I need your opinions

[Boidae]

So, I was chatting with my friend yesterday and she says "my friend is getting a sixteen foot snake tomorrow, she already had a Burmese and a corn snake but they died within the first two years so now she is getting a boa constrictor" Should I be worried? I'm worried that these animals were in the wrong hands because this girl is thirteen, and she doesn't even know how big the snake is that she is getting, she doesn't even know how long it lives! If the Burmese and a Corn snake for goodness sake didn't survive how is she gonna keep a boa constrictor?? What should I do?

[Freakie_frog]

Boa's don't get that big.

[distaff]

Not much you can do, except keep us updated on the train wreck - sounds like it will be depressing.
Am curious to know what the "boa" will turn out to be.

Do Argentines even get that big?

[Boidae]

Thats my point she doesn't know that they only reach 10 feet.

[Boidae]

Not much you can do, except keep us updated on the train wreck - sounds like it will be depressing.
Am curious to know what the "boa" will turn out to be.

Do Argentines even get that big?

I will keep you guys updated, I just hope she doesn't starve it or over feed it because she thinks it will reach this ridiculous "sixteen feet"

[wolfy-hound]

The only thing that you can do is to offer to ID the snake, and/or offer care information. Otherwise, no, there's nothing you can do.

Everyone started off not knowing about snake care. Most get the snake, then learn how to properly care for it. Some learn all about the snake, then set things up, then get the snake. A few get the snake, don't bother to learn about the care and either get rid of the snake or it dies.

The least I would worry about is over- or under-feeding. A secure enclosure with properly regulated heat would be uppermost in my mind. If you are really concerned, you could ask your friend to put you in contact with her friend and get to know her better. A hint: Starting out with 'Do you even know anything about this snake?' will end with you being pointed at the door figuratively speaking. Instead, work your way to suggestions. Be enthused about the new pet, and ask lots of questions. Suggest a type of cage you've seen(pick the cheapest GOOD option!) with enthusiasm. Say things like "What kind of thermostat would you get?" instead of "You know, you need a thermostat" to both imply that she DOES know already and to encourage her to learn more to impress you.

It's 100 times better to encourage someone to BECOME a good keeper, than to try to make someone not keep pets. If they want the shiny new pet, they're going to get it. So make her into a great keeper(and then you can enjoy her pets, in addition to your own and even compare notes as they grow).

Good luck.

[Boidae]

So, I got an update. I found out that this girl changed her mind at the last minute and got a ball python, I was a bit relieved. So, I told my friend to give her my email so I could get in touch with her and send her some great care sheets and try to help her out with her new addition, the last thing I'd want is another snake dying.

[Jhill001]

Well send her here, plenty of ball python people here to help her out.