Am I a freak?

[Just_Joshin]

you should know not to use sand.

I better go tell all the Antaresia spp living in the red centre that there in danger.

 

[ryanharvey1993]

I better go tell all the Antaresia spp living in the red centre that there in danger.

I always thought the desert was tiled....

 

[Bearded_Lady]

I always thought the desert was tiled....

and newspaper :lol:

 

[fine_jungles]

I better go tell all the Antaresia spp living in the red centre that there in danger.

good idea.

 

[wiz-fiz]

your not a freak, its just a reflection on them and how narrow-minded they are, and when people point and stare just say something smart they wont understand to them, and just smile and dont be affected, works for me.


Will

 

[Just_Joshin]

your not a freak, its just a reflection on them and how narrow-minded they are, and when people point and stare just say something smart they wont understand to them, and just smile and dont be affected, works for me.


Will

That must not happen to you very often.......

 

[notechistiger]

It's not particularly a problem until someone truly has a phobia of them and has a full blown panic attack when they see you coming around with a python around your neck. THEN it's a big problem.

 

[Rox.n.Lix]

... but I have to ask, am I a freak for owning pythons? :?

Bit of an odd place to ask that question? Slightly biased community... what kind of answer did you expect from all us other python freaks? :|

 

[dames1978]

Hey Rainbow! Don't worry about what the others are going on about. Those who say it's unfair to other people who are scared, well I own a pitbull and German shepherd and people who are scared of big dogs don't stop me from walking them or taking them to parks or the river. I don't think it's bad for the hobby for snakes to be seen around more and become more socially accepted. To those who think having a pet snake in a public environment where they are most likely going to pass someone who doesn't like them, do these people disagree with public displays? You might argue that they are properly sign posted and people know they are coming up to them but I know I have been walking along from time to time and randomly bumped into someone with a python or lizard out front of a petshop or close by to a display. You might also argue about the educational value of displays, well Rainbow is educating people not to fear snakes and to accept that they can be calm pets. Besides some of the displays I have been too make me think the demonstrators got their licenses from cereal boxes. Irresponsible probably, but your a kid, you learn from this stuff, that is what being a kid is about so don't let it get to you. Give your snake a couple of days to relax before you offer him that feed and he'll be fine. Sounds like he had quite the adventure and I'm sure there are plenty of people out there thinking differently about snakes tonight and talking about the young girl they saw walking her pet python.

Agreed

 

[Stranger]

Im Absolutely to Disgusted to read the majority of posts in this thread.. You should all be ashamed of yourselves except a few.. The girl is young.. And yes we all make mistakes.. but the question was answered once. she doesnt need all of you telling her how irresponsible she is. So lay off it.. Rainbow is such a loving caring owner and that is very clear by just having a slight chat with her. All she cares about is the well being of her animals.. and i respect that..

Rainbow seriously dont even bother listening to half the Know alls on this forum.. Because some of them take pride in being able to put you down.. when really it just shows how gutless they are. They could Have worded everything they have said in a much nicer way which wouldnt offend you but inform you. And you all know that your perfectly capable of this..

 

[method]

Im Absolutely to Disgusted to read the majority of posts in this thread.. You should all be ashamed of yourselves except a few.. The girl is young.. And yes we all make mistakes.. but the question was answered once. she doesnt need all of you telling her how irresponsible she is. So lay off it.. Rainbow is such a loving caring owner and that is very clear by just having a slight chat with her. All she cares about is the well being of her animals.. and i respect that..

Rainbow seriously dont even bother listening to half the Know alls on this forum.. Because some of them take pride in being able to put you down.. when really it just shows how gutless they are. They could Have worded everything they have said in a much nicer way which wouldnt offend you but inform you. And you all know that your perfectly capable of this..

Rage more.

 

[Stranger]

Method I wasnt raging.. i was just making a clear point and im sure many agree with me.. Your obviously not one of them..

