Huge problem, scared, don't know what to do...

I read yur post now; I am sorry about your situation. I myself am in a precarious place; in a new city; though I did get a job at a local store. My husband does tattoos here; it is either an awesome week, or an empty and broke week, for us. Depending on the whims of the tattooable public. And my 2 roommates are having alotof trouble finding jobs..
My snakes.. hm. I already sold one; the tide is turning in our favor, so I do plan on keeping the 5 that I have now. If it came down to me having to struggle to feed them, I would sell them one by one. I could not really think of making them starve for my own ability to keep them; I was recently preparing to sell them all before things started looking up a bit.
I am very happy that there are people helping you out! I hope that things turn better for you soon; these times are tough.

Thanks continue for all the added wishes. :) Just wanted to give an update of sorts:

Still no luck on the job front. We'll be looking into temp agencies this coming week, as well as doing some follow ups with places we applied at. A place I had thought would be a shoe in for me seems to be stalling, and that on top of everything else is making me start to lose hope.

We are also trying to sell some excess 'stuff' - fencing gear, MtG cards, some jewelry - but have had no real luck with that yet. I made the decision that I will sell as many as 4 of my 8 snakes, but I can't put ads up here till next year and I don't really want to use CL. SIGH, even when I want to sell stuff I'm balked. :rolleyes:

So things are sort of hovering right now. I'm fighting back the hopeless feelings as best I can, but with each new roadblock it gets harder to do. I just pray something good happens to balance things out. :)

Hang in there!!! *hug*

Any updates? How are things going?

I have an update for you - no jobs yet, and no more calls even, which is rather depressing. We'll be going out to some temp agencies next week as soon as dad's car gets fixed.

On a good note, though, we did get food stamps/EBT card. :) And it was really easy to get them too...which still makes me suspicious. It took 2 months back in CO, and here it took 2 days. But I'm not complaining. :) Oh, and Ari sold his art supplies, which allowed us to have some money to give my dad for the electric bill. :)

In the meantime, we continue looking for work whenever we can make ourselves care and believe there's hope. We also do paid surveys once in a while, which is fun. The snakes are doing well, though I can tell the girls are resenting the every-other-week feeding schedule. :D

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Originally Posted by joepythons

Ouch that bites :(.Is it possible the snakes could skip a week until something might come up? Keep positive thoughts things will come around :gj:

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no a snake cant skip a feeding!i had 2 albino rattlesnakes a left my sister in carge of the feedings because i went to vist a dieing family member for a week when i got back they were both dead.cant skip feedings

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Originally Posted by Argentra

Thanks continue for all the added wishes. :) Just wanted to give an update of sorts:

Still no luck on the job front. We'll be looking into temp agencies this coming week, as well as doing some follow ups with places we applied at. A place I had thought would be a shoe in for me seems to be stalling, and that on top of everything else is making me start to lose hope.

We are also trying to sell some excess 'stuff' - fencing gear, MtG cards, some jewelry - but have had no real luck with that yet. I made the decision that I will sell as many as 4 of my 8 snakes, but I can't put ads up here till next year and I don't really want to use CL. SIGH, even when I want to sell stuff I'm balked. :rolleyes:

So things are sort of hovering right now. I'm fighting back the hopeless feelings as best I can, but with each new roadblock it gets harder to do. I just pray something good happens to balance things out. :)

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wat kind of snakes you got?

Hi,

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Originally Posted by bloodpython19

no a snake cant skip a feeding!i had 2 albino rattlesnakes a left my sister in carge of the feedings because i went to vist a dieing family member for a week when i got back they were both dead.cant skip feedings

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I'd have been fairly suspicious about that.

But ball-pythons in good body condition can skip feedings just fine - they have a reputation of doing it on their own for months at a time.


dr del

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no a snake cant skip a feeding!i had 2 albino rattlesnakes a left my sister in carge of the feedings because i went to vist a dieing family member for a week when i got back they were both dead.cant skip feedings

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Mmm, I dunno about that. I have read in lots of places that snakes can go months without food if they have to, and I've read where several people have had pythons go on a fast for half a year.

I don't think a skipped weekly feeding is what killed your snakes...

