Getting Unwanted BP - Some opinons needed

A few weeks ago my boyfriend found an ad on a local car enthusiast website regarding someone who's selling a 1 1/2 y/o BP. Here's the deal: the person selling the snake is not the initial owner. He's looking after it for someone who went to the states for an extended stay and no longer wishes to keep the snake so gave the thumbs up to sell it. Naturally, my bf told me about the ad and I became very interested but he was asking $300. I said no way and moved along. Recently, he messaged my bf in an attempt to get rid of the snake asap and said $100. I'm hooked...

Here's the info: (quoted from original post)
Its roughly 1 1/2 year old ball python. 2-3 feet. very healthy. eating well. Comes with terrarium(aquarium), cover, wood chips for ground, home, water bowl, heating pad, lamp, bulbs.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n...z/IMG_2617.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n...z/IMG_2607.jpg

He's also throwing in the stand for the tank which works perfectly for me. Unfortunately he's not 100% sure of the gender of the snake (guessing it's a male). Although I'm willing to take it either way, I'm hoping it's a male so I can start breeding with Pandora once she gets bigger. Like I said, the guy doesn't know much about the snake so I'll have to try my best to figure out it's feeding habits, health concerns, as well as how accustomed it is to handling and what not. I will try my best to figure this out once I go to pick it up since I know enough to spot any major health concerns.

My questions for you guys:

Do you think it's worth me taking it in? I would rather it went to a good home with somebody willing to take care of it and knows what they're doing, which by the looks of it, hasn't been the case so far and no interested buyers have approached.

Is there anything in particular I should be aware of when I go to pick it up?

Finally: I need your expertise on learning how to PROPERLY pop a BP so I can do it when I go to pick it up. I've found a few videos, including the one by 8 Ball Pythons. Is there an 'ideal' video somebody can direct me to? What's the WRONG way to do it, what should I avoid when trying this? I'll try it on Pandora first before I go off and do it on the new guy.

Any comments and help is greatly appreciated as always :)

>$100 for that snake and tank is a killer deal, especially since it will be going to you and not someone who just wants a snake to watch it kill mice.

>The 8ball vid on youtube is probably your best bet for a good instructional on how to pop, its fairly simple, i got it on the first try.

>Things you want to look for when you pick up is overall state of the living environment and how the snake has been cared for, check for mites if you can so you quarantine efficently also.

Im sure there are others on here who will chime in any minute now to help out also.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by hawaiianice99

>$100 for that snake and tank is a killer deal, especially since it will be going to you and not someone who just wants a snake to watch it kill mice.

>The 8ball vid on youtube is probably your best bet for a good instructional on how to pop, its fairly simple, i got it on the first try.

>Things you want to look for when you pick up is overall state of the living environment and how the snake has been cared for, check for mites if you can so you quarantine efficently also.

Im sure there are others on here who will chime in any minute now to help out also.

---

Since I'm getting EVERYTHING I need for it, I agree that I'm getting a deal; pretty much just paying for the snake.

I will check it for mites, an RI and IBD accordingly when I go to pick it up. Once I bring it home I will clean EVERYTHING in the tank and the tank itself for my own hygienic paranoia and for the snake's safety as well just because I have no way of knowing when the last time that was done.

If there's nothing physically off about the snake, I'm bringing it home sometime this week and putting it in quarantine for a week. Unless it needs to be fed first.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pandora

Since I'm getting EVERYTHING I need for it, I agree that I'm getting a deal; pretty much just paying for the snake.

I will check it for mites, an RI and IBD accordingly when I go to pick it up. Once I bring it home I will clean EVERYTHING in the tank and the tank itself for my own hygienic paranoia and for the snake's safety as well just because I have no way of knowing when the last time that was done.

If there's nothing physically off about the snake, I'm bringing it home sometime this week and putting it in quarantine for a week. Unless it needs to be fed first.

---

Spray the cage with PAM.. spray yourself with PAM.. quarantine for 3+ months.

