Friend keeps snakes-help!

[QuintadosMalvados]

Hi all, I've an old friend that I've kept in contact with via social media.

She keeps snakes and frequently posts pictures of them around her neck.
Now she has always been an animal lover and I've no doubt that she is a responsible person.
The problem is that I'm visiting the area that she lives in and she wants to meet at her house.
It's no use saying no as I'm going to be in the area a while and can't keep making excuses.
I'm not phobic about them (if she had tarantulas it would be a different story!) but Aibu to feel a bit wary?
Will they be loose in the living room? Or bite?
I am sure that she is responsible. In fact I know that she's always treated her animals well but I'm like. a bit nervous about them.
I know it's a silly thing to post about but it's stressing me out a bit.
Shell be a bit hurt if I don't see her and she'll probably guess it's because of the snakes especially if I ask where they'll be etc so I guess I'm seeking reassurance.

I've disabled aibu because it's not a bun fight topic. 😁

Just say “I’m happy to come and visit as long as your pets are all in their tanks” ?

They'll be safely tucked away in heated vivariums! Xx

I mean, just speak with the woman surely? 😳

"I'll come round but please keep your snakes away from me Barbara".

Don't ask her if they'll be loose in the living room as you'll make yourself sound ridiculous.

Well, tell her you're nervous about the snakes and ask her those questions then. Why tie yourself in knots making excuses? You definitely won't be the first snake-wary person in her life.

I’d be honest and say I’m not comfortable around snakes but I’d still love to meet up. Maybe suggest a coffee shop or pub meal. If she doesn’t want to go out because money is an issue I’d suggest a walk in the park.

Absolutely fine to say you’ll call but would prefer the snakes to be in their tanks.

Everyone I know who has snakes knows not everyone is keen on them and wouldn't just have them out randomly unless they knew you were ok with that. Ask her, I don't think she'll mind or find it odd!

My cousin has snakes. They don't bite or strangle you. If you say you'd rather they don't get them out then they'll just be in a tank. I'm sure they won't force you to hold them or anything or touch them. But they're really cool and cannot harm you.

They should have tanks they won't bite you, however if you don't like the thought of them being out and your friend wanting to show them off, just say I am looking forward to seeing you but im not keen on seeing the snakes.

Yeah exactly. That's why I'm seeking advice here.

Then why didn't you post in chat?

Of course her snakes aren't going to be loose.

& if course they're not going to bite.

if she offers to show you or get one out, just say no thank you'

Or meet her elsewhere. So what if she 'guesses' it's because of the snakes, she'll be used to that..

I have kept snakes. They live in a locked vivarium and only came out if visitors were interested.
I would be really surprised if they were loose in the living room as a) they are good at hiding and it's no fun looking for them and b) they need a minimum temperature to stay healthy and it's much easier to heat a tank than a room.
Go and admire them, they are interesting creatures.

This is all that needs to be said. I’m not afraid of snakes either but wouldn’t like to be in a house where they were on the loose!

Are they poisonous? If not I dont see an issue

Plus, if she is indeed a responsible owner as you say, she really won't want to stress them (or you!) by getting them all out. Snakes are sensitive little beings. Just tell her you're nervous.

Well they will mainly be in their tanks to stay warm unless she has her house really warm.
Snakes dont bite unless they think you are prey (ie mouse to rat size depending on the type and size of snake) or are attacking them
If she regularly handles them they wont be venomous.
Basically you are getting worked up over nothing

I would just say I wanted to meet outside as you don’t like snakes. It’s a pretty common thing to not like them

Tell her you are a bit apprehensive about the snakes and woukd prefer them
to be locked up rather than slithering about the house. You are brave. I don't think I would go.

Advice on what?

Surely as an adult you don't need people to tell you that you need to speak?

Surely this is enough?

She also will not want to be hurt by her snakes, and will keep them in a way that will prevent this from happening. I doubt she will have any highly venomous snakes, I think you might need a special licence. They also won’t be roaming about, to stop them escaping

This ^

Learn some basic parseltongue - Harry Potter forums night be able to give you some linkssssssssssss 🐍 😉

Edit - there's a translator site!

Well that's it, you see. I'm not at all phobic about them.
I am vaguely interested in them.
If they're in vivariums, I might be able to build up confidence with them.

They're not like tarantulas which I honestly can't stand.

Venomous not poisonous.

Most snakes aren't venomous that are kept as pets. It would be very, very rare for someone to have a venomous snake out and round their neck. They usually need gloves and a hook to be handled.

My guess is pythons, boas, corns, hoggies or kings.