A story of heartache and happiness.

woahamie · 08-09-12, 03:18 PM

On Tuesday morning I went a local mom and pop pet shop to look around and see if they had some supplies I normally use for my reptiles for cheaper. They had a very limited reptile section, but was happy to find some aspen for a pretty good price.

As I kept walking around, I noticed that they also had some animals for sale. Mainly it was just birds and hamsters, but I was surprised to see that they had reptiles too. They had some gecko's and a couple baby dragons. But it was what I saw next that led to my heartache.

Sitting in a five-gallon tank, was a ball python. It didn't have any heat whatsoever. No hides, no water. He was just sitting on newspaper that looked like it hadn't been changed in about a month. I approached the tank and the smell that was coming out of there was something not of this world. It smelled like death.

I asked one of the guy's working there if he knew why that poor snake was in the condition that he was in, and all he said was "How should I know?" and just walked away. I was just too stunned to even say anything back.

So out of my frustration, I demanded that they open the tank and let me examine him. At first they said no, because they said he wasn't the nicest snake ever. But I still demanded that they let me see him. They finally gave in.

He had severe scale rot and was very skinny. The last time he ate was almost a month and a half ago! The second I grabbed him (or her) she wrapped around my arm, absorbing in all the warmth she, or he, could get. That's when I decided to take him home. They gave him to me for $50. I paid quickly and went straight to my vet where she gave me some antibiotics.

Now, I'm very new to the whole snake thing. I just got my first last week and I love him to itty bitty pieces, but this one, this one just stole my heart completely. He's the sweetest thing in the world.

I now have Chance in my reptile room, along with Bono, my other BP, Betsy my Bearded Dragon, Louie my Leopard Gecko and Daisy and Lola, my Crested Gecko's. I have him with paper towel that I change daily, some hides and water dish. He's living comfy in a 40gal breeder tank and I hope to feed him soon.

That's my part of the happiness, but one thing that I left out is that ... IT'S A PIED! He's so beautiful. I'll post some pics of him once he's feeling up for it.

So yeah, that's my story guys.

Lankyrob · 08-09-12, 03:21 PM

Ummm, youREALLY REALLY should have this new snake as far away as possible from your others in case it has some transferrable illness.

I appreciate the good thought behind what you did but unfortunately the shop will probably just get another one to chuck in that tank, they got their money this time and will probably get it for the next one too

snake man12 · 08-09-12, 03:22 PM

Omg you were like a godsend to that snake. And wow a pied . I can't wait for the pics.

woahamie · 08-09-12, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lankyrob

Ummm, youREALLY REALLY should have this new snake as far away as possible from your others in case it has some transferrable illness.

I appreciate the good thought behind what you did but unfortunately the shop will probably just get another one to chuck in that tank, they got their money this time and will probably get it for the next one too

Yeah, I know I gotta move him. I'm just waiting for my parents to make room in the spare room we have as a quarantine area. He should be moved there by tomorrow.

Lankyrob · 08-09-12, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woahamie

Yeah, I know I gotta move him. I'm just waiting for my parents to make room in the spare room we have as a quarantine area. He should be moved there by tomorrow.

Cool, i just hope its not too late for the others

mykee · 08-09-12, 03:51 PM

A month and a half for a ball python not to eat is nothing.
I hope that you can provide it with better care than it had at the pet shop.
Often this is not the case.
Also, know that you "saving" this snake is only opening up that 5 gallon fish cage for another snake.

woahamie · 08-09-12, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mykee

A month and a half for a ball python not to eat is nothing.
I hope that you can provide it with better care than it had at the pet shop.
Often this is not the case.
Also, know that you "saving" this snake is only opening up that 5 gallon fish cage for another snake.

Well, at least I can feel better about saving this one. You can't save everyone, can you?

Gungirl · 08-09-12, 04:00 PM

No you can't save them all and congrats to you for taking this one in. I have to agree with Mykee though. By buying that one you just gave the store another reason to get more and put them in the same condition.

People need to let these animals die (as sad as that is) to stop pet stores from selling them. They won't keep stocking animals that pass away and never sell.

If you want to "save" snakes report places like that to the proper authorities instead of giving them business.

DeesBalls · 08-09-12, 04:01 PM

going on what Lanky said... really shouldn't have it near your other snake/s... but very nice job on the rescue!!!!! post pics asap! cant believe they would let a snake live like that, even let alone a pied...

snake man12 · 08-09-12, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeEuGi

going on what Lanky said... really shouldn't have it near your other snake/s... but very nice job on the rescue!!!!! post pics asap! cant believe they would let a snake live like that, even let alone a pied...

I don't understand why they would mistreat such an expensive snake.

woahamie · 08-09-12, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeEuGi

going on what Lanky said... really shouldn't have it near your other snake/s... but very nice job on the rescue!!!!! post pics asap! cant believe they would let a snake live like that, even let alone a pied...

I don't really think they knew it was a pied. Cause if they did, no way would they let it go for so little.

But thanks everyone. I tried to do right, and yeah, I know it'll open up another window to stick in another snake, but maybe someone else would help, too.

I don't know. But I'm glad I did what I did, and at the end of it all, I feel like a did a good deed.

**Pareeeee** · 08-09-12, 04:06 PM

Glad you rescued him. Now, you should anonymously report the store and suggest an inspector stop by. That's what I would do.

woahamie · 08-09-12, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pareeeee

Glad you rescued him. Now, you should anonymously report the store and suggest an inspector stop by. That's what I would do.

Yeah, that's what I plan to do.

DeesBalls · 08-09-12, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snake man12

I don't understand why they would mistreat such an expensive snake.

yes, but, expensive or not, still dont deserve to be treated like that. must be a very terrible pet store...

mykee · 08-09-12, 04:57 PM

I want pics, I doubt you picked up a pied for $50, because the breeder that sold it to the pet store sold it to them for a hell of a lot more than $50, so the pet store knew exactly what it was.
Pics.