It is really disturbing to find people who, after walking into a petshop, or logging onto a website, decide that snakes are cool, and impressive, and go out and buy one.



I hate when people buy snakes just to impress others. Or, when they just want to get their hands on the biggest snake they can find, despite the fact they've never even held one before.



I feel a need to bring this up. Time and time again, I see people ask questions where it is plain and simple that whatever snake they buy is going to be neglected.



And so, I urge all forum-regulars to advise ignorant people to spend many an hour browsing these forums, reading websites and books, and speaking to breeders/pet shops.



This is a reply that i wrote to one of the messages posted. He wanted to buy a snake and one of his cheif prerequisites was a 'cool sounding name'... he believed that 'milk snake' wasn't impressive enough:





"You need to realise that snakes live for a long time. THEY ARE A LIFETIME COMMITMENT! It shouldn't matter to you what the specie name is. It shouldn't matter how cool it is, or if you can show it off to your frieds.



Yes, you should worry about temperament and size. But not if your only concerns involve the wow factor.



Grow up. Don't buy a snake until you care less about what the snake says about you, and more about what you can do for a snake.



And, btw, yes these forums are a wealth of knowledge. But that doesn't mean you should ask millions of questions that are easy to find answers to. If you want colour/price/length information, on any information regarding just about anything - SEARCH THE NET or search the forums. You will find that your questions have already been answered.



It really angers me to find people who want pets simply because they think they are cool. Because it is those pets that end up being neglected and dying.



I am in Australia, and even the most common of snakes are $350AU (which is $300US). You need to develop a better appreciation and do a hell of a lot more of your OWN research before making a purchase. Poor bloody snake."



What do you all think? Are you with me? Or am i being harsh?



Cheers.

Aaron.

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