one now in the national guard and the other heading off to college so the snake was getting less time out of the tank and less attention in general. we have 3 boys ages 3, 7 and 9 so they asked thinking it would be right up their alley. Wife took the kids to visit the snake to be sure they wouldn't be terrified and they loved it. Our experience has definitely been helped by the fact that the snake is older (about 15 years old and can live close to 40 in captivity) and has been handled by people extensively. He's roughly 5 1/2 feet long so more or less fully grown and has been fascinating to have as a pet. just watching up close the way they move, the process of feeding, being able to watch him shed from start to finish - all have been very fun to watch and cool experience for the kids. he also likes people so if you set him on the floor, he is more likely to come towards you than try to get away.

Also seriously the easiest pet I've ever had in terms of maintenance. His tank has 2 heating pads to keep temperature consistently warm - 70-80 degrees - and we keep his water clean and tank bedded with aspen shavings. also have a small branch for him to climb on. He eats once a month, usually 3-4 small rats (frozen and thawed) and with him eating once a month, he also only uses the bathroom once a month. with the aspen shavings, cleaning up is more or less like scooping out of a litter box. way easier than fish, hermit crabs, dog/cat, etc... I have a feeling with the boys we will have all manner of pets before it's said and done but this has been a great one.