You probably will not be able to pop an adult that age. It is more difficult the older it is. See if you can find someone in your area that knows how to probe and can do it/ show you how to do it. :]

Yeah, up your quarantine time to at least a couple months. Don't want little pandora getting sick.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by blackcrystal22

Spray the cage with PAM.. spray yourself with PAM.. quarantine for 3+ months.

---

while you are at it spray the porch down with PAM too!!:rofl::rofl::rofl:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by blackcrystal22

Spray the cage with PAM.. spray yourself with PAM.. quarantine for 3+ months.

You probably will not be able to pop an adult that age. It is more difficult the older it is. See if you can find someone in your area that knows how to probe and can do it/ show you how to do it. :]

---

Is 3 months really necessary?
The only place I can keep either snake in my house is in my room.
I know there's nothing wrong with Pandora
If I get new guy checked out by a vet and it's determined there's nothing wrong with him, I should be fine, no?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by hawaiianice99

$100 for that snake and tank is a killer deal

---

I second that, and it's $100 CDN right? :P
Plus, I think you get karma points when you give an unwanted BP a good home.

Do you have a Herp Vet for Pandora? Any Vet with herp experience will be able to probe your new guy.

Def quarintine...seperate room if possible.

Any ideas for a name yet?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Slim

I second that, and it's $100 CDN right? :P
Plus, I think you get karma points when you give an unwanted BP a good home.

Do you have a Herp Vet for Pandora? Any Vet with herp experience will be able to probe your new guy.

Def quarintine...seperate room if possible.

Any ideas for a name yet?

---

Yes, that's $100 CAD which, at this point, doesn't really matter when compared to USD:rofl:

Karma points are building up fast over here. lol.

Here's the issue: I can NOT put him in any other room other than the same one Pandora will be in. If I get him looked over by a vet and it's determined there's nothing wrong with him, can I let the 3 month quarantine slip? I know I'm taking a risk but it's either leave the guy to chance (which hasn't been good so far) or take him in.

There is an exotics vet in my area that is readily available should it be needed. I guess I could get him/her to probe the guy unless I can find an experienced herp, which I might not have difficulty doing.

If it's a male, the name will be Prometheus or Osiris. Probably the first because my next two BPs I plan on namking Isis and Osiris. =]

As long as you understand the risk you're taking, I would say the choice is up to you. If it were me, I would prolly be inclined to take the snake...others here will most likely disagree with me on that one. Can you seperate their enclosures with in the same room?

I really dig Prometheus...as you can see, my little guy is named Bacchus, so there could be a theme going here :gj:

it's a risk to not quarantine, but ultimately your decision. If I were to get another BP, quarantine would be difficult(but possible) as I live in a 2BR apartment. I'd do my best to quarantine given the choice though.

Quote:

---

If there's nothing physically off about the snake, I'm bringing it home sometime this week and putting it in quarantine for a week.

---

Quarantine should be for 45 to 60 days (the longer the better), a week quarantine is not a quarantine.

Quarantine in the same room is also like not having any quarentine!

Is it necessary? Well I will let you judge of that by doing some reading http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/foru...highlight=opmv

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mainbutter

it's a risk to not quarantine, but ultimately your decision. If I were to get another BP, quarantine would be difficult(but possible) as I live in a 2BR apartment. I'd do my best to quarantine given the choice though.

---

It's not so much my choice as my obligation to keep them both in the same room. I CAN NOT put them in separate rooms. It's not an option. I do realize I'm taking a risk, but if he's looked at by a vet, determined to be healthy, I don't see why a 3 month quarantine should be necessary. I will keep his tank (for the first few weeks) at separate ends of the room from Pandora's tank. If there was anything he could infect Pandora with, from my knowledge, it would spread like wildfire within the first few days so I would know sooner or later if the risk paid off.

