Reptile Resue/Adoption

**lady_bug87** · 09-10-11, 07:42 AM

I really want to start this dialogue because I think its important. Now, admittedly, I have not rescued any of my herps they have all come from the same reptile supplier since I find their staff knowledgeable and responsible (they wont sell you something if they think it would be a bad fit) but the last few times I had been there I seem to be seeing more and more beardie hatchlings and gecko hatchlings and its kind of sad because I know that when these animals grow up some of them end up right back at the supplier

I want to know what people think about herp rescue and adoption and if they have had any experience with it

PS: I cant stop thinking about their black throated monitor Snarl... he is amazing and no body wants him either

infernalis · 09-10-11, 07:48 AM

Several of my animals are rescued adopted...

I seized our BP myself from a very ugly set of circumstances.

Also have performed wild snake removals for people afraid of them.

**lady_bug87** · 09-10-11, 07:54 AM

and temperament wise did you have any issues?

infernalis · 09-10-11, 08:24 AM

Not really..

The poor BP was sick.

He's a handful now. Make sure his belly is full before attempting to get him out

The few extractions that I have kept all settled in nicely too.

**lady_bug87** · 09-10-11, 04:18 PM

sounds good, I was talking to someone from my building who recently bought a beardie and while they were at the store (supplier that I use) they rescued an adult which makes me glad I really want that monitor but my husband says it would eat my dog lol

ZARADOZIA · 10-06-11, 08:13 AM

I was going to make a new thread but did some reading and found this one. We have a local Reptile Rescue and I love those guys. They take in all kinds of reptiles and I frequent their site regularly to see what they have. I love looking at them. It's my mental wish list...lol

Recently they brokered a deal with a educational facility in GA and shipped many of their rescues there.

VA Reptile Rescue, Inc. Or type in Search engine, VA Reptile Rescue, Inc.

Today they have a beautiful Ball, Red Tail Boa and Male Burmese Python (He is GORGEOUS), and a pretty California Kingsnake, high white phase.

Do you have any in your area?
Do you frequent its website?
What are your thoughts on it?

Gungirl · 10-06-11, 08:18 AM

I rescued my GTP and always keep my eyes out for other animals that need to be rescued. I do however have a hard time taking in rescues due to vet bills and temperament. I can not afford to throw money at an animal or have an aggressive animal in my house. I will always take a rescue before anything else as long as its not in need of tons of medical treatment or its not really aggressive.

ZARADOZIA · 10-06-11, 08:28 AM

All of my animals are rescue babies. And I could not ask for more loving and affection animals. Except Hendrix, he is not loving or affection, he just tolerates us. lol

dawnhorn · 10-06-11, 08:35 AM

I have never had any experience with reptile rescue/adoption facilities, but I would imagine it would be a lot like dogs at animal shelters. Some are there because of behavioral issues (or in the case of reptiles-aggression, not feeding, etc.) but I bet most of the owners were unable (physically or financially) to care for their animals properly and wanted them to have better homes. Unfortunately, in the case of reptiles I think many people buy an animal and don't do their research on it first (or the sales staff misleads them). They find that the animal grows too large for the space in their homes, the proper cage will cost too much, they don't like feeding insects, the snake is well over 10 feet now..."what do I do???", etc.

infernalis · 10-06-11, 08:42 AM

Sadly such is the case with way too many monitors and Iguanas...

People buy those cute little babies, and a year later are shocked to find that they now have a large demanding reptile in the house.

SSSSnakes · 10-06-11, 09:05 AM

We run a snake rescue and adoption. Sadly I work at a pet store were I get a lot of snakes that people no longer want. I also get a lot of people who have sick snakes that they are unwilling to take care of. We take in all snake and care for them until they are ready to be adopted out or we may keep them for our educational snake programs. We operate on donations and the money we earn from our snake shows. People do not realize how much money it cost to care for a snake. If we have to pick up the snake, there is gas and tolls, electric, supplies, bedding, food, medications and vet bills. We do not charge to take a snake in, because some people would just let the snake suffer if they had to pay to get rid of it, but we do have a $40 adoption fee for any snake. Some times the snakes are worth way more than the $40.

Uncle_Rev · 10-06-11, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSSSnakes

We do not charge to take a snake in, because some people would just let the snake suffer if they had to pay to get rid of it, but we do have a $40 adoption fee for any snake. Some times the snakes are worth way more than the $40.

As horrible as it sounds I wish people would just freezer the snake (and themselves too) before making it endure an existence of suffering...

stephanbakir · 10-06-11, 09:30 AM

Why not educate them first, and if they won't listen you can just refuse the sale... thats what I generally do.

Snakefood · 10-06-11, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by infernalis

Sadly such is the case with way too many monitors and Iguanas...

People buy those cute little babies, and a year later are shocked to find that they now have a large demanding reptile in the house.

Ya I know, Back when misty was still with us (our 6' Iguana) you wouldn't believe how many people didn't believe they got that big! They all thought "a couple feet long, max"

the rescue in our area is so full, that the SPCA is starting to have to accept surrendered, found reptiles as Reptile Rainforest simply cannot take in any more. Here is the "available for adoption" page.

Home

SSSSnakes · 10-06-11, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stephanbakir

Why not educate them first, and if they won't listen you can just refuse the sale... thats what I generally do.

I wish it was just that easy. I talk people all the time out of buying a reptile that they are not ready for but many stores and breeders at expos are only looking to make a buck and really don't care about the reptile. I'm not saying all breeders and stores, but many do. I have people coming into the store after an expo and they don't have a clue as to what the have gotten themselves into. Most who bought a bearded dragon were told that they did not need to get a UVB light, because if the customer had to buy an expensive light, they might not have made the sale. The one lady I asked what kind of geckos she bought, she said she had bought 2 different kinds (not knowing what they were) and was told that they could stay in the same enclosure.