Hey! I've been researching different snakes, and was considering either a garter snake or ball python, and decided a ball python sounds like a better option- and a lot easier to get. At my school, there are three ball pythons that I've been handling to see if I like holding them, and I enjoy it a lot. I've put together a list of supplies I need to get for a ball python, and know where I'd put it to keep it in a calm environment, without too much traffic besides me, and I'm confident I'd be able to care for one.
The only issue is convincing my mom to let me get one... I know my father would be alright with it, but my mother is the real issue. Are there any tips anyone has that would be helpful in convincing her? If anyone has any advice, please respond!
My mom loves critters but my dad isn't overfond. Snakes in particular he just doesn't get. I think some of it is exposure to reptiles. Maybe if you try to show your mom that snakes are wonderful pets she'll come around. My mom grew up with a boa so i feel like maybe that made it easier for me to have exotics, but honestly that's all I've got advice wise. Is she not on board because she doesn't think you'll care for it or do snakes freak her out? If it's a fear thing I know plenty of people petrified of snakes that i dont think could be swayed.
I have a similar problem but with my dad, if your mom doesn't like the idea of a ball python, maybe you could try to get her to settle for the idea of a west African egg eater snake instead, they only eat small eggs, they have no teeth so can't bite, and females only grow to around 4 feet. good luck to you though I hope you get that ball python, they are beautiful snakes.
It's definitely a "fear thing", Alex has done some videos on this and there are plenty of sources to help convince your parents. When I got my first Ball Python, my mom wasn't very fond of it, but now she handles my 4ft+ pythons occasionally. My dad was fine with it as well.