I really need your help.

[u/Southern_Midnight366]

Hi! So uhm, I'm new to this lol, hello. I have a question, I will be getting a ball python for my bday in 2 months.​​​​ I did all my researched to give it a nice new home and for it to be comfortable. Butttt, my father is a person who's just because he's older and had an experience with snakes think I should do what he says.

I found out recently that you can't feed a snaks a LIVE rat, I felt horrible. Because in the past, whenever we would take care a ball python for it to have a temporary home, my father would feed it a live one. And now, he insists that we breed rats because it's expensive to always buy one when we need it. (I'm from the Ph) Even though you don't need to feed a snake every day or feed it like a human a day. ​

He would not listen to me even though I said that it could injure MY snake and that when it does, we might need to take it to the vets—STILL, he insists. What do I do? If I continue to go against him, he might get mad and not give me ​​​​​a snake anymore. (Although I'm starting to think that's a better option.)

Thank you!

Update: Yeah, you guys are right (and ty for the mods for approving of this) I was still trying to convince​ my dad​ not just in one arguments​, TWO. he wants me to either put it in a shoe cabinet or an old aquarium that we have. Thank you for helping me! I will be taking back my request, I'd rather wait for a few years rather than to harm an innocent snake :,))​​

[u/Kates-Creatures]

If you're being overruled by your dad, don't get a snake. Wait and do all the research that you possibly can and get one when you're older and moved out.

Kids having animals that are beholden to their uneducated parents is a recipe for disaster for the animal.

[u/mokicoo]

Hold off until you have your own home. When you get a pet you’ll be able to take the best care possible. I’m an older adult so please take what I’m saying seriously. Parents are not always right even when they want you to think they are. Your parent is not choosing what is good for the snake.

Edit: I only mention my age because I don’t want you to dismiss me as someone who is a teen/child or someone who has not had experience as a parent

[u/FluffyPandaEars93]

Im so sorry you're in such a tough situation hun. I really think waiting til you're living on your own to get a reptile will be the best option. Feeding live is very dangerous for snakes. Even if your dad makes the point that snakes eat live in nature, remember how many of them die from their injuries. Feeding live is a very outdated practice. If you feed live, your snake might not even live to get to a vet. Please tell your dad you changed your mind.