A Study on Those Who Keep Snakes... sort of

[Kuru the Guru]

Age: Just turned 23 a couple days ago
Occupation: About to go work for Wal Mart as an Overnight Stocker, also, a full time student majoring in Forensic Chemistry. I also do some freelance welding for my dad at his plant.
What snakes do you own?: I used to own a Blood Python, but due to issues I had to give her back to Pet Hell, but I'm planning on getting a snake as soon as my landlord stops being a douche 9or I'm just going to buy it and never tell him, kinda like my Lizard lmao)
Why do you keep snakes?: Because they're awesome, and I love the feeling of having a snake crawling around my shoulders (Also, they keep mostly everyone out of my room, since 99% of my fam is snake-phobic lol)
What other animals do you have?: I have a Frilled Lizard, 3 dogs, a lot of fish, and i take care of my dad's 2 horses (despite not liking them... sneak attacking b*****ds)
What other hobbies do you enjoy?: Mostly whatever I have time for... I used to RP a lot until I ran out of time for it, but me and my friends play DnD and I play WoW. I love music and reading, so there's usually a few songs blaring out of my room while I read a manga or book ^^
Anything else to add?: Umm... Single, despite apparently being what all my female friends are looking for in a guy, but I enjoy hanging out with people and learning things I didn't know (as long as it isn't politics... hate those discussions). Also, Grumpy Cat may be the best meme to have ever existed. Ever.
(Optional) Picture: Srry for giant pics, but I don't know how to do that attached image stuff >.>

Me and my dog Bogie, the only other man in this house x.x (Couple years old)


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[cyndistine]

Age:31
Occupation:Full time student working towards BA in Substance Abuse Counseling, part time bartender (yes i know.. let the jokes fly...lol)
What snakes do you own?:14 ball pythons
Why do you keep snakes?:Started out with my boyfriends snake... just took off from there.. they are addicting...lol
What other animals do you have?: 3 dogs
What other hobbies do you enjoy?: reading, crafts, home made soap
Anything else to add?: Like the girl above i am also known as the Crazy snake girl at work...

 

[KParry]

Age: 26
Occupation:cashier and load crew for Mollie Stones
What snakes do you own?: 29 Ball pythons, 2 Brazilian Rainbow Boas, and a Redtail
Why do you keep snakes?: Great for keeping the mother in law and many other unwanted guests away. Oh, I've been fascinated by them since i was a little girl.
What other animals do you have?: German Shepard, English Bulldog, 15-20 crested geckos, 6 Leachies, 2 Satanic Leaf Tails, 2 Argus Monitors, a few frogs and tarantulas.
What other hobbies do you enjoy?: Camping, fishing,hunting, and hiking.
Anything else to add?:We do share but i will admit some are more his than mine.
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[zombiehun]

Age: 31

Occupation: Coast Guard

What snakes do you own?: Kings, milk, corns, hognose, boas, pythons

Why do you keep snakes?: I enjoy the company of pets, snakes in particular are very meditative, gentle, and relax me.

What other animals do you have?: Moray eel, 7lb dog, rabbits, gecko, iguana, husband

What other hobbies do you enjoy?: i'm an artist, in particular illustration and 3D artwork

Anything else to add?: I used to be afraid of snakes but I knew it was out of ignorance and lack of exposure. I believe education is the best defense against things we fear
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[Wayne Fowlie]

I am a life-time certificated public school teacher and have always kept snakes; maintaining a Herpetorium for 13 years and a school Living Museum for 8yrs, also have worked in the wholesale and retail reptile business. I've kept most species that have been imported into the USA, and presently keep an educational collection which includes Boas, rosy boas, sand boas, ball pythons, king snakes, corn/rat snakes,garter snakes, indigo, and various other exotic and native herps, and library of herp & natural history. I am a High Desert Naturalist as was my father.

 

[rigomez4]

Age:44 years old
Occupation: Veterinary Technician
What snakes do you own?: Ball Pythons
Why do you keep snakes?: I enjoy the keeping snakes for their beauty and personalities. I also enjoy the genetics and raising healthy babies.
What other animals do you have?: Leopard Geckos, Dogs, Cat, Bearded Dragon, Red-Footed Tortoise, Guinea Pig, and Fish.
What other hobbies do you enjoy?: Artwork, plants, my kids
Anything else to add?:I love chocolate.
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[cornchips]

Age:50
Occupation: house cleaning business
What snakes do you own?: 8 (1.1 KSB,1.0 bp,0.1 bci, 0.1 bullsnake,1 childrens python, 1.1 TBS)
Why do you keep snakes?:Because they are fascinating creatures and I get a feeling of satisfaction knowing that I have provided the necessary care to make them healthy and content.And yes they are cool too.The challenge of keeping exotics is also appealing to me.
What other animals do you have?: 5 dogs, 1 cat, 2 parrots.and a bearded dragon and a turtle.
What other hobbies do you enjoy?:reading, movies, needle felting.field herping, fishing,hanging out with my family.
Anything else to add?:I got my first petstore snake when I was 20, a yellow ratsnake who had a great personality was loads of fun.
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[PythonMan89]