You do realize that this is the natural time of year that Ball Pythons normally go off their food. It's not a true brumation period, but they can go without food for a few months. This will give you time to find a job and get back on your feet. Lower your temps by about 5 degrees. No lights during the day or night. I've heard of people that use tanks, will cover the tanks so that the snakes aren't disturbed. The snakes may still be active, but that's not normally the case. They slow down and don't do a lot, they will mostly stay in their hides.

This may sound cruel, but trust me, this is natural.

Good luck!
Jim Smith

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Originally Posted by bloodpython19

no a snake cant skip a feeding!i had 2 albino rattlesnakes a left my sister in carge of the feedings because i went to vist a dieing family member for a week when i got back they were both dead.cant skip feedings

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I highly doubt that your snakes died in a one week period because they weren't fed. Either they weren't well before you left or the snakes were abused. The only way I know a snake could die in a week would be if they were kept in temperatures below freezing.

I've had a healthy Ball Python go off his food for over 100 days then start to eat on his own. Sure he looked a little worse for the wear, but he did fine once he started eating. If you've bred Ball Pythons, you know the little guys can be trouble getting to feed for a few weeks at a time.
I would brumate my colubrids for 2 months every year for over 15 years. They did so well, that most would lock up after getting 4-5 meals in them after the brumation period.

Jim Smith

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Originally Posted by bloodpython19

no a snake cant skip a feeding!i had 2 albino rattlesnakes a left my sister in carge of the feedings because i went to vist a dieing family member for a week when i got back they were both dead.cant skip feedings

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Um, no offense is intended by this comment, but...how is it that you're 14, have two extremely rare albino rattlesnakes, and clearly do not have much experience with snakes? Not to mention that one needs a permit for venomous reptiles in Indiana....

I'm sorry if that came off as rude and/or judgmental. I just find this rather curious and makes this particular post dubious at best....

Adriana, I'm so sorry you have to go through this.

There was a small point where I was unable to buy feeders as well. The snakes can go a while without food and not lose weight. Some more than others, but they're all fine and healthy. Don't give up, I know you won't. You're a determined person and can get through this no matter what. If you need any help and happen to be down in the Chicago area, let me know and I'll see what I can do. :gj:

bloodpython19, not to be rude or anything, but you're rattle snakes did not die from lack of food. They died from something else. I've had a ball python skip feedings for about 4 1/2 months and hardly lose any weight or health. (Did you mean rat snakes, not rattle??) Albino rattlesnakes are extremely rare and I doubt at the age of 14 years old you would have been able to get a permit for one in IN anyway let alone have the experience to care for such a dangerous species..

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Originally Posted by Bhikku

Mmm, I dunno about that. I have read in lots of places that snakes can go months without food if they have to, and I've read where several people have had pythons go on a fast for half a year.

I don't think a skipped weekly feeding is what killed your snakes...

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i took them to the vet before i left and they were all fine:colbert:

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Originally Posted by Eventide

Um, no offense is intended by this comment, but...how is it that you're 14, have two extremely rare albino rattlesnakes, and clearly do not have much experience with snakes? Not to mention that one needs a permit for venomous reptiles in Indiana....

I'm sorry if that came off as rude and/or judgmental. I just find this rather curious and makes this particular post dubious at best....

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i bought them from one of my buddies.and i didnt know about the permit thing.:weirdface/they costed ALOT of my summer job money

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Originally Posted by blackcrystal22

Adriana, I'm so sorry you have to go through this.

There was a small point where I was unable to buy feeders as well. The snakes can go a while without food and not lose weight. Some more than others, but they're all fine and healthy. Don't give up, I know you won't. You're a determined person and can get through this no matter what. If you need any help and happen to be down in the Chicago area, let me know and I'll see what I can do. :gj:

bloodpython19, not to be rude or anything, but you're rattle snakes did not die from lack of food. They died from something else. I've had a ball python skip feedings for about 4 1/2 months and hardly lose any weight or health. (Did you mean rat snakes, not rattle??) Albino rattlesnakes are extremely rare and I doubt at the age of 14 years old you would have been able to get a permit for one in IN anyway let alone have the experience to care for such a dangerous species..

