I need instant help.

I'm visiting some people I knew when I was younger, and they have a corn snake. I got really excited when I heard that. Then I saw him. He is probably 5-7 years old. There is no heat source that I can see, his water dish is empty, and he is in shed. I have only ever had a ball python, so I'm not too keen on corn snake care. If you could give me some quick guidelines or care sheets, I would highly appreciate that, as I know many people on this forum house both corn and bp. They said they try to feed him often, but forget. He didn't eat for almost a month because they forget they had him. I have never seen a snake so skinny. I dropped down some of my knowledge of ball pythons, in hopes they would realize this is not how he should be treated. I talked about the shedding process and explained why they need humidity. They said he doesn't drink so the didn't see why he needs water. As soon as they left the house, I filled up his water bowl. I was expecting him to strike at me because they said he is aggressive. Instead he started flicking his tongue and trying to go into the jar that I poured the water from. He started soaking his head once the water bowl was filled up. He has been doing that for probably 10 minutes. From what I saw, the shed around his head was covering his eyes. His tank is behind boxes in a basement. They have exchange students and when I was down there, they didn't even know there was a snake. Their room is right across from the boxes and they never even saw anybody go back there in the 6 months they've been here. The owners know he is being neglected, but they got the snake from their niece. They would need to ask her if they give it away. My plan is to prove a good enough point that I can take the snake home and nurse him back to health. I need help with doe point I could bring up. I know this is the wrong forum, but this is much more active than the corn snake one and I just want to help him..
Please tell me the care for a corn snake and what points I should bring up tonight when I talk to them.
I'm using tapatalk and it won't let me upload photos..

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Should a full grown corn snake be this skinny? I don't know the gender.

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Originally Posted by Cadance

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Should a full grown corn snake be this skinny? I don't know the gender.

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I dont know much about them but that is way too slinny in my opinion. I would just tell them everything you know and make sure you can take him. If they dont visit him how they gonna know when he died if its been 6 months. If they wouldnt do it to a dog then not a snake eother

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Moved to the proper forum.


Start here

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...ttata-guttata)

Start by reading the care sheet Deborah provided a link for. Share this with the snake's keepers.

The snake is clearly underfed and likely dehydrated. Don't worry about the underwater head, it's drinking (yes, they do drink even if the owners haven't witnessed it). And possibly multi tasking by soaking that dried shed.


Since the snake is kept behind boxes in the basement, I feel confident it lacks a proper environment also. This is a snake that needs a new home ASAP. I can't imagine why the niece would object to that since she obviously doesn't care for the snake either.

That's awful! That poor snake is almost dead. I hope you can help it.

Ask if you can "foster" it while they're asking their niece about giving it away. If they don't even know it's there, they shouldn't miss it. Poor thing... corn snakes rarely have issues with shedding, so this one may just be too weak to get the job done. I would get it to eat first and foremost. If it can hold a meal down, that's a good start.

I like the "foster" suggestion. After all, possession is...;)

Sorry, couldn't care less what the niece thinks at this point. Since she isn't taking care of her pet, she shouldn't be allowed to have it, and at this point, No, I don't think she ought to get to have any say in the matter, either.

Too bad, so sad.

I really hope you can help this snake.

I honestly would just up and tell them "I'm sorry to say this and wanted to say this earlier, but this snake has been neglected for too long and is in really bad shape... it's actually almost dead".

And then ask if you could "temporarily foster" the snake to treat it back to health (of course which most likely means permanently), like whipple said.

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Originally Posted by ladywhipple02

Ask if you can "foster" it while they're asking their niece about giving it away. If they don't even know it's there, they shouldn't miss it. Poor thing... corn snakes rarely have issues with shedding, so this one may just be too weak to get the job done. I would get it to eat first and foremost. If it can hold a meal down, that's a good start.

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Wouldn't it be better to hold off feeding for a bit to get it hydrated and out of its stuck shed? Feeding severely dehydrated animals usually kills them since they can't digest properly. Any food before its fully hydrated is probably a bad idea - not sure how long it would take to get this guy properly hydrated. He looks bad enough that a vet's advice on if he needs IV fluids would be good if possible.