Age: 25
Occupation: Active Duty Enlisted, United States Coast Guard
What snakes do you own?: None at the moment, but owned a ball python until I had to find her a new home last year due to moving.
Why do you keep snakes?: I've always been fascinated by snakes. The fact that we know so little about any of the reptiles we come into contact with astounds me, and it frustrates and annoys me, personally, that most "normal" people see reptiles as "icky" because they aren't soft and fluffy/furry, and instead they have scales and some eat mice. Honestly, eating mice (IMO), is better than watching your dog eat its own droppings. (BTW, cats eat and kill live mice too, and we don't have problems with them for it...just saying.)
What other animals do you have?: I had a dog, that my parents are now caring for due to the loss of their own dog a few months ago, and I gave her to them because their house would be way too quiet without something running around in it.
What other hobbies do you enjoy?: I enjoy a myriad of things, from making my own digital music, to video games, to learning how to play different instruments. I also enjoy being outdoors, and I love anything to do with the water(unless I'm near southern Louisiana, in which case I'm avoiding bayous like the plague).
Anything else to add?: I can understand why people see owning snakes as "sadistic." I mean, you are knowingly putting a mouse or rat (sometimes live) in the snake's enclosure so that it will be (sometimes killed and then) eaten. However, it's not like we just stand there watching and waiting for it to happen like an over eager child watching and waiting for something spectacular to take place. Some of us, those of us who do feed live rodents to our snakes I'd imagine, do watch. But that's to ensure the safety of our pets that we're caring for, not to watch the snake murder another animal so that it can eat. And in my opinion, a snake, or watching one for that matter, is no more sadistic than being a hunter or watching one take down its prey. I dare anyone with firearms who uses them to slaughter animals for their own food to try and explain their mindset to someone from PETA. I guarantee you'll be faced with the same prejudices we face as reptile owners. I didn't mean to write a novel here, but I think most of those who read this will hopefully take something away from it.

 

[Rorokranz]

Age: 24
Occupation: Recent graduate, so I'm looking for work now
What snakes do you own?: An anery motley corn snake
Why do you keep snakes?: I love how easy their care is, the morphs they come in, and overall they're pretty interesting!
What other animals do you have?: a pacman frog, crested gecko, and fat tail gecko. I have had several pets in the past such as dogs, birds, hamsters, rats, roosters, rabbits, and guinea pigs. I really liked reptiles as a kid but never kept any. It's not until recent when I actually started reptile keeping (only about a year).
What other hobbies do you enjoy?: Drawing, fishing, and traveling (whether to another country, state, or city).
Anything else to add?: I still love other pets such as dogs, but I can't have any at the moment. Keeping reptiles is great because they're quiet for apartment living, don't make a huge mess, or smell like other pets. My sister currently owns a mouse and I would never ever feed her pet to my snake because I know she loves her pet!

 

[ctrose]

Age: 27
Occupation: Bartender
What snakes do you own?: 3 ball pythons; 1.0 lesser bee, 1.0 caramel albino, 0.1 classic
Why do you keep snakes?: I have always liked them, I find them majestic.
What other animals do you have?: 3 cats, 1 dog and a saltwater tank
What other hobbies do you enjoy?: fishing, camping, hiking, night drives, poker runs...
Anything else to add?: I love animals with a bad reputation, I try to show people that what they hear isn't true and make them feel silly for being scared of a ball python lol

 

[EricSK]

Age:31
Occupation:Software Analyst

What snakes do you own?:2xBall Pythons, 4xCorn Snakes

Why do you keep snakes?:I am completely fascinated by the genetics of snakes. Other than that, they simply bring me joy.

What other animals do you have?: Gold Fish

What other hobbies do you enjoy?: Aquariums

Anything else to add?: Support your local reptile shows!

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[shashi]

I always find it interesting reading through the replies and seeing so many 'nature lovers', artists, etc. Fascinating!
Age: 51
Occupation: self employed (I have an Ebay store and use other forums as well for selling)
What snakes do you own?: A 12 year old Dumeril's named Sydney, A feisty 2 year old Gopher Snake named Snyper (my daughter's), 2 sweet natured 5 year old Dominican Red Mountain Boas named Dominikk and Nikko, and a super mellow 6 year old Hogg Island Boa named Dunemaul who is loved and spoiled by my daughter, Madeline! She got me back into snakes after many years away. I am also lucky enough to call her my best friend.
Why do you keep snakes?: I have always loved snakes even though I had a Momma who was terrified of them due to being bitten by a Ground Rattler as a kid. She survived via seriously bumpy dirt roads, a bottle of moonshine and an old Model A. By the time they got to the in town doc, they had drawn out the poison with the bottle pressed up against her leg. And now that I have actually written that down and looked at it, I see why she was terrified by snakes! But she eventually got over my keeping of them and would even walk into my room. She was the best Mom ever!
What other animals do you have?: Too many dogs and cats (all rescues with a story), down to one horse (my daughter's) after last week, a Giant Red Tailed Gourami, 2 Female T's that are about 15 years old, and a couple of scorpions.
What other hobbies do you enjoy?: Well, hmm. After being a wife (divorce in process), mother and the general do all here for the last 28 years, I am finding myself again! I've always been an artsy person. Drawing, painting, writing and love of music is my true core. I am starting to get back into taking furniture and recreating it via painting, etc. Nature and the outdoors have always been my true love and always will be.
Anything else to add?: I also love insects, automobiles, great Bar-B-Que and a stiff drink now and again. And I am lucky enough to call my kids my friends. =]

