Tough decision

Ive had Steve, my BP, for almost 7 years now but in the last year I havent been the best owner. I got a dog that I spoil to death and put all of my energy into and ive noticed that I dont spend nearly enough time on the upkeep of Steves cage.

To make things worse my $250 mini freezer broke a year ago and the $100+ worth of contents went bad and there was some leaking on the carpet. I was really good about feeding him on time when I had a bulk supply in my house but Ive been getting worse now that I have to go to petco and dont have the option of storing anything in the kitchen freezer if he doesnt eat. I dont think I can invest in the previous setup again since the wife is still traumatized by the idea of rat juice in the carpet.

Ive been thinking for the past 6 months about finding him a better home vs trying to optimize/automate my current setup (switching from high maintenance 45 gal glass tank to a tub which I assume is much easier?) Im still not sure how to improve the feeding system though. Any suggestions or perspective?

If you're on Facebook search for local reptile groups - there is probably someone advertising feeders who is cheaper than Petco and would be willing to sell 10 frozen at a time. I store mine double-bagged in the regular freezer.

I'd explain to your wife that your snake has to eat too. My roommates didn't like it but they put up with 100+ rats in the freezer until I got my mini freezer. To me they're in a bag and just like the steaks and chicken in there. It's not like the food touches. Or compromise. Most freezers have a shelf on the door. What about claiming that as the rat portion? Or maybe putting a plastic container in there where they can be stored? That way your wife is extra assured they aren't touching, even through plastic bags.

It sounds like you're not interested in him much anymore. If that's the case I would rehome him. Could make some caring younger kid really happy.

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Originally Posted by hendrixx007

Ive had Steve, my BP, for almost 7 years now but in the last year I havent been the best owner. I got a dog that I spoil to death and put all of my energy into and ive noticed that I dont spend nearly enough time on the upkeep of Steves cage.

To make things worse my $250 mini freezer broke a year ago and the $100+ worth of contents went bad and there was some leaking on the carpet. I was really good about feeding him on time when I had a bulk supply in my house but Ive been getting worse now that I have to go to petco and dont have the option of storing anything in the kitchen freezer if he doesnt eat. I dont think I can invest in the previous setup again since the wife is still traumatized by the idea of rat juice in the carpet.

Ive been thinking for the past 6 months about finding him a better home vs trying to optimize/automate my current setup (switching from high maintenance 45 gal glass tank to a tub which I assume is much easier?) Im still not sure how to improve the feeding system though. Any suggestions or perspective?

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Find a home for him. You don't sound interested in keeping him. Even with a low maintenance/automated setup like a tub, you have to feed him and you're feeding situation sounds less than what it should be.

Nothing wrong with giving him to a good home if you decide to. Like Marrissa said in the post above, it could make some kid who really wants a snake very happy.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

If you're on Facebook search for local reptile groups - there is probably someone advertising feeders who is cheaper than Petco and would be willing to sell 10 frozen at a time. I store mine double-bagged in the regular freezer.

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ya me two, double bagged does the trick!

I have a chest freezer. Inside is a insulated box that holds all my rats in zip bags. On top of the box is a overflow of corn dogs and frozen pizza.

Op, if you know you are not providing the best home I'm sure you could find a person that will. Maybe even here.

There is no shame in admitting that your snake may be better off with a new home. I have had to rehome snakes in the past due to unforeseen circumstances. It shows that you do indeed care about the snake and it's needs. Just do what is best for the animal and find it a decent home. Don't just give your snake to "anyone" though. Make sure that the person is educated in the husbandry and basic needs of the snake.

Thanks all for the responses. Since the main freezer is not an option, I think it would be selfish at this point to keep him since he could be better off as long as I find the right person. Is this forum a good place to find someone who would take him? If not, any suggestions how to find someone - I dont trust craigslist. I live in Fairfax, VA.