Snakes ARE affectionate

[sophiedufort]

Originally Posted by eminart

You just finished making the claim that your snake massages your neck when you have a migraine.

Yes, I did. And this is correct. Far from your 'anal probe' example.
Just because you never experienced something like the 'massage' I am talking about doesn't make it irrational or farfetched.
Please note that I did not insinuate that you're crazy, even though I disagree with you.

[eminart]

Originally Posted by sophiedufort

Yes, I did. And this is correct. Far from your 'anal probe' example.
Just because you never experienced something like the 'massage' I am talking about doesn't make it irrational or farfetched.
Please note that I did not insinuate that you're crazy, even though I disagree with you.

Let me put it this way. You're not The Snake Whisperer. Everyone here has experienced the same behaviors in our reptiles. Many of us, like myself, have kept, literally, hundreds, some even thousands through the years. Yet, we attribute these behaviors to other factors. What do you think you've seen that we haven't? Judging by your first post, you seem to believe that you have some talent of reading these behaviors "the correct" way, while the rest of us are misinterpreting them as something else. Our view is that the behaviors are attributed to factors that would make sense to a snake as we understand them. Your view is that you know differently, and that snakes actually possess emotions that would not make any sense to have evolved in a reptile. What makes your more extraordinary view right, other than your personal experience?

[sophiedufort]

Originally Posted by eminart

Let me put it this way. You're not The Snake Whisperer. Everyone here has experienced the same behaviors in our reptiles. Many of us, like myself, have kept, literally, hundreds, some even thousands through the years. Yet, we attribute these behaviors to other factors. What do you think you've seen that we haven't? Judging by your first post, you seem to believe that you have some talent of reading these behaviors "the correct" way, while the rest of us are misinterpreting them as something else. Our view is that the behaviors are attributed to factors that would make sense to a snake as we understand them. Your view is that you know differently, and that snakes actually possess emotions that would not make any sense to have evolved in a reptile. What makes your more extraordinary view right, other than your personal experience?

Let me reply to this: I said it time and time again in this thread, and I will say it again: I like to think that my snake's behavior is affective. Name it whatever you want, it is there, it is happening. I never attempted to compare their behavior to our human emotions. Everyone else does though, I don't know why. I guess that this is where the misunderstandings begin.
I don't believe that my point of view is extraordinary, right or wrong. I have merely expressed it in this forum, and I accept that many people disagree, some stronger than others.
On another note, I don't believe that keeping hundreds or thousands of snakes necessarily attracts experience, other than a lot of handling throughout the years. As a matter of fact, having so many snakes makes it nearly impossible to have proper, personalized interaction with them, and it ends up being a housekeeping experience (feeding them, breeding them, removing their poop, etc.) I believe that extensive interaction with one individual snake, or just a few instead of many, offers much more opportunity to observe reptile personality and behavior.
I don't claim to be an expert in snakes, or in any other pets for that matter. I am pretty sure that I don't know everything about my snakes, even though I did some extensive studies related to their particular species. I do claim, however, that I am a rational person and a good observer. I only speak from my experience, not from assumptions or hearsay.
Last, but not least, I love all my pets with all my heart. Their well-being is paramount, and I am constantly striving to understand and meet their needs, as well as recognizing and acknowledging their behavior. I think that that makes me a sensible snake keeper, and entitles me to claim that my observations, although not scientific, are pertinent and should be given some credit.
I hope that this replies to your query.

[eminart]

Originally Posted by sophiedufort

Let me reply to this: I said it time and time again in this thread, and I will say it again: I like to think that my snake's behavior is affective. Name it whatever you want, it is there, it is happening. I never attempted to compare their behavior to our human emotions. Everyone else does though, I don't know why. I guess that this is where the misunderstandings begin.
I don't believe that my point of view is extraordinary, right or wrong. I have merely expressed it in this forum, and I accept that many people disagree, some stronger than others.
On another note, I don't believe that keeping hundreds or thousands of snakes necessarily attracts experience, other than a lot of handling throughout the years. As a matter of fact, having so many snakes makes it nearly impossible to have proper, personalized interaction with them, and it ends up being a housekeeping experience (feeding them, breeding them, removing their poop, etc.) I believe that extensive interaction with one individual snake, or just a few instead of many, offers much more opportunity to observe reptile personality and behavior.
I don't claim to be an expert in snakes, or in any other pets for that matter. I am pretty sure that I don't know everything about my snakes, even though I did some extensive studies related to their particular species. I do claim, however, that I am a rational person and a good observer. I only speak from my experience, not from assumptions or hearsay.
Last, but not least, I love all my pets with all my heart. Their well-being is paramount, and I am constantly striving to understand and meet their needs, as well as recognizing and acknowledging their behavior. I think that that makes me a sensible snake keeper, and entitles me to claim that my observations, although not scientific, are pertinent and should be given some credit.
I hope that this replies to your query.

Let's just shake hands and move on. You mean well. You like snakes. So, you're ok in my book. But, if you see your snake continuously zooming around his enclosure, don't assume he just enjoys jogging.

[sophiedufort]

Originally Posted by eminart

Let's just shake hands and move on. You mean well. You like snakes. So, you're ok in my book. But, if you see your snake continuously zooming around his enclosure, don't assume he just enjoys jogging.

Sounds good

[Nuxodom]

Originally Posted by eminart

Let me put it this way. You're not The Snake Whisperer. Everyone here has experienced the same behaviors in our reptiles. Many of us, like myself, have kept, literally, hundreds, some even thousands through the years. Yet, we attribute these behaviors to other factors. What do you think you've seen that we haven't? Judging by your first post, you seem to believe that you have some talent of reading these behaviors "the correct" way, while the rest of us are misinterpreting them as something else. Our view is that the behaviors are attributed to factors that would make sense to a snake as we understand them. Your view is that you know differently, and that snakes actually possess emotions that would not make any sense to have evolved in a reptile. What makes your more extraordinary view right, other than your personal experience?

And your view is fine. As is hers. I also attribute these behaviors to "affectionate factors" like she does That's from very extensive experience and my opinion. That doesn't make me inherently evil