Understand the risk you're taking and then make your choice.
Ralph has a great vid on popping too!
Looks like a great snake!!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Deborah

Is it necessary? Well I will let you judge of that by doing some reading

---

Yeah, I read about Jen loosing her entire collection on the SnakeKeeper forum. It is something to think about....but I'd prolly still take the snake in though.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Deborah

Quarantine should be for 45 to 60 days (the longer the better), a week quarantine is not a quarantine.

Quarantine in the same room is also like not having any quarentine!

Is it necessary? Well I will let you judge of that by doing some reading http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/foru...highlight=opmv

---

I understand the risks I'm taking... as mentioned previously.

I'm having him looked at by a vet. If the vet doesn't determine any health concerns with him, what is the harm, really, in having him in the same room as Pandora?
Everybody here recommends a week of quarantine to get them accustomed to their (somewhat, in this case) new home. This is the first time I'm hearing anything about 3+ months.
I don't have an option to put them in seperate rooms. It's not like I'm doing this out of sheer ignorance. It's either save the snake from someone who doesn't want it and has little clue as to what they're doing or leave it where it is and hope for the best...

Many suggest leaving the snake alone for a week or two to allow the snake to become accustomed to their new surroundings. It has nothing to do with QT procedures.

Whenever you bring a new snake into your collection, the standard QT time is 3 months....

You're saving this snake, but possibly putting little pandora at risk. And the one week quarantine you're thinking of is the acclimation period. The quarantine process is completely isolating the new snake, in case of any diseases it could pass to your current collection. If you cAn't quarantine, then I personally wouldn't take in the new snake. That's just me personally. I don't want to risk my snakes health.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by starmom

Understand the risk you're taking and then make your choice.
Ralph has a great vid on popping too!
Looks like a great snake!!

---

Could you get me the link to Ralph's video, please? =]
I really would rather save the snake from harm and hope I'm doing more good than damage than hope he'll be okay with the current guy.

No one here recommend 1 week of quarantine they recommend 1 week of acclimation before interacting with their BP, those are 2 different things.

Even if look up by a vet you are still taking a risk as some things can show up later on.

Proper snake husbandry does not only consist in providing good care for your BP but also practicing strict quarantine procedures.

Read the story I posted above and you will understand what rushing and not quarantining can lead to.

As a potential future breeder (you said you wanted to breed) you need start practicing good quarantine now, this is part of proper husbandry.

Ermm... Not to be rude or abrasive here, but...

I don't think ANYONE has answered the question that Pandora has been asking.

If she takes him/her to a vet and it is PROFESSIONALLY determined that the snake is HEALTHY and has no mites, is the quarantine still necessary?

I'm tired of reading through this and everyone just keeps saying "You should know you're taking a risk."

She knows this, and if you answer the above bolded question, she will be able to make a decision based on whether or not she can take it to the vet.

If she can, she'll take it and not worry about a quarantine.

If not, then she'll double-think about taking it in.

EDIT: Deborah must have posted while I was writing this.

But also - if the snake will develop something later on, an extensive test would show developing ailments, no?

Any snake can POSSIBLY DEVELOP an issue, that's common logic with every living being. But if every professional test possible is done and the snake is unquestionably healthy and clean, then you're sitting on the same risk you are with ANY snake.

Correct me in detail if I'm wrong, please.

Quote:

---

I don't think ANYONE has answered the question that Pandora has been asking.

---

Actually I did :gj:

Okay, I understand most of you are replying to this with the intention of putting yourself in my shoes, keep in mind I only have one other snake, not several like most of you.

I UNDERSTAND that I'm taking a risk. I know all the health concerns involved with what I'm doing. Like I mentioned, he'll be looked at by a vet ASAP.

Additionally, even though I AM putting Pandora's health at risk, I'm also putting another snake's on the line by ignoring the fact that nobody besides me has had interest in the guy in almost a month. His current keeper wants him gone; NOW.