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i didnt have a permit idk i needed one.i bought them from a friend that coudnt keep them.

for the record everyone the venom bags were removed before i got them.and i got bite once or twice and im still here.

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Originally Posted by bloodpython19

i took them to the vet before i left and they were all fine:colbert:

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Why did you need to take them to a vet just before leaving for a funeral? Why would you take perfectly healthy snakes to a vet?

Jim Smith

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Originally Posted by bloodpython19

for the record everyone the venom bags were removed before i got them.and i got bite once or twice and im still here.

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What happened when you got bit?

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Originally Posted by bloodpython19

for the record everyone the venom bags were removed before i got them.and i got bite once or twice and im still here.

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Your snakes are called venomoids.

Jim Smith

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Originally Posted by j_h_smith

Why did you need to take them to a vet just before leaving for a funeral? Why would you take perfectly healthy snakes to a vet?

Jim Smith

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they had mites or something and i dnt know hw to get rid of them

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Originally Posted by singingtothewheat

What happened when you got bit?

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nothing i just bleed a lil bit

I had a venomoid Albino Specticled Cobra I took in as a trade. I wouldn't give this guy a chance to take a bite out at me. I only kept him for about 2 weeks, but I used a hook, gloves and leather apron. I even had the document that showed who did the operation.

I wouldn't trust my mother if she told me the glands were removed. So, what you're saying is you took the word of a "friend" that these snakes were safe? Did he have the document from the vet? If he did, did he give it to you? If he gave it to you can you tell me what vet did the operation. It's listed I believe on the 4th line of the document. There's only about a half a dozen vets that do this type of operation. I'd like to get the name and phone number so that I'd have a backup.

BTW, how much did you pay for both of the rattlers?

Jim Smith

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Originally Posted by bloodpython19

they had mites or something and i dnt know hw to get rid of them

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You better check the rest of your snakes. A few mites can turn into thousands really quickly. I would take all of your snakes to the vets to make sure.

What did they look like? Be careful, you can tranfer these mites from one snake to another very easily.

Jim Smith

If they are mites, you can kill them by covering the snake with cooking oil. I don't like prevent-a-mite. The product has killed a few snakes that I'm aware of.

There's plenty of information about mites on the net, you didn't need to spend good money for treating mites.

BTW, what did the vet give you for the treatment?

Jim Smith

To the original poster, Know that you are in my thoughts and that I hope things take a turn for the better! To the kid with the rattle snakes I doubt that missing a feeding killed your snakes, but I also think that it is CRAZY that at 14 you are keeping HOTS! Having said that, you need to get a can of Provent -A-Mite and follow the directions on the can. It is awesome stuff, I had a problem with mites and it was cleared almost immediately. But you must follow the directions. I swear by the stuff.
Mike Kelly

Thanks to those who continue to send good thoughts and wishes, we're trying to keep a positive outlook. :)

As for this rattler thing... no snake will die simply by missing one week's feeding. Especially not a rattlesnake, since they don't get much to eat in the desert in winter anyway and are adapted to handle that. There was obviously an underlying reason.
I always feed my snakes on a week on/week off schedule rather than every week during the winter, regardless of financial situation (I'm just really glad this happened in winter for that very reason). Not only does that fit the "natural" cycle a bit better, but it lets me see who's still interested in food because they're 'hungrier'. As always, my male BPs have gone off feeding now and my girls are angry that I'm not giving them as much. :)

A wonderful person here - Eventide - sent me a few rats to help out and I want to say a big public THANKS to her! Her help means the snakes don't have to all go completely off food, at least for now. :) :bow: Now all I need is to find somewhere to get some aspen bedding cheap or free... sigh.

I'll keep updating if anything else comes up. Thanks again for the continued support.

Awww, it's no problem at all. :) :) :) But you're welcome. :) :) :)

I'll keep praying for you and your partner!

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Originally Posted by j_h_smith

I had a venomoid Albino Specticled Cobra I took in as a trade. I wouldn't give this guy a chance to take a bite out at me. I only kept him for about 2 weeks, but I used a hook, gloves and leather apron. I even had the document that showed who did the operation.

