Are your snakes in your will? If they outlive you what then?

[Sonya610]

I am curious as to whether other BP owners have thought about “after death planning” with regard to their animals. I am in my forties, when I read they can live 20 to 40 years in captivity that caused me concern. I finally succumbed to the desire to have a BP and got one, but realistically I may not outlive this snake. Do other BP owners think about this?

Do the mature keepers (i.e this question would not apply to most 22 year olds) have plans regarding who will care for your snake/s should they outlive you? Are there herp groups that help with this sort of planning?

[littleindiangirl]

I imagine they would be passed on to the next generation. Either that be other breeders up and coming, or their own children taking them (if they like them).

[Sonya610]

I imagine they would be passed on to the next generation. Either that be other breeders up and coming, or their own children taking them (if they like them).

If people have a lot of snakes and know breeders, or participate in shows or whatever that is probably the case. But for the people that have one or two snakes, I would be worried that their family members would hand the snake off to a local pet store where it might be the "toy of the week" for some bored 17 year old.

[littleindiangirl]

If people have a lot of snakes and know breeders, or participate in shows or whatever that is probably the case. But for the people that have one or two snakes, I would be worried that their family members would hand the snake off to a local pet store where it might be the "toy of the week" for some bored 17 year old.

LOL, 17 year olds can be responsible pet owners!

I think in those cases where they don't know a community exists, the families will most likely give it to a rescue group if the owner hasn't already made arrangements with a local society.

For me, the internet is here with the HUGE community of reptile lovers. Finding others in the herp community that are ready and willing to take on your loved pets is the only thing I can think of.

There are herp societies and forums where people are always there to help.

[NightLad]

My sister and brother-in-law (experienced herpers themselves) have already agreed to provide him a good home if I get abducted by aliens, etc. The same goes for Mike, my crested gecko. In a pinch my parents can fill in, too. They love my pets.

[Sonya610]

LOL, 17 year olds can be responsible pet owners!

Yes, some surely are. That 14 year old that was giving anti-biotic injections to his female with the respiratory infection, very fine example of responsible teenagers. But others are not so sensitive.

I guess the topic came up because I expressed to my mother that I was worried about after death planning, and she said "well a pet store would take it!" Finding a club or group and leaving instructions is the best idea I suppose.

[Thor26]

hey im 16 and i rescued a boa with RI and gave it a round of antibiotics. it doesnt matter how old you are as long as u care about what ur doin =]

[Sonya610]

hey im 16 and i rescued a boa with RI and gave it a round of antibiotics. it doesnt matter how old you are as long as u care about what ur doin =]

Yes, there are very responsible young people. Often the direct product of responsible, animal loving parents (vet bills can get pricey).

I guess I was affected by a story a few years back, a male acquaintance heard I wanted a ball python and told me that they were very "cool" snakes. Apparently his friend had one and they would wear it as a "belt" in nightclubs to amaze people. That story always stuck in my head, yes I realize 17 year olds cannot get into night clubs but hopefully you can see my point. It was just a horrid thought, and scared me.

Forgive me for showing age bias, but realistically some behaviors are far more common among younger individuals. It is hard to imagine older people doing such a thing (it happens, but it is not nearly as common).

[Thor26]

ooh thats awful and i understand alot of kids are that way i just wanted to make sure you understood its noy the age its the person =]

[littleindiangirl]

Yes, there are very responsible young people. Often the direct product of responsible, animal loving parents (vet bills can get pricey).

I guess I was affected by a story a few years back, a male acquaintance heard I wanted a ball python and told me that they were very "cool" snakes. Apparently his friend had one and they would wear it as a "belt" in nightclubs to amaze people. That story always stuck in my head, yes I realize 17 year olds cannot get into night clubs but hopefully you can see my point. It was just a horrid thought, and scared me.

Forgive me for showing age bias, but realistically some behaviors are far more common among younger individuals. It is hard to imagine older people doing such a thing (it happens, but it is not nearly as common).

I am directing you towards this link..
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...threadid=68716

Just... whoa.