Anyone own a snake? In particular a Ball Python?

DS is obsessed with getting a snake for his 8th birthday.

I know I will be the one caring for it and I did a ton of research online and in the library and it seems pretty easy once you get the tank all settled as far as temperature and humidity.

Any pros/cons from a real owner?

Re: Anyone own a snake? In particular a Ball Python?

I had a Burmese Python for almost 10 years when I was younger. They are pretty easy to care for, the big thing is they eat live animals so you have to be able to handle that. I was 15 when I got my snake and it didn't bother me but I don't think I could watch that now.
My Python was almost 6 feet long, I gave him to a friend that built a large enclosure for him because he was too big for the huge tank I had. They can also live a long time if well cared for, just another think to think about!
If you have specific questions let me know!

Message edited 7/21/2015 8:08:46 AM.

Re: Anyone own a snake? In particular a Ball Python?

I have read that snakes are nocturnal. Can you still take them out during the day or does it get them "cranky"? Is their poop REALLY gross to clean up?

Anyone own a snake? In particular a Ball Python?

the poop isn't bad, it can be stinky depending on what they ate. They can get cranky, my python bit my friend because he was harassing him.
when my snake was little he loved to play all the time, as he got older he was more tempermental