I wouldn't trust my mother if she told me the glands were removed. So, what you're saying is you took the word of a "friend" that these snakes were safe? Did he have the document from the vet? If he did, did he give it to you? If he gave it to you can you tell me what vet did the operation. It's listed I believe on the 4th line of the document. There's only about a half a dozen vets that do this type of operation. I'd like to get the name and phone number so that I'd have a backup.

BTW, how much did you pay for both of the rattlers?

Jim Smith

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$455.00 each

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Originally Posted by j_h_smith

If they are mites, you can kill them by covering the snake with cooking oil. I don't like prevent-a-mite. The product has killed a few snakes that I'm aware of.

There's plenty of information about mites on the net, you didn't need to spend good money for treating mites.

BTW, what did the vet give you for the treatment?

Jim Smith

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they did it not me

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Originally Posted by bloodpython19

they did it not me

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Do you have the document from the Vet that removed the venom glands. I would like to have another vet as a back up.

Thanks!
Jim Smith

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Originally Posted by bloodpython19

they did it not me

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I know they did it, but you probably have it listed on the receipt.

Thanks!
Jim Smith

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Originally Posted by Argentra

Thanks to those who continue to send good thoughts and wishes, we're trying to keep a positive outlook. :).

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You have my continued well-wishes. I am in a similar situation.. hang in there. ::hugs::

Well, nothing in the job world yet...we're waiting until after the holidays to start searching in earnest again. I just try not to think about the bad stuff creeping up on us.

In the realm of good news, however, my dear friend Ladywhipple here on the forums just helped out a great deal by sending me a large bale of aspen bedding! :gj::banana::bow: Now the snakes will have clean cages once more!

In other update news, I have made the decision to try and sell two of my corn snakes - my adult female lavender and my adult male amelanistic. Just a little leary of putting ads up on CL for them. :) I will miss the male, as he's a very sweet and pretty boy, but the time for hard choices is upon us.

So, that's what's up right now. I've been working my fingers off (almost literally) making cross stich gifts for everyone for Christmas to save money and make it personal, and we'll be going to a big family get together Thursday, so at least the holidays won't be too bleak for us.

Thanks a plenty to all out friends here on BP.net! Your friendship and continued support mean the world to us. :grouphug: Hope all of you have very happy holidays!

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Originally Posted by Argentra

Well, nothing in the job world yet...we're waiting until after the holidays to start searching in earnest again. I just try not to think about the bad stuff creeping up on us.

In the realm of good news, however, my dear friend Ladywhipple here on the forums just helped out a great deal by sending me a large bale of aspen bedding! :gj::banana::bow: Now the snakes will have clean cages once more!

In other update news, I have made the decision to try and sell two of my corn snakes - my adult female lavender and my adult male amelanistic. Just a little leary of putting ads up on CL for them. :) I will miss the male, as he's a very sweet and pretty boy, but the time for hard choices is upon us.

So, that's what's up right now. I've been working my fingers off (almost literally) making cross stich gifts for everyone for Christmas to save money and make it personal, and we'll be going to a big family get together Thursday, so at least the holidays won't be too bleak for us.

Thanks a plenty to all out friends here on BP.net! Your friendship and continued support mean the world to us. :grouphug: Hope all of you have very happy holidays!

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It warms my heart to see people helping you out. :) I can soo relate to the trouble of finding jobs right now. The holidays = many fulltime workers going on vacation, which in turn = few places that are hiring right now. I am shooting out resumes left and right.. the only reply that i got, was a bogus Craigslist ad that just wanted to sell me tooth-whitener..
Hang in there.. I know from current experience that this is a tough time.. having no income is just shocking. Do you see other people buying something like, a pair of shoes, and remembering that you can't even buy a package of ramen noodles? I do.. this is scary. I wish you the best of luck in your job search. :hugs:

You could use newspaper instead of aspen to help cut costs. You could also try seeing if any feeder suppliers would trade feeders for work/help with cleaning/feeding their rodents. I dunno, its a thought.

Argentra, if you need any more aspen let me know, i have a huge bag of clean aspen that i dont use. I live about 40 minutes from you. Its tough times for alot of folks right now. Shoot me a pm, and good luck.