Possible rescue--advice, please

Someone asked to be kept abreast, so here's an update.

Just got back from seeing the snake. I took a pass. Wasn't quite as pretty in person as in photos (it looked brilliant yellow), and I already have a snake, so I'm picky. But I hope someone who knows what they're doing or is willing to learn grabs this chance. Both snakes were coiled next to each other under a water dish. He explained that snakes hibernate in the winter. No thermometer or hygrometer in the tank, which was equipped with a mesh screen and no means to keep humidity in. Substrate I didn't recognize--looked like beauty bark. He explained that he's very experienced with reptiles, so there was no real chance/opening to say, uh, you might want to re-think some things here. The other snake, the one I wasn't interested in, was in shed, and it was peeling off in little pieces. They both seemed to have great temperments, which might have something to do with temps. They were cold to the touch and the temperature in tank was the same as in living room. No wheezing, though, and no discharge. Save for the piecemeal shed, they seemed in good condition. Hardy specimens, I think. The one I was interested in was scarred. He said it had been stabbed by a previous owner and he'd taken it to a vet and nursed it back to health. I have no reason to disbelieve him. I don't think he was a mean guy or anything--he said he wasn't going to let the snakes go to just anyone. Just didn't know much about keeping snakes, I think.

He says he's getting rid of them because his wife's expecting and doesn't want snakes around when the baby arrives. It's a great deal for someone. The adoption fee for both is $100 and negotiable, and the tank comes with the deal. It's easily 100 gallons (perhaps too big, really, for BPs). He said there's also a UTH, but the snakes don't use it. Hmmm. Anyhoo, also a couple small-ish half log hides that he had next to each other as opposed to warm side-cold side. And a huge water dish, looked like Eco Terra. The enclosure and equipment alone is worth the money--perfect for a bearded dragon or other reptile that needs space.

Any rate, that's my long-ish report. If anyone out there is interested, PM me and I can put you in touch. Maybe we could work a deal--you take the snakes, I take the enclosure and kick in some bucks. Or not. He's in Illinois, about an hour from St. Louis.

Most likely they were too cold to be active. :no: I sure hope he finds better homes for them.