Nagini: A Boy and his 'Pet Snake'

Ryan has been asking for a snake for MONTHS. It began sometime last summer. He started talking about a 'pet snake' and he told me how pet snakes are nice but wild snakes are mean. He asked if he could have a pet snake. I told him maybe someday. I figured this train of thought would jump the tracks fairly soon...as most of them are short lived. This subject did not die. So finally, I caved. I began researching and emailing with breeders to find out what snakes were the best for beginners and for small children, what the care would entail, expenses, etc. I had a friend who had a tank to sell and we began the process! I found a beautiful snowflake corn snake at PetCo. Ryan was thrilled with it. We brought it home, set up the tank and really just enjoyed watching our new pet. Ryan asks to hold her every day. He loves watching her eat the pinkie mice (teeny tiny baby mice that are still pink and hairless). His focus is sharp, his language is clear and he is paying attention to something outside of himself. He adores holding her and he tells me all about what's happening while he's 'playing' with her. He notices little things in her skin and was thrilled to see when she shed that first layer of skin. I can talk about science with him; life cycles, metamorphasis, eating patterns and reproduction are some of the topics we have covered already. It's really amazing. Clara has been excited about the snake, though Eric and Mike are a little less than thrilled. :) A snake is not the pet I would have picked for our family but it's been amazing so far. It's been very beneficial to Ryan and that's the most important thing.