: family affairs

family affairs — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:25:21 +0000

Thanks Zed – maybe a tortoise is the answer – eats their own poo? Brilliant x

A proper snake expert response from "pet snakes" – thank you whoever you are – most appreciated – I had no idea they did big smelly poos

Thanks Claire, another negative then…mouth infections? They just get more and more appealing…a pet snake with smelly poo and a mouth infection. Hmmm. Lx

By: Claire

Claire — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:15:05 +0000

My friend had snakes of the large variety for some time, she never had any problems with them but apparently they aren't affectionate, don't get attached to the owner and don't really move much either. She also said because they don't move much its hard to tell if they are alive. She also said that hers got a few mouth infections which actually managed to kill the snakes so she never had hers for more than 2-3 years. Dunno if this helps

By: pet snakes

pet snakes — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:06:28 +0000

"I certainly find it a far more appealing option than having a dog because I won't have to pick up it's poo."

Snakes "poo" too and it's NOT a pretty sight. It stinks, it's messy, and depending on the size of the snake it can be LARGE

"I have consistently said no on the basis that I think it's cruel to keep a snake in a tank, in a house. Especially when there are two cats about."

Snake's aren't generally roaming animals except when they are hunting or looking for warmth. Otherwise they generally stay in one spot and don't move around. So a cage isn't really cruel. One of the cruelest things people do is give them cages that are too large and then they get stressed out.

As for cats they won't be a problem as long as you keep the snake secure and be sure to wash your hands before handling the snake after petting the cat. You don't want to trigger a feeding response in your snake.

"It's a Coral Snake but the problem is it grows to six foot"

Me thinks your daughter is either pulling your leg or getting some bad information herself... The problem isn't the size, they only get to be about 2.5 feet. The real issue is that they are one of the most venomous snakes in the world. They rarely bite because they are very docile but certainly not a good candidate for a pet.

Now having said all that are you sure she didn't mean a corn snake? Because those make great pets. They grow to be 3 to 5 feet and live 15+ years if taken care of properly. Younger snakes are generally nippy and likely to bite but with consistent handling they'll calm down. Corn snakes are considered beginner snakes because they are so easy to take care of and tolerate children very well.

"Do snakes want to be loved?"

Actually they generally prefer to be left alone. If they seem to be getting cozy with you and wanting attention it's because of your body heat.

"Am I mad to even be contemplating the mere thought?"

Not at all. Just be aware after she gets a snake either she'll decide she loves them or hates them and you could end up with a lot more than one.

By: Millennium Housewife

Millennium Housewife — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:47:58 +0000

She won't be fooled. But better a disappointed daughter than a life worrying about becoming the next tasty snake snack, that's all I'm saying.

By: Zed

Zed — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 07:34:15 +0000

Get a tortoise. They are great fun, eat their own poo and if you have a garden, can be outside during the summer.

By: family affairs

family affairs — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 07:23:12 +0000

I am clearly out of touch - what's a Nintendo Eye toy pet and Expat Mum - love the idea of an inch worm - where can I buy one of those?

Thanks 'm' - forgot about rotting flesh smell associated with snakes and also about the mice/rats in the freezer.

Yuk, Jaz, another smelly snake story

I didn't know that Coral snakes did that - aussie friend...forget that one then. Worm it is then.

sorry Karen....didn't mean to sound so bossy - and anyway would love to hear all about your scary African snake stories!

Tiny poo Di is definitiely better

Imo - 20 or 30 years? Do they? Maybe a hamster then - they're only 18 months I think. Or a butterfly - 1 day.

thanks Miranda for coming in with the only positive comment - however, I'm not sure I want mice in my freezer. In fact I definitely don't need to be responsible for other animals dying to feed the one I've got. It's bad enough when the cats catch something in our garden, but at least I only have to feed them dry food. Lx

By: family affairs

family affairs — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 07:00:46 +0000

OK a collective group of comments that are enough to put me off. They're smelly, antisocial and potentially dangerous. Lets leave them where they're meant to be….although I have to say I think that teeny weeny marmoset stuck on that finger looks like it has an evil streak Lx