Reptile & Amphibian Forums

These may sound like stupid questions, but I know nothing about snakes and am looking for information for my 15 y.o. niece who is trying to talk her mother into letting her have one. If an individual raises a python from infancy, does the snake know that that is her keeper; willthe snake turn on its master if its hungry or frightened? Do snakes follow orders? What are the laws governing pythons that grow to incredible lengths when they are pets in your home? I've heard that these are great pets and have read a little about their size and eating habits. thank you.

No question is stupid.No snakes do not take orders they cannot hear.Yes they do bite if they fell fear.Yes they can tell who is there handler but that doesn't mean you will not get bit.there's many ways to get bit if you've never delt with snakes before.your best bet would be for your neice to do is figure out what type of python she wants thers lots to choose from.Retic's,Blood python,burmese,Indian,spotted,Black headed,childrens pythons.Green tree python,ball python.Theres a few concerns here these pets are for life theres no refunds or returns.Absolutely make sure she understand's that this is the pet for her.Snakes cannot pick ther owners nor should people go and buy one because they think there cool.theres alot of responseablity hear.devotion,time love for these animals.proper care,housing,feeding (PRE-KILLED PREY THAT THE OWNER WILL HAVE TO KILL IF FROZEN MICE RATS ARE NOT AVALIABLE).If you have any more questions fell free to e-mail me at cameltoes2200@yahoo.ca STRIPE

The best thing to do is research the different kinds of pythons your niece is interested in. If she doesn't know what kind of snake or python she wants, the best thing is to choose an easy to keep/handle snake. Ball pythons or children's pythons are fairly easy to keep and docile enough if handled properly. Both dont' get very big either. Corn snakes, though no pythons, are also easy to care for and beautiful snakes that won't hurt the wallet.

Keep in mind that the best snakes to buy are captive bred by skilled breeders. Petstores for the most part are not good places to go to get a first snake as most are wild caught and ill. Wild caught snakes also have alot of parasites, both internal and external and suffer from stress. They are also harder to acclimate to captive living, tend to be more nippy and in the case of ball pythons, difficult to get to eat.

Laws and regulations about keeping snakes varies with each province and city within Canada. The best way to find out what provincial and municipal laws and by-laws exist in your area is phone/visit your town hall/humane society.