I'm torn, really; but none of this is being done out of ignorance. I have no other room to keep him in. IF I got him in another room, it would be right next door to Pandora's current which, from my perspective wouldn't make much of a difference. And that's a very small chanced 'IF'

Here's his youtube page: http://www.youtube.com/ralphdavis

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Deborah

No one here recommend 1 week of quarantine they recommend 1 week of acclimation before interacting with their BP, those are 2 different things.

Even if look up by a vet you are still taking a risk as some things can show up later on.

Proper snake husbandry does not only consist in providing good care for your BP but also practicing strict quarantine procedures.

Read the story I posted above and you will understand what rushing and not quarantining can lead to.

As a potential future breeder (you said you wanted to breed) you need start practicing good quarantine now, this is part of proper husbandry.

---

Yes, I realize what happened to the other owner. I don't have several snakes. Just one. Even though I'm not at all prepared to lose her. I'd rather be able to save one if I can.
By the time I start breeding, I won't be living with my parents, who want all my snake activities confined to one space and one space only. Which is my room. Just because I'm making an exception this once doesn't mean I'll continue doing it when I have several snakes. Mmmkay?

Quote:

---

Even if look up by a vet you are still taking a risk as some things can show up later on.

---

In other words not everything can be seen or diagnosed on day one or 2 or 3 or after 7 days which is why people practice strict quarantine.

I have practice quarantine from day one even with 2 snakes............why because I will not jeopardize the health of my animals whether I have 1, 2 or 40 whether they are normal or morph.

Again your choice however I will state it again putting you new BP in the same room for a week is not quarantine.

And you should really read that story to understand the importance of quarentine.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Deborah

Actually I did :gj:

---

And I edited accordingly =)

Pandora, I spent more than 20 years in the US military, and have had risk management drilled into my cranium for that entire time. Here's how I see it:

1) Understand the risk - I think you have that covered
2) List the pros and cons - Save a snake vs. loose the one you have. There are other pros and cons as well
3) Choose a course of action - This one is your call alone
4) Take risk avoidance measures - Full Vet check
5) Understand that you can do everything right and still have it turn out wrong.

In additon, untold numbers of people violate the QT rule with snakes from PETCO every weekend, and the last time I went to a major reptile show, there were 10's of hundreds of animals from multiple breeders all breathing the same air...other than Jen's collection, I haven't heard about any mass BP die offs.

if you're able to put the two snakes in different rooms, do it.

Spend as little time in one of the rooms as possible, and change clothes and take a shower if you have to go into pandora's room after being in the new snake's room if possible.

I know you said that you would have the rooms next door to each other, but really, imagine family members being sick. Isolating them as much as possible really does make a difference and seriously reduce the risk of transferring contagions.

Someone else posted something that brought up a point I'm a little curious about...
There's hundreds of snakes being brought into reptile shows all the time. All breathing in the same air, being touched by random people who have touched other snakes and not all vendors ask you to use hand sanitizer before handling their snakes. From what I understand, most BP health risks spread like wildfire within a matter of hours (correct me if I'm wrong). Also, a lot of people end up buying these snakes, just like I did with Pandora. So if these developing health risks are SUCH a concern that you can't keep a new BP in the same room as another one, how is it that a majority of the BPs brought to shows (that sometimes stay in the same room as several others for the entire duration of a weekend) don't end up dying off or getting any major illnesses?
JUST so I get that cleared up...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pandora

Someone else posted something that brought up a point I'm a little curious about...
There's hundreds of snakes being brought into reptile shows all the time. All breathing in the same air, being touched by random people who have touched other snakes and not all vendors ask you to use hand sanitizer before handling their snakes. From what I understand, most BP health risks spread like wildfire within a matter of hours (correct me if I'm wrong). Also, a lot of people end up buying these snakes, just like I did with Pandora. So if these developing health risks are SUCH a concern that you can't keep a new BP in the same room as another one, how is it that a majority of the BPs brought to shows (that sometimes stay in the same room as several others for the entire duration of a weekend) don't end up dying off or getting any major illnesses?
JUST so I get that cleared up...