 

[Docfountain62]

AGE: 52
OCCUPATION : night operations @ FBO Ft. Lauderdale International Airport
WHAT SNAKES DO YOU OWN ? : currently 14 assorted ball python morphs but over the years hundreds, venomous and non-venomous. ive bred turtles and copperheads and for awhile I was the "go to guy" @ Camp International. (you have to love those 3am phone calls)
WHY DO YOU KEEP SNAKES ? as a kid it was just cool !, but as i grew older i was just fascinated by their kinesity, they move and you watch. you cant help yourself, its hypnotic.
WHAT OTHER ANIMALS DO YOU HAVE ? dog, cat, reeves turtle, 2 hybrid box turtles (florida x ornate)
WHAT OTHER HOBBIES DO YOU HAVE ? scuba, photography, classic film, guitar
ANYTTHING ELSE TO ADD ? support your local herp associations

 

[dixiemomma]

Age: 34
Occupation: Early Education Intervention
What snakes do you own?: currently Brazilian Rainbow Boa, formally kept Rosy Boas
Why do you keep snakes?: why not? lol they can be just as affectionate as a dog or anything else, and they are beautiful creatures!
What other animals do you have?: 2 bullmastiffs, 1 boston terrier, 3 cats, 8 axolotls and a bearded dragon
What other hobbies do you enjoy?: pc gaming, softball, tatoo's
Anything else to add?:
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[KilnHerper]

Me: 34 y/o white male, married with kids
Occupation: Cop
What snakes do you own?: 5 ball pythons (chocolate, champagne, pastel, clown, albino), Hypo Jungle RTB, Brazilian Rainbow Boa, 1 Southern Copperhead, 2 Western Cottonmouth, 1 Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake,
Why do you keep snakes?: They fascinate me, and I simply enjoy them
What other animals do you have?: 1 male Yorkie, 1 male mixed breed cat, 1 juvenile Dwarf Caiman gator
What other hobbies do you enjoy?: Motorcycles, guitar, firearms, spending time with my human kids (3 girls 1 boy)
Anything else to add?:
(Optional) Picture: I started keeping snakes and geckos when I was 14. When my oldest snake died in 2007 I got out of the hobby until last year and was AMAZED at how much it had exploded, especially the ball python world.

 

[eminart]

Bored at work. I guess I'll play.

Age: 38 (Holy crap, already?)
Occupation: Technical Illustrator
What snakes do you own?: At the moment, one Drymarchon Corais Couperi (Eastern Indigo), although my daughter has two corns, and I've kept many other snakes through the years.
Why do you keep snakes?: Why WOULDN'T I keep snakes? I've loved them as long as I can remember. Very interesting and beautiful animals.
What other animals do you have?: Egyptian tortoise, Doberman, and, as a falconer, I almost always have a raptor of some sort, although I'm currently between birds. We have other pets in the house, but they technically belong to my daughter and/or wife.
What other hobbies do you enjoy?: Falconry, and other forms of hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, photography, herping, etc.
Anything else to add?: Roll Tide.
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I'm the one on the right.

 

[scosta56]

Age. 26

Occupation. School district employee


What snakes do I own ? 6 ball pythons. Everything I have is pied related.

Why do I keep them ? I have always had snakes ever since I was a child. Catching garters or black rats keeping them as pets. I love there beauty and admire them for being the best and most creative hunters lol.

What other animals do I keep ? 2 Pit bulls. 2 Chihuahuas. 1 Meyers parrot and 1 betta fish.

What other hobbies do I enjoy ? I'm very very big into motorcycles. I ride almost everyday my crotch rocket. Love racing them as well and customizing them.

Anything else to add.... Hmmmm I don't think so that's about it. Just really really love my babies. All of them from scales to fur lol.


Picture of me and my bike

 

[Rainbow Newby]

Rainbow Newby

Age: 53
Occupation: Substance Abuse Counselor
Why do you keep snakes? I think snakes have always gotten a bad rap! People are afraid of what they don't know or understand. I love and respect all living creatures.
What other animals do you have? I have two cats and 10 garden snails that were hatched from tiny pin sized eggs.
What other hobbies do you enjoy? I enjoy the outdoors, nature and helping people overcome their addictions so that they may have more rewarding and healthier lives. I also enjoy cooking, camping,hiking, dancing and listening to live music.
Anything else to add? A month ago I walked into a pet shop saw this baby Colombian Boa Constrictor, (two months old) and it was love at first sight! I held this baby,(not sure if girl or boy yet) and the snake was very docile and sweet! This was not an impulse purchase by any means. I actually investigated the breed, waited a few days then went back and brought this baby home because I couldn't stop thinking about how sweet he or she is! I have no regrets! I am still learning about snakes. All creatures deserve respect and a chance to live and thrive!