Looking for input on tough decision

[JMartin]

I currently have a pretty small but nice collection consisting of 12 BP's. I work in commercial construction locally and am able to take very good care of them. However, I am actively pursuing a job that will have me traveling.

My problem is that I don't know when/if I'll land the job I'm looking for. I feel that eventually it will happen. Once I get this job, I don't have a clue on how much traveling I will be doing. I'm pretty sure that I will get set up on a job and stay there for a year or so, but you just never know in construction.

The dilemma this puts me in is what to do with my snakes. My #1 concern in this is to do what's right for them. I would hate to be trying to breed them or maybe even have eggs and have to move to the other side of the country.

Just looking for anyone who may have had a similar experience or just some advice and opinions.

Thanks,
Josh

[RockyTop]

Could you have someone look in to check their temps daily, feed them weekly, etc? Snakes aren't like dogs or cats lol they don't need your companionship. But what they do need is responsible care, and you obviously are a responsible caretaker

I hate to say it, but if you can no longer care for them, and you can't find someone who is willing to put in a little bit of time to care of them, you may want to consider selling them.

If they are breeding age and morphs, maybe a breeder could take them on for a year to breed with? I wouldn't know about this, just an idea... I would hate for you to lose your snakes.

Just make sure whatever happens, your snakes are taken care of!

[Aeries]

You might be able to make a compromise with yourself as well. Maybe you don't breed them for the year unless your absolutely certain you'll be stable for that period. Or maybe you don't dissolve your entire collection, but you cut down on a few so it's easier for you to transport them.
It depends what your goals for your collection were, and how much each individual animal means to you.

[Calift]

I can relate to your dilemma! I'm currently pursuing my Bsc in biology and one of my favorite aspects of this major is field research. I'll likely spent the whole summer outdoors camping and in campings, around lots of wild snakes...but unfortunately no pet ones. I think I could find someone for a few months, but after I graduate next year- I'd like to have to opportunity to travel or do more field work in a remote area. I know I shouldn't let my snakes hold me back....and I already plan vacations around reptile shows!

[BPelizabeth]

well will your position cause you just to move.....or will it cause you to travel around for your position? I think I got both from your post...(or I am having another blonde moment).

Your industry is so hard right now as you have to go where the work is and with the economy...that is difficult. Well if you have someone that is willing to take care of them....then that is a great avenue. However with that being said....you have to be careful because I don't know anyone that will take care of my babies the way I do. And that can cause problems down the road.

I hate to say this but it might be best at this time for you to maybe see about finding someone that is willing to buy them. I know that sounds harsh and I wish I had something better to tell you. If you were just moving.....then by all means take them with you.

Sorry....maybe someone else will have an awesome idea

[JMartin]

Could you have someone look in to check their temps daily, feed them weekly, etc? Snakes aren't like dogs or cats lol they don't need your companionship. But what they do need is responsible care, and you obviously are a responsible caretaker

I hate to say it, but if you can no longer care for them, and you can't find someone who is willing to put in a little bit of time to care of them, you may want to consider selling them.

If they are breeding age and morphs, maybe a breeder could take them on for a year to breed with? I wouldn't know about this, just an idea... I would hate for you to lose your snakes.

Just make sure whatever happens, your snakes are taken care of!

Unfortunately I don't really have anyone that I could trust to take care of them while I was away, and I agree 110% with your last statement. The animals well being is top priority.

You might be able to make a compromise with yourself as well. Maybe you don't breed them for the year unless your absolutely certain you'll be stable for that period. Or maybe you don't dissolve your entire collection, but you cut down on a few so it's easier for you to transport them.
It depends what your goals for your collection were, and how much each individual animal means to you.

Interesting points. My goals for the collection was to breed them. I was wanting to sell some hatchlings to offset some of my cost accrued to date.

well will your position cause you just to move.....or will it cause you to travel around for your position? I think I got both from your post...(or I am having another blonde moment).

Your industry is so hard right now as you have to go where the work is and with the economy...that is difficult. Well if you have someone that is willing to take care of them....then that is a great avenue. However with that being said....you have to be careful because I don't know anyone that will take care of my babies the way I do. And that can cause problems down the road.

I hate to say this but it might be best at this time for you to maybe see about finding someone that is willing to buy them. I know that sounds harsh and I wish I had something better to tell you. If you were just moving.....then by all means take them with you.

Sorry....maybe someone else will have an awesome idea

You're not having a blonde moment. LOL. It really is both. I will be moving to a new location, but only for short periods of time, so it's kind of like traveling... sort of. I might be in one state for a few months and move, or I might get on a big job and stay in one place for a couple of years. I just don't know right now.

[JLC]

Being a military family, I can relate to frequent moves. I wouldn't recommend breeding them at all without being relatively certain of staying in one place for at least a year or more....but that doesn't mean you have to get rid of them.

If you don't already have one...I'd look into getting a very simple, easy to move rack system to house them in....something that sets up and tears down relatively easily. Then make a plan for the actual travel you might have to do from one job to another. I travel very easily with my snakes. It's kind of a pain at times...but it's not hard to do and it doesn't seem to bother the snakes at all. This probably wouldn't work if you're looking at a week here and a week there type of thing....but if you're talking about likely being in one place at least a couple months or more, I don't see any reason why you can't take them with you.

(One major caveat: You should pay attention to local and state laws regarding the transportation and keeping of exotic animals in your home.)

[alan1]

I currently have a pretty small but nice collection consisting of 12 BP's. I work in commercial construction locally and am able to take very good care of them. However, I am actively pursuing a job that will have me traveling.

My problem is that I don't know when/if I'll land the job I'm looking for. I feel that eventually it will happen. Once I get this job, I don't have a clue on how much traveling I will be doing. I'm pretty sure that I will get set up on a job and stay there for a year or so, but you just never know in construction.

The dilemma this puts me in is what to do with my snakes. My #1 concern in this is to do what's right for them. I would hate to be trying to breed them or maybe even have eggs and have to move to the other side of the country.

i think (deep down), you already know the answer...
question is, will you be totally happy in your new job, knowing that you've had to make such a heartfelt sacrifice?