Theres this pet store that I buy mice/rats from for BP food. They had a baby BP

that was starving, sharing a display with an older python. I doubt its eaten much since it hatched. 2 weeks ago it looked starving, this Saturday it was emaciated. I talked them into just giving it to me (who's going to buy it?). Im not on a mission to save the animals, thats a big job, but here is this one ball python which I have the ability to help and am probably its only hope given he location of this place. So I took it and force fed it last night with little resitance (though the BP is very weak and just a baby). There is a skill to it for sure. Its a very good looking snake.

This pet store doesnt mean harm, Im sure they hope for the best but arent doing much either. Their reptiles are all in so so shape. They are equipped to display animals and dont seem to be to house them sustainably.

good job, and that poor BP will surely thrive under your care! :gj:

Good job, and good luck with his recovery.

I think thats really admirable of you :gj:

Nothing makes me sadder than (intentional or unintentional) animal abuse stories. I always feel particularly bad for reptiles since most people are so uncaring towards them. Makes me really glad to see stories like this - thank you for taking care of the baby and I wish you the best of luck! Keep us updated. Things like this help restore my faith in humanity.

Can we get a pic of the little guy? I'd be interested in some before and after pictures...

Congrats and thanks for helping him. Very kind of you.

Good of you man! I hate to think of any animal suffering due to neglect or abuse. I hope he does well!

One of the main reasons I started breeding my own rats is because I refuse to spend money in a pet store that doesn't take care of their reptiles. There is one store in town that I will buy from if I'm in a bind but their reptiles are all in good shape.

I have such a soft spot for reptiles that need good homes. I wish I could save them all, and sometimes I try. We have rescued so many snakes off of Craigslist (I swear the last few were ALL under fed, and our poor lil new boa has a BAD case of mites :( ).

I don't know how people get animals, and know nothing about them. I could understand a TV or a video game impulse buy, but a living, breathing creature? Ugh.

Zues, Id do the same if they didnt smell so bad.

Python girl, I know a lot of times people buy them from pet stores without doing research and the pet store people dont know #%$% and give them bad info.

MAverick, Ive taken before pictures just for this reason, well not just for that but Ive got them. It's grotesque, I was really stunned when I saw the state of it.

Sounds like my situation. I have a thread on here about my PetSmart rescue, but she is doing great now! Just be very consistent with the feedings, try and see if she/her will do assist feeding rather than force feeding. Try mouse pinks or even mouse fuzzies and see if she will take it down being Assist fed. Once they get the hang of it, i usually do an every 2 day feeding until they stop, then go to a 4 day schedule.

I've had the most success doing this and can only hope that you can revive her to amazing health!

[QUOTE=steveboos;1470946]Sounds like my situation. I have a thread on here about my PetSmart rescue, but she is doing great now!QUOTE]

thats the plan. I forced fed the first rat pinky and am not sure if its strong enough to eat a live fuzzy just but ill see tonight which will be close to 48 hours after the first went down. Once its eating live fuzzy on its own Ill probably sell it discriminately.

This snake looks to be around 1 month old. Im not sure its ever eaten.

I'd like to personally thank you for taking that baby. It's people like you that make me feel like there is some good in the world.

Update

She (Im fairly sure its a she, I checked) is doing well. She had here 3rd meal last night, a small hopper, and this was the first time she ate all on her own.

This is an extremely sweet BP. the most gentile and mellow as ive seen. My gf picks her up, kisses her on the nose, pets her head, and If I didnt know better I'd say she enjoys it. I joke around that pretty soon she will know her name. Shes eating well, gaining weight, and is super friendly.

I wanted to name her Trevor Reznik, after the machinist beause thats about how skinny she was but its just Mina for now.