John Duffy

(Ayrshire)

I have always been interested in snakes since I was young, and finally last year, decided to take the plunge, and I bought a Californian Kingsnake from RD Rintouls in Bathgate. Prior to this I read everything that I could find about snakes for about a year. One thing became very clear from the start. Without knowing one person with a snake, I would need to find a way of getting help and advice.

Using the Internet, I searched for answers to questions that I had, but unfortunately found that most of the sites were in the USA, and did not really take into account the species and equipment that is available in the UK. Even books were confusing, differing in opinions on many things.

Then I found Petsnakes.co.uk. Reading what it had to offer to a beginner like me, it was obvious that this was what I was looking for. A few emails later, and I had a member’s list, and started talking and making friends with people who have experience and would tolerate, actually welcome, my incessant questions!!

My understanding wife realised that this was here to stay, and bought me a pair of Corns for Christmas :o)

I soon took Jim up on an offer to meet him, and visit Rintouls to see the collection there. (It was a wise move to leave the credit cards at home!) I have no doubt that I will be expanding my collection soon, but what to get?? There is so much choice!

I have received so much advice from Jim and Petsnakes members. Ranging from things like feeding frequency to shedding problems, health, and even how to detach that all too friendly Kingsnake. And it’s all worked! It became obvious that the only dumb question was the one that you were too frightened to ask.

Everyone starts at the beginning, and Petsnakes for me has definitly got me off on the right foot in a fascinating and rewarding hobby that I plan to enjoy for many years to come.

Thanks to everyone.

John