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Originally Posted by Oreocupcake

I dont know much about them but that is way too slinny in my opinion. I would just tell them everything you know and make sure you can take him. If they dont visit him how they gonna know when he died if its been 6 months. If they wouldnt do it to a dog then not a snake eother

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^^^^^^this.
It's upsetting that some people think it is acceptable to keep reptiles/other animals in conditions that would appall them if a dog or cat was involved. Neglect is neglect.
Unfortunately, I would question how receptive the owners would be to learning from caresheets, etc. I agree with everyone else that this animal needs a rehome situation and I think it is commendable that you are considering fostering it/nursing it back to health (just make sure you quarantine if you do!)
Either way, keep us posted. Thank goodness for caring people like you [emoji4]


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Casual hint time is over. It's never easy to break it down to friends/family but you really need to.

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Originally Posted by Kcl

Wouldn't it be better to hold off feeding for a bit to get it hydrated and out of its stuck shed? Feeding severely dehydrated animals usually kills them since they can't digest properly. Any food before its fully hydrated is probably a bad idea - not sure how long it would take to get this guy properly hydrated. He looks bad enough that a vet's advice on if he needs IV fluids would be good if possible.

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This is correct. I would give the snake a few days to rehydrate and then offer a very small meal. Corn snakes usually take f/t so the feeder could be offered wet also.

Well.... all I know is that I would have been more straight forward and to the point about exactly how neglected and poor-of-shape this animal is. They obviously don't give a crap about it, and neither does the niece if she pawned the poor thing off onto her aunt/uncle-- probably got bored with it and/or didn't want to put the effort into caring for it.

When they get back you NEED to let them know just how wrong this is. That poor animal is emaciated and on the verge of death, and no, that's not just an opinion, it is a fact. Make sure they fully understand this. Ask them how they expect a cold blooded animal to be able to function normally without a heat source or water-- explain to them that heat is absolutely essential to digestion and metabolic processes and that snakes need water just as much as any other living thing. Explain how being cold blooded impacts an organisms physiological and environmental needs, have them logic it out for a second. Make it clear to them that this poor snake living for so long in conditions that are quite literally counterintuitive to its survival is testiment to just how resilient these animals are-- leaving him down there in the cool dark basement for months without food water heat and probably light is deadly, just slower than conventional means. That animal is suffering; would they feel bad if it were a mammal, like a kitten or a bunny rabbit? These are things that need to be said; they won't think about it otherwise.

You have to be polite yet firm. TELL them what's up, no wishy washy "I think this is off" or "maybe you should change this". And let them know it's in the best interest of the animal that you take him. If they have an issue with the niece then let them know that putting an animal in a box in the basement and forgetting about them when you want to is a horrible way to teach responsibility to a child... Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

I agree, be firm, but polite and take this poor animal away from these people and off of its death bed. They clearly have neglected the animal to the point it is about to die. Even if they or the niece object, what's happening is cruelty, no matter how you slice it.

I left him for two hours while I went out. He had full clean water bowl and when I came back, it was half as much so he must've drank some. The shed around his eyes was off (thank god) and he got most of the stuff around his head loose. Right now I have him in a container soaking for 20 minutes. Should I take a washcloth to wash off whatever shed I can? Would it was damp or wet or dry? None of mine have had a problem shedding, and they're ball pythons so I don't know if it's different.. Can you tell by the size what I should try feeding him? Would rats or mice be better? I know that mice are fattier and I think he would need that right now. Tonight I'm having my mother bring up to them letting me foster and then I'm going to bring up the facts and conditions.

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Honestly I say to hell with talking to them about it, by the time you persuade them that it's inhumane it might be too late for the poor thing. Just take it with you when you leave and see how long it takes them to notice.

I'm about ready to do that. You guys ready to see how skinny he is? https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d6e9bc1d61.jpg
I can't believe somebody would let it get to this point. But update - I got all the shed off. Double checked the eyes and tail. He went from not moving and making a crumpling noise of he tried, to being so active. He kept going through my hair and he seemed so much happier to have had all that shed removed. Should I try to feed him today? He has been drinking and I think he is about as hydrated as he can get, under these conditions..

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This situation is so messed up! Thankfully you are there. Do not leave without taking that snake. A slow cruel death is beyond words. Shameful.

Hopefully someone with knowledge here will advise you about feeding it right now. Happy to see you have done what you have done.

Does anybody know how I would be able to take him? I live 10 hours away.

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If you feed tonight offer something very small compared to what he should be eating - maybe a mouse hopper at most. Throwing a ton of food at an emaciated critter (or human) isn't a good idea.

Try another in 4-5 days and slowly work up to normal size feeders.

Show that picture and see if that looks healthy. Just take him. That poor thing

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Originally Posted by Cadance

Does anybody know how I would be able to take him? I live 10 hours away.

