I have been wanting a snake for a while and i have just decided that i want a ball python but my mom doesn't like snakes AT ALL. But, she bought my 11 year old brother a gecko and spent over $200 on that. I am like "if you take away his legs he is a SNAKE anyway!". I understand that when they get big it will KILL me so i ways planning on keeping it until its to big for me to handle and i will re-home it.
She knows i can raise the money so thats not the problem and she knows i am VERY responcible because i own 2 cats, a dog, 5 fish, and i had two gerbils. I also foster for the humane society with pretty much no help. I am 13 and i really would love to have a snake would a pyton be to much for a starter snake? How can i get my parents to let me get one?
PLZ help thanks

thanz

Okay, first of all a ball python is not a good choice since they can be so picky with their food! Like, go on hunger strikes. Also, ball pythons need lots of stuff to help keep it humid. And, a snake is a big responsibility, you can't just give it away otherwise you should not buy it. That is the reason why a lot of animals in Florida are dying, due to people getting big snakes then getting rid of them once they are to big. You will need a big tank, also not to mention the mice! You have to feed it either pre killed or alive mice! And, you need to make sure it gets plenty of heat from heat pads, heat lamps, but not to hot so that is has a choice.

pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

I would recommend a Corn Snake, since they are the most easy and friendliest to take care of. Even though, it still isn't going to be so easy but snakes live for a long time!

You are going to have to show your mom how nice snakes really are. Take her to a store then ask the snake guy if you can hold it. Show your mom the snake and show how wonderful they are. Also, a snake loose in the house is much different than a gecko running around. Make snakes seem like one of my most wonderful things on the earth. I got my mom to say yes by letting her hold the snake and taking pictures with it. She then kind of thought it was cool and said yes.
That is how I got my first snake.

I wish you luck.

i think you should do some research before you get ball python. there easy to take care of but you need to put in a lot of time and money. ball pythons can NOT kill you!. i have a adult ball python and hes bitten me once..... it only felt like a paper cut. and if your mom doesn't like snakes try going to pet store... you can ask someone to take the snake out so you can see it. show your mom that he is not scary or gross or slimy, then ask her again... nicely! but don't get one if your just going to get rid of it, cuz if you are dont buy it!

myself

I am a very seasoned reptile owner and I have never heard of a ball python killing any animal that wasn't an intentional meal unless of course the owner wasn't a responsible one (like having your very large snake out unattended with your smaller animals, your children, etc). A ball python is no real danger to any human being that is ready and able to handle them as pets.

I just have a few issues with your plea for a ball python...

For starters, please, PLEASE do not get an animal you intend to "re-home later". It is alright to foster a rescue animal until you find a suitable owner for it, but do not go and purchase one from a store or breeder just to "re-home" it. An animal you plan on buying should be a commitment for the rest of the animal's life. You should only relocate your pet to another home if something unavoidable has happened, do NOT plan on getting rid of them from day one. Just don't get it at all!

Also, a gecko is a lot different that a snake. Geckos usually live on a diet of live insects for starters, where most snakes can only eat rodents, sometimes they will only accept them alive, not the frozen ones in the stores. The size requirements and specifics for their enclosures are a lot different. You're going to probably need around a 40 gl for an adult snake, which can be very expensive, but you'd be better off having a custom enclosure (which are also expensive!). Those are just a few of the differences, believe me there are many more. Just because you have a few mammals and some fish doesn't mean you are ready for a snake.

pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

Have you researched anything about these snakes? Not just size, but specifics (temperatures, humidity, food, care in general)? Just from some of your question, you don't seem ready to deal with it.

I would suggest getting a lizard, something hardy and small that is simple to care for, or a smaller, more managable snake (Rosy Boa, Milk snake, ect.) that you won't have to get rid of and can feed and care for properly.