First, genetic studies show that burmese pythons in the everglades are most likely the product of animals that escaped during hurricane andrew, not pet owners letting their animals out.

Second, I don't think you're a stupid woman. I don't know anything about you other than what you have posted on this thread. I'm not shortsighted enough to make assumptions about your intelligence level based upon those alone.

Having said that, from what you have posted it is clear to me that you were unprepared for this snake. You have not made one mistake, or two mistakes, but multiple mistakes. All of which have the potential to harm the future of this hobby. To me, a prepared retic owner doesn't need to take their snake to a pet store to have an employee tell me what size of rodent to feed her. In my opinion, it is simply irresponsible to take a snake of any kind out in public. Many people have snake phobias, and it is their right to go out in public without encountering someone's pet python, just as it is our right to be able to keep them in the privacy of our homes. I understand that you claim that you're not afraid of the retic, but your description of what happened says otherwise. Why did you choose to purchase a year old female? Why not a hatchling? At this point, your ability to overcome your nervousness with the snake is going to be compounded by the fact that she will be growing at a truly impressive rate.

My posts aren't meant to condemn you or chastise you. They are meant to try to achieve what is best for you, for the retic, and for the hobby as a whole.

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