I am SICK AND TIRED (rant warning)

I am so sick and tired of people thinking that they know the proper husbandry and they didn't even do any research. They go off of friend's theoretical advice or the unknowledgeable advice given by a worker at a petstore. I have more and more people on craigslist asking for more ball pythons to " keep their other snake company in its enclosure" and it is MADDENING! I have been called the b-word and worse for trying to correct these people... Some people are even housing males and females together AS A PERMANENT THING!! Even worse- TWO MALES! I am so sick of these idiots guys... I don't know what to do.. In a world where any moron off the street can go and buy a ball python without first doing some research, I am starting to get really really angry. People telling me that I'm a b word and that I have no idea what they are talking about really get to me. THEY are wrong but they don't care enough to change or even listen to reason... I had a chick on craigslist attack me verbally because her friend said it was ok that ball pythons be housed together, another attacked me and called me retarded because their ball pythons "love eachother", and they are all rallying against what is truly right and making this idiocy an epidemic! I can't stand it. Here I am in tears because my snake's nose doesn't look quite right and these idiots who house a barely sexually mature female with a mature male as a permanent thing tell me that I have no clue about ball pythons!? I hopefully have earned your respect as a junior BP keeper but even I as a novice have the knowledge and support from you which makes me more of a semi-expert , I know so much because of you guys. I have been desperately trying to email all these people in hopes of them joining BP.net to help their snakes. they are too stubborn and don't care enough about their animals to even join a free website that could really change their lives. I am not just going to sit here and let something bad happen because someone went on an ego trip. It's not about me being right and them being wrong, its about them being wrong and I want them to learn what the right way is. Its not about me having more knowledge its about passing that knowledge on and these pompous hot heads can't seem to realize that I only want what's best for their snakes( which they obviously don't truly care about themselves). What do I do guys? I've tried reasoning with them, begging them, spamming them everything.. I know you can't win them all but I'm not one of those people who is going to give up because mr. and mrs. know-nothing are sending me hate email and telling me to basically go to hell because I told them that what they were doing was improper care for the animal. I love you guys. I can't tell you how much I value you all as friends. I have a long way to go in my quest to learn all that I can about ball pythons, but at least I have the decency and the responsibility to research about them before and throughout having them as a pet.

A lot of how you are received is in your approach. Most people don't respond well to someone appearing to "lecture" them that what they are doing is wrong.

Sounds like it would probably be best for you to not look at the Craigslist ads, if they upset you that much.

A gentle "hi, I noticed that you are housing more than one ball python together. You may not be aware that ball pythons do better housed individually. Here's a great caresheet I'd like to share with you" would be more appropriate. Then just let it go.

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Originally Posted by rabernet

A gentle "hi, I noticed that you are housing more than one ball python together. You may not be aware that ball pythons do better housed individually. Here's a great caresheet I'd like to share with you" would be more appropriate. Then just let it go.

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Some good advice right there. You can not TELL someone how to care for their animals, you can only make recommendations. It's not your animal, it's theirs.

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Originally Posted by RoyalGuardian

I am so sick and tired of people thinking that they know the proper husbandry and they didn't even do any research.

They go off of friend's theoretical advice or the unknowledgeable advice given by a worker at a petstore. I have more and more people on craigslist asking for more ball pythons to " keep their other snake company in its enclosure" and it is MADDENING! I have been called the b-word and worse for trying to correct these people...

Some people are even housing males and females together AS A PERMANENT THING!! Even worse- TWO MALES! I am so sick of these idiots guys... I don't know what to do.. In a world where any moron off the street can go and buy a ball python without first doing some research, I am starting to get really really angry. People telling me that I'm a b word and that I have no idea what they are talking about really get to me. THEY are wrong but they don't care enough to change or even listen to reason...

I had a chick on craigslist attack me verbally because her friend said it was ok that ball pythons be housed together, another attacked me and called me retarded because their ball pythons "love eachother", and they are all rallying against what is truly right and making this idiocy an epidemic! I can't stand it.

