Hi Trina,

I wanted to first start off by telling you that I respect you more than
you can know and I am grateful for what you have brought to the ferret
community for so many years. You are always there to give us accurate
information and to also support us. Thank you.

Your post proves you dedication to animal welfare while also always
taking in consideration the feelings of others. And that is not
something everyone is able to do it seems. Your post was carefully
thought through and eloquently written, as always. I wish I could write
a cohesive reply that is equally eloquent. But I'd loose that battle.
I can offer you, however, a post from a very experienced ferret and
reptile owner and one that puts the animals welfare foremost. In any
case this will jump around because I have so many thoughts running
through my mind. What I'd recommend an experienced animal owner, is
not what I'd recommend a novice.

Let's start with this. You in fact are very informed now. As informed
as you could be without (much) personal experience or others to help
you in regards to owning reptiles. However, as you pointed out you are
not privvy to some things that would go along with personal experience.

I'll answer your core question. No, I have never run into anyone that
has tried to feed a ferret to a snake. Not even a huge anaconda or
reticulated python (the largest of snake species). I'm guessing that
owners of those types of snakes do not want to risk their valuable
animals to be bitten, scared, hurt by a ferret. Or those type of owners
may be of a different class of reptile and animal person who would not
do that.

The ball pythons correct name is the Royal Python and they are a
relatively small constrictor. Not even the most knowledgeable of herp
people use that name however. They are called ball pythons because they
are the most timid and meek of all constrictors. So shy .. that when
approached they curl up, sometimes as tight as a ball, and peek at your
through their coils. It's in their nature and even well adjusted and
the most trusting of balls have this reflex. I've actually never seen a
ball kill without intentions of eating its prey. And never heard of it.
So although what your herp guy said, I disagree with it. In addition
it will only go after something it can swallow (which is smaller than
you'd think). Balls are highly noted for their pickiness as eaters.
Sometimes even the most expert of people run into issues with them and
its quite a battle to keep them healthy. They imprint. Some will not
eat something that is alive, some won't eat a black mouse, or white
mouse, etc .. you get the point. I've never once been bitten by a ball.
But they can mistake your hand for food if you have their specific food
smell on them. Are there balls that would strike out of defense? They
have teeth, so of course there are. Are there balls that would strike
just to kill a larger animal... not that I know of. But that is only
within my own confines of what I know about them. Are there balls that
would eat a cut up ferret? Not likely, but possible. Are they escape
artists. All snakes are, but balls are less likely to.

I'm sorry that I cannot help in giving you any information about people
feeding ferrets to ball pythons. Wait ... I mean I'm glad. Lol. And I
cannot back up the theory that a ball python would typically hurt a
ferret other than a bite... the ball in fact is in danger from the
ferret. That said ... animals always make a liar out of you when
possible.

I'd always stick to your main ethic/belief in a situation like this. If
you do not feel comfortable sending a ferret into a home with children
or dogs, then you do have a valid one. Any other pet large enough, and
with teeth (children included lol) can hurt or kill a ferret. And I
cannot argue that! So although I, personally do not agree with your
strict restrictions against dogs, ball pythons, or some children ...
that is null and void if you are exercising that across the board and
just aren't paranoid of just one. Seems like you've made a choice. You
are not irrationally choosing to not home a ferret with a ball python
if you are also careful about so many other risks. Stick with that
logic if you do not want to adopt out to a home with a large snake.

I do and always have lived with reptiles and ferrets. I also have
birds. All three species are kept in different rooms and different
floors of the home. I've been very, very lucky to never have an an
incident with any of them. Right now I have a baby large lizard that
could most certainly hurt a ferret ... badly. That said, I am on my
last two ferrets. They are extremely elderly and can leave us any day.
My hope is that any time between my reptile growing into an adult
lapses over with any surviving ferrets in the home never happens or
is very brief. It's not that I feel I "can't" do it safely ... but
as you said ... accidents happen.

I feel really sad for the young man with the snake(s) because I do know
reptile people go through a lot of abuse socially because of their
beloved animals and ... because he wants to give a fur baby a home. And
I feel for you because you have to make a painstaking decision and are
put in this position with the young man given his feelings.

Wolfy

ps, many ferret owners (here as well) have or have had ball pythons.
They would never share that because of the stigma and possibility of
others who are not as informed and as kind as you judging them.. And
none of them in all my years have had an accident. Its very unlikely.

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[Posted in FML 8116]