To want a little snake?

[CarbyDiem]

I met one last week , a python, and fell in love. She was just lovely. And now I want one.

Where do I start? Where can I learn more? Where does one purchase a snake?

I have a name lined up ready.

Live feeding is NOT illegal in the uk but it is a real last resort option for a snake who will not eat.

Ginger thanks. That’s really helpful.

They're not like guinea pigs - they're not that robust and not suited to this climate so a lot of care has to be taken in looking after them. I would contact the local reptile rescue group because they'll be able to give you lots of advice about whether or not you should get one. It's not a whim - it's an animal that eats live mammals and insects and needs specialised care. Why not adopt a snake at the local zoo?

Gosh, who could feed a live animal to another animal to be terrified either literally to death or eaten whilst still alive?

I know it happens in nature every minute of the day (that's why I am far too much of a wimp to watch things like "planet earth"!), but somehow that feels different to actively putting another living creature into that situation. I'd rather the fussy snake starved I think, if it didn't fancy frozen mice!

Snake keepers really do use it as a very last resort (well those of us who aren't sadistic)

They will even try force feeding the snake too but this is a temporary thing and snakes can't tolerate ring force fed over a long period of time.

I have a fussy snake.

He came to me eating chicks and adult mice. Now he refuses both of them (the cat thought her Christmas had come!)

All he will willingly eat now are rat pinkies. Which he has to have about 4 of as they are not really big enough but the next size up are too big

Firstly, it's illegal to own a grass snake, as it's native to the UK and covered by the Wildlife Act.

Royal pythons can live 40 years plus; what are your long term plans?

Are you happy to have mice and rats in your freezer?

Speak to a reptile rescue (like the one I volunteer with) about the reality, and whether you can take in an unwanted snake from them.

What would he do in the wild? Slither around rejecting stuff?!

I like snakes to look at; I think they are very cool. And the little ones like farter snakes are quite sweet.

Garter snakes, clearly. Damn autocorrect giving away too much!!!

This thread should carry a warning. Some people are phobic, Mumsnet.

Surely if they are they won't click on a title with snakes in it?!
Farter snakes!
Actually can snakes fart?

This thread should carry a warning. Some people are phobic, Mumsnet

If people who are snake phobic get in a flap because they chose to open a thread about snakes then it's their stupid fault. MNHQ don't need to mollycoddle people by putting a trigger warning up.

This is so interesting!

I'm still waiting to find out if snakes can fart!

"This thread should carry a warning. Some people are phobic, Mumsnet."

The word "snake" in the title is a bit of a giveaway, surely?

PICTURES are not necessarily to be expected.

I don’t get the appeal.

Sure they’re interesting in the same way as any creature is interesting but once you’ve seen it slither about, eat and shit that’s pretty much it surely?

As for “friendly” ones. Well they’re not, are they? The most they’ll do is tolerate being handled. They couldn’t give a slithery shit about anyone. You’re just a blob that provides food.

I once had to keep 6 corn snake eggs in my bra (emergency situation) I also had to remove corn snake teeth from a 6 year olds neck with tweezers.

I don't like snakes AT ALL but my DCs did. I also didn't like the hissing cockroaches or giant land snails or most of the other weird and wonderful things they liked.

Cats are much nicer tbh.

@Wolfiefan Yes, snakes can fart and do quite musical shits sometimes. My royal often sits in her water bowl and makes a bum jacuzzi.

Wouldn't expect snake pics on a snake thread

I would be pissed if no one shared snake photos

@Pandakin
Musical shits!!
Honesty I used to be petrified of snakes. Think couldn't look at a picture in a book terrified. It's taken years to desensitise myself but I find them really rather interesting. Couldn't keep one. Have at least managed to hold one. And the picture up thread? Instead of dropping my phone in fear I thought wow. That's stunning!

I have often wondered if my budgies can fart.

Might start blaming them!!

People who are phobic of snakes should really avoid such a blatantly obviously titled thread. Of course there will be pictures. Try not to be ridiculous.

Anyway. I am loving the pics and advice. I may or may not eventually end up with little Monty. And if i do I plan on being around for at least another 40 years so that’s not an issue.

If you're still concerned about how temperamental totals can be about feeding but still want a similar sized snake I can recommend a rainbow boa, they grow to a similar size but need a slightly higher humidity (it's easy enough with either a fogger/ regular water spraying) and they are very docile and easy to feed
This is my adult female
Never stopped feeding, never bitten always easy to handle and takes a rat once every 10 days or so