---

Pandora, stop. I know you have all the answers, and we're just hugging you at this point. You asked why you need to quarantine, and we told you. Don't follow, the advice. That's fine. Chances are, nothing will happen. There's probably a 99% chance that nothing will happen. But if it does, andthats a big if...don't come back on in a month and say "My poor pandora is sick, andher nose is bubbling and she won't eat. What's wrong?"

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MiniJ83

Pandora, stop. I know you have all the answers, and we're just hugging you at this point. You asked why you need to quarantine, and we told you. Don't follow, the advice. That's fine. Chances are, nothing will happen. There's probably a 99% chance that nothing will happen. But if it does, andthats a big if...don't come back on in a month and say "My poor pandora is sick, andher nose is bubbling and she won't eat. What's wrong?"

---

WOW. Don't tell me to stop asking questions I honestly want to know the answer to. I'm not asking you to "hug" me or decide anything for me. I'm also not saying I'm not following your advice at this point. I'm still undecided which is exactly why I asked for people's opinion. I'm not going to come back and whine if something does happen to Pandora, so don't talk to me like that. If you don't want to answer my question, don't reply to it, and also don't be rude. Is it that difficult for you?

Well, some breeders who take their snakes to shows will need to chime in here.
I know of one breeder who will not take snakes to shows due to the health issues.
I know of another breeder who QT's the snakes that come back from the show.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by starmom

Well, some breeders who take their snakes to shows will need to chime in here.
I know of one breeder who will not take snakes to shows due to the health issues.
I know of another breeder who QT's the snakes that come back from the show.

---

So in reality, what are the chances of a collection or a BP getting sick from a show as apposed to a new snake being put into a room with another one, such as I would be doing in my case if I decided to get this new guy?

I think everyone has beat this to death...you know the risks, and if you are ok taking them, then go for it.

As for the shows, I can't tell you honestly. I know that RI's can be contagious, but they aren't always *so* contagious that it gets passed across the room. As for IBD, it actually usually kills pythons with in a fairly short time of them contracting it. (I also wanted to mention that there isn't really a way to "look them over for IBD". From what I understand there aren't a whole lot of signs for it, and once you see the signs they are too far gone.)

There are risks surrounding picking up a bp from a show. Illness is one of those risks. You don't know how well the breeders at the show keep their animals, and that is something you should keep in mind when getting an animal that has been exposed to all of that. Than can get sick, but I think that many of the breeders that go to the shows have pretty good, healthy snakes, so that helps eliminate the risk of some illness getting spread to everything in the room...


****Man I type slow... :P

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pandora

So in reality, what are the chances of a collection or a BP getting sick from a show as apposed to a new snake being put into a room with another one, such as I would be doing in my case if I decided to get this new guy?

---

If your snake is the one who gets sick, the chances are 100% ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MiniJ83

Pandora, stop. I know you have all the answers, and we're just hugging you at this point. You asked why you need to quarantine, and we told you. Don't follow, the advice. That's fine. Chances are, nothing will happen. There's probably a 99% chance that nothing will happen. But if it does, andthats a big if...don't come back on in a month and say "My poor pandora is sick, andher nose is bubbling and she won't eat. What's wrong?"

---

If you have nothing helpful or useful to say, it's better not to say it. Someone is being very careful and covering all their bases and making sure every doubt in their mind is put to rest before they take a step such as what this thread is about.

Unfortunately people seem to believe (though I'm sure a few people are, don't get me wrong) that they're the king's king when it comes to breeding, taking care of, or handling reptiles/snakes.

News flash: Unless you actually have a degree or something similar that reflects your career as a Herpetologist, you aren't one. You can always be wrong going off of hearsay or your own personal views/habits. None of you at all can be held to your word, as what I've just mentioned can happen. Never say never.

On that note, again, I have no intent to be rude or abrasive. I don't post much around here, but I've lurked here and there and see a lot of people giving personal advice, and many threads turn into garbage because it becomes a laughable debate of who's right and who's not again all over personal habits/collective knowledge.

