Rescue snake?????

[sleuthsayer]

I've wanted a ball python for a long, long time- and have done over a year of research- but recently, a friend of mine who has an 8 month old normal, is asking me to take in his BP. But, I'm already prepared for a ball python bought (I have a particular banana ball in mind)... Who is around the same age and has an absolutely lovely temperament. The rescue ball is actually not in the best conditions- my friend unknowingly has been using those cruddy Zoo Med analog thermoters and hygrometer, and the ball python's (Zephyr) scales are dry... He's also in a 10 gal glass aquarium without a heat mat, only an infrared nighttime heat bulb. He is a good eater, however, and otherwise healthy. He is a bit small, though. He's going to come with all the stuff he's got- hides, tank, all of that. If I take in Zephyr, I'm going to switch him to a tub setup or vivarium with a heat pad. :\ The thing is- my dad is considering letting me take on both at the same time as long as I can care for them- do y'all think that's a good idea, though? I can very likely do it, as I have done a ton of research and polished up my plan for their husbandry, and have a couple heat mats lying around, and am prepared for tub setup. I just want a second opinion, as my dad is also considering adopting a dog around the same time, and school starts in a few weeks. Is it what y'all would consider too much???

[sleuthsayer]

Probably worth mentioning- I am currently in high school and have a solid plan to care for them through college and for the rest of their lives. I actually aspire to eventually breed BPs :v

[RickyNY]

Do you have money saved up for the Vet bill if Zephyr is sick? Looking healthy doesn't mean a thing. Just get the ball you really want, the banana.

[Craiga 01453]

It can be a lot to take on for a first time keeper. Another thing to consider is that you'll have to quarantine both new animals.
If it were me, I'd just stick to my original plan and get the snake I want.

[melcvt00]

I would go for the snake I want and try to educate your friend.

The other option is to not get the snake you want, rescue the other, and try not to be disappointed when they potentially get another and treat it the same way.

[bcr229]

I would take both and keep them on opposite sides of the house until they passed QT, and build a rack during that period because you'll eventually be getting more.

Don't forget the t-stats for the heat pads.

[sleuthsayer]

The thing is, he HAS to get rid of it, his parents, i guess, suddenly had a change of heart about the snake. And if I cannot take it, he doesn't know anyone else that would be willing to take Zephyr and, because the local animal shelter does not take reptiles, he would have to be surrendered to a specialty pet store that treats their animals worse than PetCo. I will talk to him about the snake's conditions and enclosure so that if he gets another one, his hubsbandry will be better. He does care about that snake, he was just ignorant. :\

[sleuthsayer]

How long do you recommend for the quarantine process?? And yes, I've got 2 thermostats all ready to go.

[DLena]

Just make sure you really want Zephyr. BP's last a long time. And make sure your friend understands the snake will now belong to you. You don't want resentment from either of you to ruin your friendship.

- - - Updated - - -

Oh, and I do a 90 day quarantine.

[sleuthsayer]

Yes, thank you! A 90 day quarantine is definitely doable. I don't think I'll have to worry about a strained friendship too much, when he asked me, he told me he thinks I can take better care of Zephyr than he can, and knows that he won't be getting Zephyr back, although he can come to visit and handle him after the quarantine is over.