 

[Serpentes]

Method I wasnt raging.. i was just making a clear point and im sure many agree with me.. Your obviously not one of them..

You were raging, at least have the self-awareness to realise that. I however, quite agree with your little rant.

 

[AlexB]

It's not particularly a problem until someone truly has a phobia of them and has a full blown panic attack when they see you coming around with a python around your neck. THEN it's a big problem.

Firstly this is not a personal attack on anyone esp not to notechistiger just used your post for figurative purposes


* puts on flame retardant suit and steps onto soapbox*

All the people that used the argument that it is irresponsible because of people in society having a phobia of snakes - where do they stand when they see people walking their dog to the shop or people leaving their dog tied out side the shop whilst they duck in quickly?

People with phobias of snakes might freak out when they see a snake but not more than someone with a phobia of dogs when they see a dog.

People can have phobias of many things people are phobic of cars and the dark; yet people still drive and the sun goes down despite this.

I am sure based on the repeated posts Rainbow knows she if made a mistake, if the snake was/is fine, relaxed and healthy and Rainbow was/is comfortable there is no harm done. There is no need to continue to (or try to) make her feel bad to make yourselves feel like better people/keepers. You don’t know what the circumstances where or if they where beyond Rainbow’s control. Leaving the snake (unrestrained or unsupervised in a box) in a car where it could have over heated, escaped or get stuck air vents etc would have been irresponsible, taking it with her could have been the better of her two options

Without knowing the snake it’s hard to say if it was bad or if it stressed the animal out, each animal is different and some don’t mind – I am sure Rainbow would not have done it if she felt the health of her snake would be compromised - I know a lot of snake keepers who often take their snakes on outing and the snakes seem to quite enjoy them. Conversely there are some dog owners who would be crazy to take their dogs out. Each animal is different and will react differently.

Personally it’s not my thing to take my reptiles on outings but I’m not going to discriminate (for want of a better word) it’s no different to someone walking their dog, carrying their cat or other pet into public places.

For the record this is not rage not do i have an issue with anyone im just painting a differnt colour picture for you all to see it from a different point of view. :shock:

*slowly steps off soapbox and heads for the exit*

 

[Jonno from ERD]

G'day Alex,

The big difference is that dogs are a part of every day life for someone who has a phobia. To lead any sort of normal life they must first be able to deal with coming into close contact with dogs occasionally. It is also beneficial for dogs to be walked and socialised.

People aren't prepared to come into contact with a snake. Even those without a phobia get a fright. Really, the only reason that someone would take their snake outside, into public view, is for attention...

 

[Serpentes]

Alex, there's a difference in the response of a dog or cat to that of a reptile. While many snakes will tolerate being handled and walked around with, there are some extra considerations. Experienced keepers are aware of these considerations, and often impose blanket rules on themselves to ensure mistakes are minimised. These blanket rules are easily transposed onto other keepers. Here is something to think about:

1. reptiles cannot regulate their own temperature. Periods outside of a narrow range may cause problems.

2. all snakes, except those with their mouths tied shut, can strike unexpectedly. Even if they've never bitten before.

3. If I saw someone with a python in Bunnings, they would not be viewed as a responsible keeper. I'd likely have a word with them. I wouldn't think that they were doing some greater altruistic deed for the sake of public education, I'd think they were seeking attention, just like I used to do as a teenager with my snakes.

4. A keeper should always have a bag or two with them when out with a snake, and the snake should be in the bag for it's own safety. In the situation described by the OP, she could have waited at the car with the bagged snake.

So what's the best solution? Keep your snake according to best practice management at all times. No ifs, no buts.

I have a couple of "big mean dogs" who scare certain folk, I take pains to avoid this for my own, my dogs, and the other persons comfort.

 

[AlexB]

G'day Alex,

The big difference is that dogs are a part of every day life for someone who has a phobia. To lead any sort of normal life they must first be able to deal with coming into close contact with dogs occasionally. It is also beneficial for dogs to be walked and socialised.