Pandora is looking to you people for advice. Consider that a compliment, not an excuse to sound like the world's best breeder/caregiver, 'cause in all reality you may know what you're doing, but you're not nearly as professed as someone in the career.

That's my rant, and if you don't have a direct answer or suggestion to Pandora, don't bother posting needless things.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tweets_4611

I think everyone has beat this to death...you know the risks, and if you are ok taking them, then go for it.

As for the shows, I can't tell you honestly. I know that RI's can be contagious, but they aren't always *so* contagious that it gets passed across the room. As for IBD, it actually usually kills pythons with in a fairly short time of them contracting it. (I also wanted to mention that there isn't really a way to "look them over for IBD". From what I understand there aren't a whole lot of signs for it, and once you see the signs they are too far gone.)

There are risks surrounding picking up a bp from a show. Illness is one of those risks. You don't know how well the breeders at the show keep their animals, and that is something you should keep in mind when getting an animal that has been exposed to all of that. Than can get sick, but I think that many of the breeders that go to the shows have pretty good, healthy snakes, so that helps eliminate the risk of some illness getting spread to everything in the room...


****Man I type slow... :P

---

Yes... as I've said at least 5 times now, I know the risks. I just wanted some people's opinions. It seems a lot of people on this website have a heard time staying on track and giving direct responses and tend to beat around the bush.

Well thank you for the response regarding my last question. I just wanted to compare the two situations to get a better understanding.

If it is impossible to keep them in separate rooms, I would keep them as far away from each other in the one room as you can. I would be very diligent about washing your hands and cross contamination and stuff. If possible, you should try not to handle your new snake unless it is necessary.

Sure it's not as good as a full quarantine, but you are doing the best you can. If something happens, you are the one who has to pay the price, and you know that. :D I think if you get him checked by a vet and keep your two snakes as separated as possible for a few months, you should be fine.

I am no expert, this is just my opinion (which is what you were looking for I presume :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pandora

It's not so much my choice as my obligation to keep them both in the same room. I CAN NOT put them in separate rooms. It's not an option. I do realize I'm taking a risk, but if he's looked at by a vet, determined to be healthy, I don't see why a 3 month quarantine should be necessary. I will keep his tank (for the first few weeks) at separate ends of the room from Pandora's tank. If there was anything he could infect Pandora with, from my knowledge, it would spread like wildfire within the first few days so I would know sooner or later if the risk paid off.

---

Just know that a snake can appear healthy during the exam, but then develop symptoms of something very nasty on down the road.

All of my snake are vet checked, and all of them are quarantined when they are new.

In fact, all my snakes that went on the BP.net table at three different shows go directly into Quarantine when we return from the show - I know that before we left for the show that they are 100% healthy. I don't know if there was anything that they could have been exposed to at the show that may show up later.

It's definitely a risk to skip quarantine - not one I'm personally willing to take - for what it's worth.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jpod89

Any snake can POSSIBLY DEVELOP an issue, that's common logic with every living being. But if every professional test possible is done and the snake is unquestionably healthy and clean, then you're sitting on the same risk you are with ANY snake.

Correct me in detail if I'm wrong, please.

---

You're wrong! ;) (hey - you asked!)

IBD cannot be tested for until after an animal is deceased as an example.

The snake she's bringing in may have built resistances to the environment that it's been kept in, but still carries something on it that Pandora doesn't have resistances to.

Unless the vet know exactly what TO test for - the most they're going to do is take a fecal sample, check for mites and body condition. They aren't going to draw blood, take swabs from the mouth, etc as part of the routine vet check.

Pandora, after reading through this thread - you ARE getting opinions, and the majority of the opinions are - if you can't quarantine, don't get this snake. Bottom line - you can't save them all. You're just not getting the responses that you want to get, is how it reads to me.

