"Coughing"???

I haven't had to deal with an RI so far, but I can't remember reading anyone talking about their snake "coughing". I'm curious to find out what you discover when you see the snake, and what the vet says.

As far as your "take it or leave it" question... if you want the snake and can afford the vet bills that probably come with it, I'd say go for it. At least depending on how the snake seems when you see it. If the snake's condition is too bad, you may end up spending lots on the vet then having the snake die anyway, so it may be better to avoid the situation entirely.

This thread deals with a similar question, so reading it may be useful to you.
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=68301

EDIT: Oh yeah, and make sure you practice a very strict quarantine!

GRRRR!!! OK, so he agreed to it all, then just e-mailed me back, and said that he also wants me to pay him $200 for her- WTF- dude, you came to ME!?! So I just said, "look, if you want your snake to live, then I will come and get her in the morning. And also, it would be better for the snake if you would make sure she was taken care of, instead of your own greed."... And I said some more.. But I was pissed...

thats messed up i would have trouble paying that much for a healthy normal. hopefully he'll come to his senses

Run quickly from this situation.
How did this person get your email?

First, selling a sick snake for $200? NO - especially since you're going to be incurring vet bills if you get her. I'd walk away from this, personally. Thanks, but no thanks.

Rehoming a sick snake Aaaaaaaaaand paying for it?!?? I don't think so! If you're going to take the snake, then no money should be passing hands. If he's selling it, then pass.

Snakes don't have diaphragms, so can't actually "cough" but if he's making noises like that, then the fluid/mucus is going to be a very serious issue, and is going to take a lot of care.

Yes, be very careful. I just paid over $200 for a vet visit, culture, and antibiotics. I had a sick black rat snake that I took in from the wild - now my ball python got an RI, too.

QT has to be SO tight. Wash hands, change clothes, shower after handling the sick snake. I would QT her from ALL other herps, just in case.

Good luck. And remember, it is great to save/rescue, but not worth it if a danger to your other animals. Also, maybe call the vet in advance and tell them the situation and ask if you can have a discount. :confused:

Well, I just walked away form it- but hopefully the guy will realize that he's being stupid and will e-mail me back. I told him the most I will give him is $30- and also told him he's lucky I would give him anything. As for how he got my e-mail- I have no clue, really. Maybe someone I know gave it to him when they heard he had a sick snake?? No idea. Good question though.

And If I do get the snake, she will probably go immediatly to the vet and will be staying at my boyfriends (literaly only a street away), untill she's better.

I WOULD NEVER give anyone anything for an animal they are giving up because they can't afford to take care of it properly. :mad: I'd rather turn it around on them and make them pay ME for taking in a sick animal and pouring money into the animal to help it get better.

Just like in that rescue thread, I said I would hope they learn their lesson from this animals suffering.

In the end, I wouldn't have given him anything but .02 cents.

Yeah, I would not have offered to give any money at all. If you get this snake your vet bills will be pretty large (if the poor snake is filled with mucous) and after all is done, the snake might not even make it. :mad: