I really want a Ball Python-- but my husband is convinced that it could kill our child. I've researched them; but I just can't find any information on this-- so maybe someone here can help.
By the way, I am looking to get a captive-bred.
2006-10-01 14:25:20 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Reptiles
I think it would be nearly impossible for it to happen. The Ball Python as a baby isn't anywhere near big enough to do so. I don't even think that at full size a Ball Python could kill a child, I don't think that they have that kind of strength.
Now, inadvertently, a Python could kill a child and that's through Salmonella poisoning. the good thing with Salmonella, as long as you wash your hands after handling any reptile, the chance for infection is nearly null.
Best advice I can give you is to bring your husband around some Ball Pythons of all sizes. Let him get comfortable around them, then maybe he will change his mind. Remember, you catch more flies with honey!
2006-10-01 14:33:08 · answer #1 · answered by nanookadenord 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Whoever said that pythons are poisonous as babies is WRONG! Whoever said that ball pythons can grow to be dangerous is also WRONG! The only way a ball python is "poisonous" is through salmonella poisoning, which can be completely avoided if you wash your hands right away after you touch your snake or snake enclosure. Ball pythons are docile creatures. I have owned many of this type of snake and have never had a "dangerous" encounter with them. They are peaceful, shy, and will avoid any type of confrontation as much as possible. Even their nickname, "ball python" (their official breed name is "royal python") is because they often roll into a tight ball, tucking their heads in the middle, whenever they get scared. You shouldn't be afraid of these snakes. They are a joy to have and will be a pleasure, assuming that they are well taken care of. However, as I mentioned in your previous question, you should NEVER leave a snake alone with a child. I'm more frightened by what your child may inadvertently do to the snake rather than vice versa!
2016-03-27 01:30:21 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't actually know if it can or will kill a child. How old is this child? My snakes are only about 4 foot but believe me they are strong. I still hang them on my neck and I suppose they could do harm if I was'nt stronger than them. So a baby or young child could have problems but I can't imagine any adult leaving a baby or child alone with a snake, or leting it wrap around his neck. Ball pythons are so docile and wonderfull to have around. My grandson was only 5 when we got these guys as babies and we have taught him the proper way of handling and have every confidence in his handling now that he is 11. And any cage can be escape proof even if they escape they will not hunt you down to try to squeeze the life out of you. Think about it, they make wonderfull pets and will teach a child how to be responsible fo another life. Buy a good book on ball pythons before you get a snake it will teach you almost every thing you need to know on housing and to care for your new pet
2006-10-01 19:53:15 · answer #3 · answered by LisaMarie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. I have owned many ball pythons before. A constrictor won't waste strength trying to suffocate something it knows it can't eat.
Ball pythons reach a maximum length of 4-6 feet, and although they are pretty robust snakes, I have never heard of a ball python, of any size, attacking and trying to kill a child.
The best advice is, if you get the python and your husband is still irked about it's presence, simply keep the snake away from your child. Snakes shouldn't be around children anyway, in my opinion. Ball pythons are said to be the most docile of the entire pythonidae family, but they can still inflict a nasty bite if they are startled. But they are mainly very shy creatures who would rather curl up in a tight ball rather than act out aggressively.
I agree with the first answerer. Bring your husband around ball pythons who are young and old, short and long, and let him hold them. Hopefully he'll change his mind.
And always remember to wash your hands after you handle your future snake every time!
2006-10-01 17:23:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Only if the baby chokes on the snake while eating it. no way a ball python, even an adult, can kill a human child. They are the 2nd most docile snake you can get. Oh yea, and don't pay more than $30 dollars for the snake. Go to a reptile show, not a pet store.
2006-10-01 16:43:32 · answer #5 · answered by miracol@sbcglobal.net 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as you have an escape proof cage for your python you have no worries. For one a baby python might be able to swallow a pinky finger but that's as far as it could go. Pythons, ball pythons that is , are generally so gentle and easy going that they would not even begin to think of hurting anything but a mouse and that's only because they are hungry for a mouse. Ha Ha Ha. Get your python and don't worry, they will grow together and your child will be better for it.
2006-10-01 14:44:13 · answer #6 · answered by Tina M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I own a ball python. Babys are small. Assumming they are not 2+ years old. They are about 1 cm in diameter and about 1ft in length. I believe it is fine for the child to play and hold the snake if he or she is at least 5 years old. Just be sure not to let the snake wrap around her neck. That is nasty because the muscles push down and back....this has happened to me once. XP I should not have done that but yeah. (My hair was in a tangle.)
2006-10-01 16:06:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A baby ball python could not kill a child, nor could an adult ball python kill a child.
2006-10-01 16:45:36 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, it is possible to kill your baby. A Captive bred can be more calmer; you never know, if that python escapes and kills someone. Look it up on yahoo search about how dangerous a ball python is.
Hope You can find some info!!!
2006-10-01 15:25:00 · answer #9 · answered by Stephanie H 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
100% no chance... The only way it could is if the kid chokes on it.
2006-10-01 14:54:14 · answer #10 · answered by snake_girl85 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