So! Your son wants a SNAKE? (Or an iguana, monitor, or other reptilian critter...) You might not be able to purchase such a critter here at e-bay, but you will need some special equipment to maintain your new family member. BEFORE you make the jump and buy that animal, please follow a few guidelines to help maintain peace in your home, and a safe and happy environment for the critter. We are past owners of a major exotic pet store, and routinely handled and cared for several large pythons and boas. Please be aware that reptiles are not for everyone. If you prefer cuddly critters, the reptile might not be for you. If you have small housepets such as Chihuahua's, or kitties, I'd skip the reptile! (Otherwise, it may become a snack.) If you have decided to obtain a snake, go with your offspring to make the selection. Remember, there are rules in nature, and they need to be adhered to! If you have a son, make certain he purchases a FEMALE. Likewise, if you have a daughter, make sure you purchase a MALE. This allows for far better bonding, and will likely result in a long term 'Happy' relationship. Mother nature says that males and females get along far better. It is rather like the ends of a magnet. Once you get to the pet store, make certain you are dealing with a knowledgeable staff who can easily sex the snakes. Avoid 'Ball Pythons', they are finicky and often refuse to eat, resulting in messy tube feedings, more expense, and a short lifespan. If you like gentle animals, seek out the Burmese Python. These guys are wonderful! They become quite cuddly and are very easy to become attached to. Burmese pythons come in two colors, green and gold. In my opinion, the gold is the more passive of the two. Another wonderful snake is the Boa. They come in several varieties, the most popular being the Red Tail boa. Snakes require very little housekeeping. They really are perfect pets. Since they can easily go two weeks between feedings, you are free to have a vacation! They won't shed hair on the furniture, and there won't be any barking! :-) 

Feeding is another matter, and you must be prepared to raise mice for food in the beginning. Once the critter gains some length, you'll probably move up to rabbits. I know this sounds terrible, but snakes gotta eat too! DO NOT be tempted to catch 'house mice' and offer them to your critter. Your snake needs mice bred for food. House mice may have been exposed to poisons and diseases which you have no control over. Make sure you either raise your own, or can purchase locally from a trusted dealer. Likewise with the rabbits.

Snakes love water and need a bath at least once a week. Don't make the bathwater hot! (Ever see a mad snake?) And, don't put in any bubbles....

You'll need a heat rock, many available right here on e-bay....buy one thats as large as you can afford, your critter will appreciate it! Make sure you have a safe, clean environment for your critter. Double check the locks and the lid every time you open and close. An aquarium with a screen top works fine, just choose a locking lid! You can get those right here on e-bay as well. Lots of people make the mistake of putting their snake on top of corncob bedding. Please don't! In our pet store, we used plain newsprint. If you will visit your local paper, they will happily sell you the remains of a roll of unprinted newspaper, and this will last you for ages! I think you should avoid PRINTED newspaper, the ink is not good for your snakes scales.

Once you introduce the critter to your family, follow a few safety rules.

1. NEVER HANDLE ALONE. Follow this one from the beginning, and by the time your snake reaches ten feet, it will be habit.

2. NEVER allow the snake to remain outside his/her cage if you are going out. ALWAYS put him back in his cage, under lock and key.

3. NEVER Handle your pet after a feeding. He/she needs at least 24 hours to digest his last meal. The stomach acid of a snake is most powerful, and digestion is a slow process. Have respect for his system.

4. When your critter sheds his/her skin, (and they will do this several times each year), leave him alone! For a few days, he/she will be blind, and a bit scared. If you try to handle or move him during this period, you are likely to get bitten, and if you do, IT IS YOUR FAULT. Don't blame the snake!

We are most fortunate to have many snakes in this country, and they serve a great benefit to mankind. They help keep the rodent population down, therefore keeping things like 'The Black Plague' out of our country.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact us, and we'll be most happy to help you with any animal issues. You can contact us through e-bay. Good luck with your new family member! And thank YOU for shopping at e-bay!