Some people shouldn't own snakes.

Ug...good advice. But you're right some people shouldn't keep snakes.

That is just animal cruilty, he should not have that snake.

I'm sorry you're being put in this situation. Unfortunately, it was his parent (also an irresponsible reptile keeper) who caused the situation. Because of his age and situation, it's hard to tell a child that not only his methods are wrong but by extension, his father's methods are, too. The care sheet idea sounds good, as does showing him around BP.net or NERD's website, then casually dropping how they keep their animals. Those are good ideas, and about the best you can do in the situation, unfortunately. I feel for you.

Do you have a local breeder nearby? If so, maybe you can arrange a day with the breeder to check out the snakes and also so this kid can see first hand how snakes are taken care of. Maybe you can talk his dad into coming along as well (or is he the one in Orlando?)

You have a handful of snakes yourself, could you invite the kid over to see how you take care of yours and show him how healthy yours are?

i think id be so tempted to sneak the poor thing outta there in my pocket or something :( im not a thief, but that snake needs to be cared for properly or its gonna die :(

i think a call to animal control should help the situation, honestly. NOT having a heat source for an animal that cannot regulate its own body temperature IS abuse, IMO. the kid is prob gonna only listen to his dad, and it sounds like his daddy isnt gonna fix the situation.....sorry to say this, but maybe if the snake is confiscated, it will prob be cared for better at the shelter, or even better, at a new home :( i hate to see people loose their animals, but sometimes thats what has to be done :(