...Professor Snake
Professor Snake is a
python regius, more commonly known as a ball python. Our new male family member currently lays a good two and a half feet long, but he should grow another foot over time. We acquired him through our dear friend, Angie. This is one of the most docile, slow, and curious reptiles I have ever had the pleasure of allowing to slither up my arm.
The idea to own a snake was Alex's. He said, "But Mom....you wuv weptiles!" My response wasn't overly excited, and to be honest, I had no intention of making this acquisition so soon. First, we did our homework.
- Ball Pythons are native to Africa, and prefer grasslands, savannas, and wooded areas
- They are egg layers, compared to their sister snake, the boa, who gives birth to live young
- When stressed or frightened, the ball python will curl itself into a ball...hence the name
- This is the most commonly traded snake among reptile owners. Because of the demand, the supply comes most often from captive bred parents, and has resulted in less interest in importing specimens from the African wild. This is a good thing. Captive bred adults are docile, tame, and rarely bite.
- Small mammals such as mice and rats are the prey of choice, although in the African wild they favor gerbils. (I still love my gerbils)
- Ball pythons are a non-venomous species of snake. This is not to say he is incapable of biting; however, his tiny, needle-like teeth are primarily meant for hanging on to prey, and not injuring it. Professor Snake does not have fangs...I know, I watched him yawn.
- Males grow between three and half and four feet in length, while their female counterparts can expand to six feet in length. We adopted a male.
The myth that pythons are dangerous to families with small children is typically born from misinformation. Sadly, larger python species (Burmese, African Rock) who were kept in poorly contained enclosures and not properly respected have been involved in senseless tragedies. It should be noted very carefully though that the most recent incident in St. Petersburg, Fl involved an eight foot six inch Burmese python that was kept in a large tank with no lid. He was placed in a holey bag, and a quilt was laid over the top of his home. Key factors here are the size of the snake, the species, and the neglect of respect for its housing needs. We do not, and never will, own a child-killing snake.
I would like to suggest some reading for anyone with lingering doubts about our decision to allow a captive bred ball python a place in our home:
UCGS Herpetology FAQ's
Green Iguana Society - Better Pets for Kids
3 Reasons Ball Pythons Make Great Pet Snakes
So Your Kid Wants a Pet Ball Python
And lastly, this is the article regarding the St. Petersburg, Fl Burmese python incident. It is not for the faint of heart, and truly a tragedy all around. I only place it here so that family and friends who see this story as a comparable example to our new pet can make note of the facts for themselves.
Officials Capture 9 foot Burmese Python
The media has brought well deserved attention to the growing problem of reptiles being released into the "wild" once they become too large for their adoptive family. Professor Snake is already in a size sufficient terrarium (locked and secured as required by Florida law), and shouldn't need additional extra feedings or larger housing. However; please rest assured that in the instance he requires re-homing, we will not be granting him freedom in the Florida Everglades. It should be noted here that the problem is mostly attributed to the Burmese and African Rock species and not the ball python.
Stopping a Burmese Python Invasion
Professor Snake loves to feel the warmth of the boys' bodies. He rests gently around our shoulders, or winds his way delicately up and down our arms. We can safely touch his head and tail (although it isn't exactly enjoyable for the snake, so we choose to avoid those sensitive spots), and are able to handle him frequently. His posture remains relaxed at all times.
We fed PS for the first time yesterday, and I'm pleased to report that it was a success! Pythons have the potential to be picky eaters, but we have a hungry fella in our possession. Savory medium sized rats are his food of choice...he isn't fond of human fingers, and hands.
Thanks for taking the time to read through the articles and learn about our particular specimen of ball python. We are very optimistic about the enjoyment and education he will bring to our budding ophiophiles...aka snake lovers.
- Jamie