People aren't prepared to come into contact with a snake. Even those without a phobia get a fright. Really, the only reason that someone would take their snake outside, into public view, is for attention...

Jonno

Agreed

But as reptiles as pets are becoming more popular the instance of people with phobias running into pet reptiles will increase, if not for any other reason but for the macho 4 week reptiles owners who want to look cool. (I don’t think that was the case with Rainbow though - Rainbow maybe you can correct me if I am wrong here?)

Reptiles are yet to be as socially accepted as other pets, but some day they might and as long as the animal’s welfare is kept paramount, I can’t see the harm.

 

[AlexB]

Alex, there's a difference in the response of a dog or cat to that of a reptile. While many snakes will tolerate being handled and walked around with, there are some extra considerations. Experienced keepers are aware of these considerations, and often impose blanket rules on themselves to ensure mistakes are minimised. These blanket rules are easily transposed onto other keepers. Here is something to think about:

1. reptiles cannot regulate their own temperature. Periods outside of a narrow range may cause problems.

2. all snakes, except those with their mouths tied shut, can strike unexpectedly. Even if they've never bitten before.

3. If I saw someone with a python in Bunnings, they would not be viewed as a responsible keeper. I'd likely have a word with them. I wouldn't think that they were doing some greater altruistic deed for the sake of public education, I'd think they were seeking attention, just like I used to do as a teenager with my snakes.

4. A keeper should always have a bag or two with them when out with a snake, and the snake should be in the bag for it's own safety. In the situation described by the OP, she could have waited at the car with the bagged snake.

So what's the best solution? Keep your snake according to best practice management at all times. No ifs, no buts.

I have a couple of "big mean dogs" who scare certain folk, I take pains to avoid this for my own, my dogs, and the other persons comfort.

Also agreed but the truth is it is going to become more common even experienced keepers will start to do it , in the states is not uncommon to see someone walk into a store (even a restaurant) with an iguana in a bag or in their arms. The herp movement in Oz is trailing along similar tracks as it did in the US so it is bound to happen. I'm not saying it is right or wrong each to their own, but keepers need to be mindful of the animals welfare, if it is comfortable and the keeper is comfortable/in control its hard to see the harm… that said it’s not something I would do.

Even a calm family dog can lash out but I hear what you are saying and the keeper would need to assess these risks (as does a dog owner)

But in this instance let’s not make some one feel bad because they made a mistake, some of the posts could/should have been toned down to the intended audience and worded something like: “I don’t think it was a good idea because of reasons XYZ…. To solve this problem in the future a pillow case/bag should be something you take with you……”

People make mistakes that’s how we learn lets not inflate our egos or see who can wee highest by slamming someone for their mistakes (esp a novice), how about we kindly provide feedback positive or negative and instead of thinking of how WE feel think of the other person

 

[Serpentes]

But in this instance let’s not make some one feel bad because they made a mistake, some of the posts could/should have been toned down to the intended audience and worded something like: “I don’t think it was a good idea because of reasons XYZ…. To solve this problem in the future a pillow case/bag should be something you take with you……”

how about we kindly provide feedback positive or negative and instead of thinking of how WE feel think of the other person

Very well said, I'm with you there. RainbowSerpent seems a nice young lady.

I do, however, think your last request is way too advanced in reasoning and empathy to be allowed on the interwebz.

 

[beatlloydy]

The python the lady took was not a huge man eater...I personally have far greater an issue with rogue dogs and uncontrolled children in public than a girl/lady with a meek/obviously tame python.

Whether or not it is illegal or just silly I feel that this poor person has been castigated more than enough and it seems that the same people (you know who you are) take great pride in showing off their knowledge and wearing this as a badge of honour and the only way they can prove their (lack of) manhood is to constantly denigrate others rather than be helpful. This is not intended for those of you who have honest, good intentions of constructive advice. Remember: there is a difference between advice and criticism.