I answered your question about MY snakes that have been to shows - they go into Quarantine for three months before they are re-introduced to my colony. What are the chances that they picked up anything? Slim - we don't let people handle them at the show. Am I willing to take a risk that the chances are very slim that they picked up anything at the show? Heck no!!!

If you're ok putting Pandora at risk with no Quarantine (even with a vet check) - then go for it. It's not a choice I would personally make.

I would instead work with my parents about the importance, that you are trying to be a responsible keeper and see if they'll allow you to QT this snake in the opposite end of the house and that this is a temporary situation. Otherwise, I'd wait to add more snakes until I had my own place where I could QT properly.

I would pass on the snake if I wasn't able to properly quarantine it. Some really really nasty bugs out their in the snake world that a vet really can't "check" for with just a normal exam. It sounds like you have your mind set on getting this snake and like Robin said you can't save them all. If you do get this snake I do hope your Pandora is okay and doesn't come down with any illness.

To reply to the last two posters:

I'm not yet decided as to whether or not I'm getting the snake. I've had my options weighed out before me and this is not a matter in which I was going to pick what advice I liked and what I didn't. Although it may seem to some of you like that, the reason behind me asking so many questions was to not miss a single pro or con.

The only response I particularly reacted to was one that was both rude and unnecessary. As it stands, I know the risks I'm taking and what my options are. It's either save a snake and lose one, or not gain a snake and not put the one I currently have a risk. Obviously the second option is more preferred but I'm not a person who can rest easily knowing the snake is living under unwanted conditions with somebody who doesn't take it's care seriously.

So far the best conclusion I've come to, is this: I'm going to buy the snake and take it to the humane society which keeps exotics for adoption without euthanasia unless absolutely necessary. Or I will donate it to a local reptile shop that has experienced staff who actually care for the snake's benefit. I'd rather pay the money for it and get some random accessories, knowing that the snake is no longer unwanted and that mine is not at risk. I would love to keep it but unfortunately I don't have the necessary measures needed to secure its safety and the safety of Pandora who I am NOT willing to lose.

Thank you to those who contributed with helpful responses and honest opinions.

I'm not going to rehash the risk vs. benefit discussion. I think it's been beaten to death as it is. Practice the best quarantine you can, and even if it's in the same room, try to keep them as far apart as possible for the 3 month period.

Now, the reason I chose to post is that I'm curious. You say that the snake is unwanted, but is it being neglected or is the person who is taking care of it just wanting to get rid of it and get a little money in hand? If the snake is "unwanted" but being properly cared for until a new home can be found, I would say the risk may outweigh the reward. If the snakes needs are being neglected, then maybe not so much.

I am of the opinion that if I don't have the means to properly quarantine a new animal and protect my current collection (of 2 bps), I would choose not to bring in the new animal. Especially if said animal is of unknown origin. Also, I would not personally spend money on an animal (regardless of the accessories that come with it) only to turn around and pass the animal off to a shelter or another rescue group. Even if the shelter does not euthanize, you're just moving a snake from one place it's unwanted to another place where it's unwanted, but you're keeping the setup and/or accessories that came with the snake. Just my $0.02...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pandora

my next two BPs I plan on namking Isis and Osiris. =]

---

:O my female BP is named Isis :D my names are mostly egyptian/god/goddess themed LOL. But erm, I haven't finished reading the next four pages so, carry on :P

Inknsteel pretty much said my own thoughts, about the whole 'is it actually in bad conditions atm, or is it just unwanted but being cared for' thing, and also about buying him and then bringing him to a shelter, where he's also unwanted (but then again still has a chance to be bought by someone else). If the guy doesn't have any reason to be rid of the snake accept to just, be rid of it, then let him hold it until he finds someone else who's able to take the necessary precautions or doesn't already have a snake to jeopardize. That's just my own opinion on that :) Sorry, I don't really have anything to add about quarantining the new one, it's all already been said and I don't wanna be redundant. Whatever you choose though, good luck!