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. Visit the Small Animal Channel and Ferrets Magazine! http://www.smallanimalchannel.com/ Small Animal Champions: http://www.smallanimalchannel.com/topiclist-small-animal-champions.aspx About me: http://www.smallanimalchannel.com/authors/rebecca-jean-stout.aspx Sean and Rocky: http://www.wolfysluv.com/sean.html [Posted in FML 8116]