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How to take him as in how to transport the snake? If that's the question, I'd get him in a pillow case or similar breathable bag, tied and/or zip tied closed, in a sturdy box or Rubbermaid style tub with some crumpled newspapers or something around the bag to cushion the long ride. Kudos to you for stepping in and standing up for this animal. Best of luck to you and keep us all posted!


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That poor snake. Just take it with you for G-d's sake. Please. Put it in a pillowcase and tie it with string, zip tie, knot. Place that in a sterilite type container. Are you driving? Just set it in the front passenger seat. Are we allowed to recommend another site? If not, just delete this.
Go to http://www. cornsnakes.com
They are just as nice and caring as the BP people are here. I've learned tons from them. That snake should be shaped like a loaf of bread. It's dying. If you took that picture to the SPCA, they'd be at that house confiscating it in a heartbeat, and fining them to boot.
I have to go. Im in ER with my brother and it's his turn. Please do something. Where are you? If you can't care for it, I will. I just want to cry.

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Originally Posted by DLena

That poor snake. Just take it with you for G-d's sake. Please. Put it in a pillowcase and tie it with string, zip tie, knot. Place that in a sterilite type container. Are you driving? Just set it in the front passenger seat. Are we allowed to recommend another site? If not, just delete this.
Go to http://www. cornsnakes.com
They are just as nice and caring as the BP people are here. I've learned tons from them. That snake should be shaped like a loaf of bread. It's dying. If you took that picture to the SPCA, they'd be at that house confiscating it in a heartbeat, and fining them to boot.
I have to go. Im in ER with my brother and it's his turn. Please do something. Where are you? If you can't care for it, I will. I just want to cry.

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You have no idea how much I have cried over this poor snakes conditions. I live in Edmonton but the snake is in Vernon. I'm driving but it will be over the course of two days because I need to stop and drop off my dogs. Would that still work? Would I keep him in a bag for two days?

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Wherever you stop for overnight, offer water and keep him warm. You can mostly keep him in the bag.

The animal's condition in the bag, in your car, under your care is FAR better than the living condition that snake is currently in. Although not an ideal way to obtain a new pet, at least this snake will be able to live a healthy life if you take it out of that home, where it is sure to die, SOON.

Sorry for the emotional melt down. Under a lot of stress over here. How are things going? Please keep us updated.

I need to leave in an hour and they won't let me take him.. I gave him more fresh water and fed him. He ate so easily, but swallowing seemed difficult. Now I have a new concern. 10 minutes after getting the mouse down, he made a noise. I dot know how to describe it that well. It sounded like a wheeze and a hiss. He's made it twice now.

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He is fed and has water. Keeps making that noise.. He is extremely cold but won't go on the hot side and it is far too hot over there. There's no thermometer so I can't tell the temp, but it feels well over 100..

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Originally Posted by Cadance

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He is fed and has water. Keeps making that noise.. He is extremely cold but won't go on the hot side and it is far too hot over there. There's no thermometer so I can't tell the temp, but it feels well over 100..

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Im not sure about noise but i wish you could take him. Tell them you will call animal control. Idk id lie through my teeth to get him bqck. Maybe someone will say something

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They are absolutely disgusting people. There is no reason or excuse for the inhumane treatment of that animal. Absolutely disgusting. Thank you for trying.

Couldn't you just take him anyway without them knowing? Like you have proof of their neglect, and all you are doing is saving his life.
Was there a reason for you not being able to take him? Those people are just so horrible.

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Originally Posted by LightningPython

Couldn't you just take him anyway without them knowing? Like you have proof of their neglect, and all you are doing is saving his life.
Was there a reason for you not being able to take him? Those people are just so horrible.

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Sneak him in your pocket. Put a fake there.

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I won't advocate for theft but hopefully they will try to improve or realize how badly they have done they will see no other option but to give the poor snake up for it's own sake.
It's very possible he has an RI after being in the cool basement for so long and being so weak and thin, his immune system is probably shot.
100 degree warm spot is way too hot for a corn. I keep mine at room temp in my snake room (75-85ish).
Corn snakes are very hardy but it's still possible he may die from wasting so far even with proper care at this point, just want to mention that in case he does pass.

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Originally Posted by Cadance

I need to leave in an hour and they won't let me take him.. I gave him more fresh water and fed him. He ate so easily, but swallowing seemed difficult. Now I have a new concern. 10 minutes after getting the mouse down, he made a noise. I dot know how to describe it that well. It sounded like a wheeze and a hiss. He's made it twice now.

