Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hello,

I need some help convincing my parents to let me get a snake of some sort, lol. I already have a few herps, so i know i could give the animal proper care, time, ect. I just need help winning my parents over.

I was thinking a carpet python, red-tailed boa, or kenyan sand boa. I would really like one of the first to, since they are medium sized, normally well tempered, arboreal snakes. The sand boa would be a last resort, even though i really like 'em, they don't get all that big...

So what do you guys think? any tips? i'm sure somebody's been in my position before, lol.

Thanks,
Brandon

Compromise. Get an Indian sand boa. (I'd go with the Staub high orange line or even a 'persicus' if you can find them).

are they hard to care for? do you have any pics or sites? How big do they get?

Thanks,
BRandon

Also known as the 'smooth scaled sandboa'. They're actually supposed to be one of the easiest sand boas to care for. They get about 4 feet long. Most turn out a blah brown, but some lines keep their orange into adulthood. I don't have any but I have some friends that do and I've been tempted. I'm attaching a link to some Indian info.
Kenyans are pretty kickin', though.... I'm going to attach a pic of some Kenyans 'cause I like them.

Indian sand boas.

I never noticed it before but Kenyans have Kirby Crackle!!!
Does anyone know what I'm talking about?

G

But I'm sure you're quite sane .

?

And you don't even want to get me started on those who make comics.

Jake

Holy Open Vivaria!
Some villain has learned my secret identity!

n/p

"Kirby Crackle" is a special effect invented by the great Jack Kirby to depict cosmic energy, electrical charges etc. It looks just like those markings. Look at the pic' and see if it rings any bells.

G

..Probably a better learning experience. I had a Ball python for two years...It was docile. It wasnt until I got a very aggresive wirey carpet python that I started to learn, and want to learn more about handling aggresive snakes. I swear she tamed down in two days. I could pick it up without getting bit. After a month I'd say she was Ball python tame. About your parents..just beg the crap out of them. How old are you? I'd say a solid two months of begging and annoying your parents will get them to cave in.
Good luck
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"People change and your changing"
Seals and Crofts 1976

lol, i'm 16....you think two months will do it? i might even like, bribe em, lol, i don't know. Which form of carpets are the smallest? I really like jungles, but if they get too big...idk caging and stuff won't be a prob, but i still wanna be able to handle it, and it not be too overwhelming-

thanks,
brandon

Well I guess Irian Jayas are smaller..but my second Coastal was about 6 feet. At first it seemed like a bigger snake, but after a day or so I realized she wasnt that big really, and I could easily handle her by myself. Im 17 like you (same age area) and had no trouble talking my mom down. Its a caged animal. What is it going to do? I always hate it when people sell their Pythons because "I have cats now" or "Im having a baby on the way".
If you keep the cage locked and secure an adult Carpet is going to have a hell of a time getting out. I got my first python in 1998. Since then, the biggest snake related problem I have had is bites. If you buy a young Carpet you might get bit a lot, or when your not expecting it. Python bites scare you more than they hurt. But getting bitten by a baby Carpet on a regular basis teaches you what not to do (i.e. touching the tail).
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"People change and your changing"
Seals and Crofts 1976

I would recommend an Irian Jaya, Hog Island Boa, and JCP in that order. My personal favorites are JCPs and IJs but JCPs can be nippy when younger. Hog Island Boas are an excellent snake because they have the proportions of a redtail but on a smaller scale and generally are very docile. Hope I could help.
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"Victory is reserved for those willing to pay its price"

if you could give us the reasons your parents are telling you no. Then we could give you ways to counter them.

Jake

i would write a very detailed report on the snake you would like to own. showing some initiative is always good when dealing with your parents. another thing that would help is to buy it yourself , get yourself a job if you dont already have one and save up the money yourself, then take them to a local reptile show and talk to a knowledgable breeder. show them that you are willing to go the extra mile to get the snake.

ps jungle carpet or hog island

well, for one, my mom can't stand snakes, she says they give her the creeps. Do you think if i could talk her into holding a calm snake, it would help? and they think i have enough already, lol--even though all i have is one beardie and a r. leachianus.

I would def pay for it, and they know i would take good care of it...but i might try the report thing, that's a good idea.

thanks again,
brandon

I think i want a carpet python over a red-tail or kenyan sand boa... but should i get a jungle or IJ? pros and cons? size diff?

thanks again

If the main reason they won't let you get one is fear, I think I would go with a sand boa first. A sand boa would probably appear much less offensive than a carpet python to someone with ophidiophobia. Sand boas are much smaller, and when held, don't have a tendency to move everywhere like a carpet does. Also, baby sand boas probably won't be nippy like a baby carpet, which might scare your mother as well. If you do get a sand boa, then, after your mom is used to the idea of you having a snake, you might be able to get a carpet python. Also, remember this. You'll be out of your parents' house and living on your own before you know it.

Jake