Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm 17 and heading to college in the fall. For you guys that have already been through it, how was it with your boas? Was it as easy as home or were there precautions you had to take? The dorm does allow pets other than dogs and cats, so I don't think it will be much of a problem. College is the only reason I'm limiting my self to 2 boas, or I would have much more.

I never lived in a dorm either. I do know that I have purchased a lot of boas over the years from guys going off to college and unable to keep them, so their may be an issue with keeping them at some schools.
Good luck with your studies
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Jim Hopkins "Hoppy"
Hopkins Holesale Herps
Hopfam1@aol.com

Hey, I am currently in college. Sounds like you lucked out with a dorm that will alhow you to have snakes (without sneeking them in). College life is fine with reptiles the only thing I need to stress is some people can NOT be trusted!!! I recommend keeping snakes behind lock and key( either room or cage!!) otherwise roomates with wanta take them out to show friends etc..... bad IDEA!! All it takes is one bite and you could be in for some trouble. Be safe. Lock them up, and only you should mess with them.

Good luck!!
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Chris
Contact
Captive Bred Herps

0.0.2 Gila Monsters
1.2 KSB "Normal"
1.2 KSB "Albino Het/snow"
1.1 KSB "Anery"
2.2 Rubber boas
3.3 Solomon Island G. Boa
1.0 Leopard Gecko
1.0 Pacman Frog

So are you in one that doesn't allow snakes? Do they ever check up on you or anything? I was planning to get a small dorm just for myself. There is no way I would tolerate people just taking out my snakes and messing with them.

No, I live in a house. I lock my room and the cages.

I do know some dorms do not allow pets except that can be kept in water 24/7...like fish (alligator hehe) but anywho. Silenthill, you were pretty mean to the guy below. Maybe if you want help, you should give help!??! Just an idea.
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Chris
Contact
Captive Bred Herps

0.0.2 Gila Monsters
1.2 KSB "Normal"
1.2 KSB "Albino Het/snow"
1.1 KSB "Anery"
2.2 Rubber boas
3.3 Solomon Island G. Boa
1.0 Leopard Gecko
1.0 Pacman Frog

I'm currently in my third year of college, and although I live in a house now, I didn't have a single problem keeping my snakes and other reptiles with me at the dorms.

It sounds like you've already checked out any restrictions enforced by the residence halls. I second the advice by the other person, in that you should definitely keep them under lock and key.

This could actually be a great opportunity for you to expose some people to how cool these animals can be. I had a lot of people go from "Gross, thats sick", to "Hey look, I'm holding one!, this is cool!" just from a stop or two by my room to check out the animals they'd heard about. Its pretty fun if you're into the educational aspect.

Anyways good luck at college and have some fun! Have you decided on a major?

carole

what "pets other than cats and dogs" means. When I was in college they had the same dorm policy, but they thought all other "pets" meant fish, hamsters etc. NOT snakes. People are so fearful of snakes that they make up their own rules when they find out you have one. I know people who lived in apartments that were asked to get rid of their snakes despite no explicit rules against them. In college, my dorm rules stated small caged pets OK. I kept 2 snakes in my dorm, but placed their cages in my closet just in case. A close friend lived in the same dorm and was asked to get rid of his kingsnake because it "posed a threat to the other students."

I would clarify the rules before keeping them out in the open. Otherwise keep them out of sight and only share them with fellow students you can trust. If you are caught you always have the written rules to fall back on, but can reduce the hassle by asking before hand or keeping them hidden.

Alton
P.S. Drunk college kids are bad for snakes' health!! Be careful

on Road Trip LOL. If they allow snakes that's cool but you should ask specifically about them being allowed. I agree a locked cage is a must as well as supervision when handling otherwise someone may get nailed.

Are you sure its a good idea to ask? What if they say no, then I'm screwed. I don't like the idea of keeping them in a closet but will if it comes to that.

Just call up the dorm, don't give name, and ask if they alhow pets...Yes? Ok, Reptiles? See what they say. If NO...then keep it to yourself. I dated a girl (And a little herp loving rub off) and she got a leopard Gecko, kept it in her dorm (made sure to ask roomies if ok!!) No one bothered as long as you don't make a big fusss...
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Chris
Contact
Captive Bred Herps

0.0.2 Gila Monsters
1.2 KSB "Normal"
1.2 KSB "Albino Het/snow"
1.1 KSB "Anery"
2.2 Rubber boas
3.3 Solomon Island G. Boa
1.0 Leopard Gecko
1.0 Pacman Frog

When I said to ask I did not mean to give your name. By asking, you put yourself in the clear regarding the rules if they say yes. If they say no, then keep it to your self and roomate. You still have the "official" rules that say pets other than dogs and cats to fall back on if you get caught. It's just that you want to avoid the hassle if possible.

My school would only allow fish because they can not live outside of water. So with the snakes I kept them in a large rubbermaid hidden in my closet or under the bed. But my dorm building was so nasty that she kept getting mites so be careful.

It seems like dorms are not the best of places for boas. Maybe I'll rent a room in a house or something.

1) Renting a room is good, but be honest!! You will not beable to hide things from roomy!!

2) Apartments are a good idea ($$ more) Usually land lords don't bother you!! But still ask about rules...

Good luck,

If I may ask, what part of the country are you in?
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Chris
Contact
Captive Bred Herps

0.0.2 Gila Monsters
1.2 KSB "Normal"
1.2 KSB "Albino Het/snow"
1.1 KSB "Anery"
2.2 Rubber boas
3.3 Solomon Island G. Boa
1.0 Leopard Gecko
1.0 Pacman Frog

I'm in IL right now but am going to college in Pennsylvania which is auctually my home state. I can't wait to go back.

Where in PA are you going to school? I am a Junior in High School and among my choices for college is Penn State main campus. I havn't asked them yet about reptiles? If all else fails I will be going home on weekends and my dad can take care of my animals.