For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated with snakes. Where I grew up we did not have any poisonous ones, so I could play with them out in the garden with no worries. My parents were supportive of my interest in various creatures, but Mom drew the line at snakes. One of the first things I did when I moved out was purchase a Ball Python. I was thrilled with my new friend, Diablo, and took him places with me, settled around my neck, shocking many when they went to admire my necklace and it moved! I was just a teenager and quite frankly enjoyed the shock value.
Diablo died of a respiratory disease because neither the pet shop nor I knew how to take proper care of him. I then made a pact with myself to never again purchase an exotic animal except from a knowledgeable keeper or breeder and to learn as much as I could beforehand. Today, we have so much knowledge at our fingertips via the internet. Then it was not so easily available.
I set about seeking out a reputable herpetologist and was put in touch with a very knowledgeable snake breeder who had a lovely outbuilding set up like a little jungle at the right temperature and humidity level that allowed these beings to flourish. He became my mentor and good friend. It was perfect for both of us. I would raise babies for him until they reached breeding age. At that point, they were getting too large for me to manage and care for (as long as 16 feet), but, because I had handled them for years, they were tame for the breeder to work with. Our arrangement also took care of the dilemma that many have found themselves in of what to do with a large snake once it has grown to full size. Ball Pythons are quite tame and grow to only six feet. The Burmese Python, less tame, can reach lengths of 25 feet. The Common Boa and Red-Tailed Boa Constrictor grow to about 15 feet.
I prepared perfect habitats for each and took excellent care of them. Being cold-blooded, they can raise or lower their body temperature only five degrees. They require long periods of time to be still and quiet to digest their food. Everything requires energy because of their slow metabolism. I would handle them gently and since I was not afraid of them they were comfortable in my hands, feeling no alarm by raised pulse rates. I was careful to observe what state they were in. For instance during the shedding process, I left them alone. They get itchy and irritable and become blinded by their eye caps. During the digestive process, I also left them alone.
Snakes feel amazing to the touch, like kidskin gloves. They are NOT slimy; rather, they are cool, smooth, and very muscular. I was in total awe with each individual. We grew to trust one another. They were familiar with my smell and my touch. I feel so honored to have had these amazing, primitive beings in my life.
