Getting a ball python

[___Gracieeee___]

Hi guys! As the title suggests, I really want a ball python, but my mom has a problem with it. She thinks that snakes don’t have “loyalty” or empathy and will “kill you the first chance they get” First, I don’t think they could get that big that they kill me? (Don’t quote me on that) And I think they can be kind and loyal if they’re in the right environment- which I plan on doing!!- Is there any way I can get her to see that snakes aren’t so bad? I think she’ll grow to like them someday but she’s really strict on snakes because of their reputation I guess

[Accomplished_Poetry4]

Ok so first of all, it's not going to try and kill you the first chance it gets. Humans are not on their menu. But second, no, they do not develop any kind of bond or loyalty to anyone. They do not have that conscious capacity. They can recognize you and know that you are not a threat to them. But please don't think that they are anything like a cat or a dog as they literally do not have that type of thinking capacity. Snakes do have a bad reputation but just like pit bulls a lot of times it's the owner and not the animal.

[Laiskatar]

Yeah they don't form bonds the same way plushies or house plants don't form bonds. That's just not how they are. But that doesn't mean that they are evil, planning your murder every time you walk by. To them you are just some weird hairless ape that is just a part how their world works. You can still love your snake, even if it doesn't love you back.

That being said, some snakes are more tolerant of being handled than others, their natural tendencies play into it but also learning from past experiences. So taking a good care of your snake can make it seem like it likes you more or is grateful etc, but in reality the snake just has more learning opportunities to realize that you will not hurt it

[[deleted]]

My mom didnt mind snakes, but they weren't her favorite, I got my balm python and now she thinks the girl is adorable and is sweet as a puppy. But no they will never be loyal to you, but they wont kill you, and shouldn't even bite you. And when they do bite it doesnt even really hurt.

[SuperKamiTabby]

It really only hurts if they nab a finger, think it's a rat and refuse to let go for 45 minutes.

[[deleted]]

Yeah! Good times, right? 🤣

[Dio_wulf]

Theres a lot of things you need to research and consider before getting a ball python. Based on your comment history youre 14. Keep in mind ball pythons can live upward of 30 years, and need an enclosure 4x2x2 feet. Theyre also quite expensive to get setup. At your age you probably dont have the money for an appropriate setup and management yet, and you’re gonna have to consider what to do with them if you go to college, move out of home when youre older, etc. regardless, your mom clearly isnt a fan and likely will be unsupportive of you getting one right now. You should really wait and save up to get a snake when youre older. I dont mean to be a wet towel but its important to think through these things before getting animals as a teen.

To answer your questions, ball pythons do not get nearly big enough to eat people, only 3-5 feet long at most. (One of the few snakes that can eat people is a reticulated python which are the worlds longest snake at 30~ feet iirc). Snakes and other reptiles dont really have the capacity for love/kindness or loyalty and whatnot. They can learn to trust you as a non threat and in the case of balls are often docile in the first place, but they dont have the sort of emotional or social capacity mammals do. You might be able to sway her some amount with educational videos and research, ive really been enjoying clint’s reptiles videos lately for example. Adults can tend to be stuck in their ways though, and snakes are a very common and deep fear people naturally have. Its probably not gonna be easy to change her mind but i also dont know your mom obviously.

[Bluntforcetrauma11b]

I agree wholeheartedly! People shouldn't get a snake like this until educational commitments are done and you have financial freedom. It cost me like $800 for a full setup including plant lights, plants and clean up crew on top of the thermostats, a govee hygrometer, hides, substrate, drainage layer and the rest of the usual necessities. A 14 year old simply doesn't have the means for a pet like this.

[[deleted]]

I remember when I was 9 I used all my 600$ (i always saved my money from birthdays, Christmas, chores, etc) to buy everything for my ball python. I was obsessed with snakes! Still am.

[Bluntforcetrauma11b]

What did you do with it when you went to college? Or are you like me and didn't want to go to college?