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i'm sorry but they're horrible people! why wouldn't they allow you to take the snake? so they can starve it to death??! sensible people would've just let you take better care of it when they know they couldn't.
i hope they realize what horrible things they've done and better themselves. i pray for the snake.
and thank you for trying [emoji17]

What were the reasons they didn't let you take it? They clearly don't care about the poor snake. I would call animal control myself if I knew where these people lived. An eye for an eye would be nice here... people who can treat an animal that way should be subjected to the same treatment

If I wasn't traveling with my mother, who is a good friend of theirs, I would have taken him. Their care for the snake does not define them, because they're truly kindhearted and caring people. She admitted that she doesn't know how to care for it, so I'm going to pester her with information.. I will not let him die, or live like this. She told my mother that her niece wouldn't like it and that she /might/ take it back after university.. Might..? Come on.. This snake is friendly as hell and fighting to live. He needs somebody to care for him.

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Whether the animal is in need of help or not here is a little reminder.

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8. No posts promoting illegal behavior will be tolerated, including but not limited to warez/pirating of copyrighted material, illegal drug or alcohol usage, and illegal ownership or trafficking of species.

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That includes stealing an animal that belongs to someone else.

There is a right way to go about this stealing is not one of them.

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Originally Posted by Cadance

If I wasn't traveling with my mother, who is a good friend of theirs, I would have taken him. Their care for the snake does not define them, because they're truly kindhearted and caring people. She admitted that she doesn't know how to care for it, so I'm going to pester her with information.. I will not let him die, or live like this. She told my mother that her niece wouldn't like it and that she /might/ take it back after university.. Might..? Come on.. This snake is friendly as hell and fighting to live. He needs somebody to care for him.

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I'm sorry, but kindhearted and caring are not two adjectives I would use to describe people who torture animals.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

I'm sorry, but kindhearted and caring are not two adjectives I would use to describe people who torture animals.

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I agree. Also try contacting the neice maybe she doesnt know its being neglected.

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Originally Posted by Deborah

Whether the animal is in need of help or not here is a little reminder.




That includes stealing an animal that belongs to someone else.

There is a right way to go about this stealing is not one of them.

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I completely agree that stealing an animal is wrong and I would never have even considered it until I saw his conditions. It would be illegal to steal him, but it's inhumane to let him live like that. There are many other ways to go about it, and I tried as many as I could think of. Do you have any ideas that could help him?

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

I'm sorry, but kindhearted and caring are not two adjectives I would use to describe people who torture animals.

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They truly are nice people. They just don't know or understand the care for the snake.. I've tried to show them how he should be treated, and it sounds like they might at least clear out the basement.

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Originally Posted by Oreocupcake

I agree. Also try contacting the neice maybe she doesnt know its being neglected.

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I asked for the neice's name and they wouldn't give it. I know if my animal was in this care, I'd want to know. I'd be thankful if somebody removed him from their care.

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Originally Posted by Cadance

I asked for the neice's name and they wouldn't give it. I know if my animal was in this care, I'd want to know. I'd be thankful if somebody removed him from their care.

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Maybe your mom would know. Try searching facebook with the last name if you know it too.

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Originally Posted by Oreocupcake

Maybe your mom would know. Try searching facebook with the last name if you know it too.

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I would, but their family is huge. According to my mom the niece doesn't even know what health he is in now. He was in perfect health when she dropped him off

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Originally Posted by Cadance

I would, but their family is huge. According to my mom the niece doesn't even know what health he is in now. He was in perfect health when she dropped him off

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Then your mom might know the neice. Maybe your mom can help. What does she think of the snakes condition

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Oh god, that makes it worse. I would be heart broken if I left a pet with someone I trusted to take care of it while I had to go away for a while only to find they neglected it to the point of illness, or even (especially) death, and down right LIVID if there had been SOMEONE there trying to get it into a better state that they REFUSED THE HELP OF. I hope she doesn't come home to a dead snake :(

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Originally Posted by Oreocupcake

Then your mom might know the neice. Maybe your mom can help. What does she think of the snakes condition

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She was outraged. She told them that she is disgusted by their care and attention to the creature. My mother doesn't know the niece but she tried to find her

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Originally Posted by Cadance

She was outraged. She told them that she is disgusted by their care and attention to the creature. My mother doesn't know the niece but she tried to find her

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Well it doesnt hurt to try and find her. Especially if you know the college. You cam try searching the college on facebook. Then look through people who tagged themselves going there

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