Perspectives

Having a snake is a lot of fun in my opinion. There are so many aspects of it: the gene types, the food types, the reptile shows, etc. and I absolutely love it!

Now normally when I tell people I have a snake they look at me in horror. And honestly I didn't expect that type of response when I first got Marbles.

Growing up, I had always been fascinated with reptiles. I was never given a reason to fear them because I was taught to respect them.

So when I first started to get these negative responses to my baby, I was shocked! How can someone not be interested in these amazing creatures?!

The funniest (and most often) comment I get is "Don't let her sleep with you. I read this news article once about how this lady let her snake sleep with her and it was just sizing her up to eat her!"

Y'all.

That's ridiculous. I understand fully that being attacked by a snake is a possibility but *if* that story is even true, there are some criteria of that situation that is a tad different than mine (and most reptile keepers):

1. Those snakes in the news are much bigger than the average pet ball python
• Marbles is about two feet long unlike some other breeds of pythons that can be up to fifteen feet long.
2. Those snakes are wild animals
• Marbles was bred in captivity, as are most snakes that are being kept.
3. Mama didn't raise a fool
• I understand that these animals are dangerous, so why would I put myself in a position (sleeping with her) where I am not able to control the situation? The answer is I don't! I have yet to meet someone that sleeps with their snake.

Other concerns that have been voiced to me:

• "What if she bites you?!"
• If we're being honest, my dog's bite hurts more than Marbles.
• On that subject, yes I have been nipped at because I either scared her by moving her too fast or I smelled like mouse. She did not lash out because she is evil.
• "What if she gets out?!"
• This is a perfectly valid concern. Snakes are strong enough to push their enclosure tops off if its just a screen with no latches or locks.
• To alleviate worry about this, I have locks on her enclosure.
• "Snakes are gross."
• All animals are gross. Cats, dogs, fishes, horses, and birds poop and pee, yet they are still kept as pets.
• Just as with all other animals, if you keep their spaces clean, then it won't get dirty.
• "I had a bad experience with X type of snake when I was younger and therefore I don't think you should get one."
• Other people's experiences with snakes does not make me love Marbles any less or regret getting her.

Like, look at my baby. She is absolutely adorable.

      

A common misconception is that pythons look scary. But look! They're not like other venomous snakes that have the pointy eyes, sharp fangs, etc. (those snakes are still beautiful) but pythons have a puppy face that just gets me every time.

Adorable. Not to mention those colors are absolutely beautiful!

*Disclaimer: These are all my opinions and I do not speak for all reptile keepers, just what I have learned by going to reptile shows, talking with reputable breeders, my own research, and my own snake keeping experiences*

Also none of the pictures are mine except the one of Marbles and I give credit to the original artists.