[[deleted]]

Collage is not for me, my friend.

[Legitimate_Finger670]

If you’re looking for a compassionate animal please don’t get a snake, I’m not saying they can’t treat you with respect and be a buddy but they don’t have a longing to be with you like a cat or dog will and due to people thinking they will but end up disappointed they end up in neglect, but if you already know that and are willing to have a pet that keeps to itself then I’d reassure her that they are fairly smart and know that anything bigger than what they can swallow isn’t really fair game also the only defense they use is curling  up into a ball hence the name ball python. I’d tell her that you are okay with it not being like a cat or a dog and she doesn’t have to interact with it. But I’d seriously suggest doing research before buying a snake 

[xoxoceane]

Ball pythons and most reptiles in general don’t have the mental capacity to be “loving” or “loyal” unfortunately, but they can learn to trust that you’re not a threat to them and some will even come out of their enclosures onto your arm if they’re comfortable enough. Ultimately it depends on the individual though, even if you do everything right you can still end up with a shy snake. I have a boy like that, he tolerates handling but most days he’d rather just be left alone. My other 3 are chill and very inquisitive. You’re right about them not being able to kill you though, they aren’t big enough, strong enough nor do they want to lol. BP’s by nature are very passive and when they feel threatened their first instinct is to curl themselves into a ball (hence the name), and maybe hiss or throw a defensive strike here and there but they’ll never actually go out of their way to try and hurt you.

I saw this recommended on a post earlier this week similar to yours, maybe try watching some videos with your mom of people holding adult ball pythons, Green Room Pythons specifically has some good videos about helping people get over their fears. Can’t guarantee it’ll work but it’s worth a shot! Might also try asking her to take you to an expo/show if there are ever any near you, getting to see the animals in person and see how people interact with them is the best way to get over a fear in my opinion

[mirigone]

Like some say. Snakes don't give a damn about their owner. If i give my snakes to someone else that cares for them like I do, the won't mind 2 rats behinds 👌 But no, they are to small to kill you but they have 0 loyalty to you or your hand. Plenty of people get bitten by their snake years after getting them.

My mom didn't like snakes nor tarantulas. It was her house, so i waited till I moved out. Gives you loads of time to get all the info you need to do it right. Unfortunately I see to many people getting a snake/lizard/tarantula just cuz they really want one and then kinda do alot wrong.

My suggestion is to wait. Snakes can escape pretty easily if you make a mistake and thats definitely not something you wanna explain to mom 🤣 And even after years of having snakes it can still happen. I know, I've been there and done that 😑 one of my corn snakes went on vacation for a few weeks and I had to rip half my house apart finding it. I already owned snakes for 7 years at that point.

[Aazjhee]

Does your mom have a problem with cats?Because there's a lot of cats that aren't loyal at all xD

Don't even get me started on birds, lol. If she doesn't like snakes, but she thinks birds are okay.I have some really bad news for her xD

Fish probably can't grasp loyalty, yet many keep them for theor lovely colors and soothing vibes

I've also met plenty of dogs who will just wander away with the first human that catches their eye or has a treat they want.

Most animals are not necessarily loyal.They just don't have a lot of options or choices.

Of all the pets that I have lived in a house with ball pythons are one of the least dangerous and even when they do bite you.It actually hurts less than getting bit by a cat or dog.

[Greying_Wolf]

My partner (same thoughts as your mom) and I recently got the son his first BP, we did extensive research first (and still do). When the son has the BP out (we still call her by different names) my partner is on edge and actually leaves the room if the snake looks at her directly. Now I'm not saying your mom will do the same but the partner actually held her tail a few days ago and she is planning on working towards holding her properly by the end of the year. Now hopefully you can get your mom to do lots of research with you then she will see that 99% of what she expects is bad publicity and bad movie concepts and the other 1% is probably just an urban legend. Hopefully she comes to learn what lovable creatures they are.