Here I am in tears because my snake's nose doesn't look quite right and these idiots who house a barely sexually mature female with a mature male as a permanent thing tell me that I have no clue about ball pythons!? I hopefully have earned your respect as a junior BP keeper but even I as a novice have the knowledge and support from you which makes me more of a semi-expert , I know so much because of you guys.

I have been desperately trying to email all these people in hopes of them joining BP.net to help their snakes. they are too stubborn and don't care enough about their animals to even join a free website that could really change their lives.

I am not just going to sit here and let something bad happen because someone went on an ego trip. It's not about me being right and them being wrong, its about them being wrong and I want them to learn what the right way is. Its not about me having more knowledge its about passing that knowledge on and these pompous hot heads can't seem to realize that I only want what's best for their snakes( which they obviously don't truly care about themselves). What do I do guys?

I've tried reasoning with them, begging them, spamming them everything.. I know you can't win them all but I'm not one of those people who is going to give up because mr. and mrs. know-nothing are sending me hate email and telling me to basically go to hell because I told them that what they were doing was improper care for the animal. I love you guys. I can't tell you how much I value you all as friends.

I have a long way to go in my quest to learn all that I can about ball pythons, but at least I have the decency and the responsibility to research about them before and throughout having them as a pet.

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whew...ok, let me try reading it again....this time my eyes won't get fuzzy. (spacing can be your friend)

I saw a CL ad a few months ago from, I think, Atlanta.
The people described their BP as Loving, Affectionate, and Tame. They even claimed that they taught it tricks. The pic on the ad was of the little BP raising up to check out the mouse they were dangling over it. They claimed they had taught it to beg...
I wish you coud save those ads for a World's Dumbest Pet Owners Thread...





Rob

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Originally Posted by Vypyrz

I saw a CL ad a few months ago from, I think, Atlanta.
The people described their BP as Loving, Affectionate, and Tame. They even claimed that they taught it tricks. The pic on the ad was of the little BP raising up to check out the mouse they were dangling over it. They claimed they had taught it to beg...
I wish you coud save those ads for a World's Dumbest Pet Owners Thread...

Rob

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THAT would be a Cameroon scammer.

The writing is the same all the time.

Be careful of those.

Also, it's just like dog breeders. When a dog breed becomes popular like a lab or German Shepherd, all the back yard breeders jump on the wagon and throw two dogs together to make a quick buck thinking they know what they're doing, but in the end, hurting the breed.

We love BP's, but they are also the most popular snake in the pet industry, so you'll get a lot of average joe's thinking they know what they're doing. Also.. for some reason, people (not all, but some) like to humanize animals. You know em- the folks that dress up their dogs in people clothes, let them walk all over them, etc. I'm guessing the people who say my BP needs a friend are these types of folks. They are the ones who probably need a friend for their enclosure lol lol. I don't judge, but for every educated BP owner, there will be 3-5 uneducated poor BP owners out there. It's just the way it is. Yes, it's maddening, so stick to this site where you, the informed, are in good company! Now take a deep breath and go put your BP in a cute spring dress LOL

Jim

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Originally Posted by MarkS

Some good advice right there. You can not TELL someone how to care for their animals, you can only make recommendations. It's not your animal, it's theirs.

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true dat:rolleyes:

I agree that a HUGE part of if people will accept advice is the way it is given to them.

Instead of giving them advice in your email, in any way shape or form. Why not just tell them there is an awesome snake website with some really cool people, and alot of cool snakes to look at. They can share pictures of their snakes too. And if they ever have any questions about the snake that there are a ton of people on here with great info.

They can get advice all on their own after reading a few posts here :)

I have used this approach with ALOT of people on CL regarding horses, and almost everyone has joined the forum I recommended and learned (and accepted the info) alot. They come on and read, and after they feel a "repor" with the members, they feel comfortable about asking some maybe stupid (to them, or us, or whatever) questions.

And I have never once been called a B doing it this way either ;)

I know what you mean. People, in general, are stupid.

I agree with Una. :) Don't even mention their "care" techniques, but conversationally tell them about "this Great site with tons of cool pictures and people to chat with" and let them absorb the wisdom. :) If they don't, then they are truly hopeless cases and you should just forget about them, lest it drive you mad.

It's true, you can only suggest, not tell. Keep it light and you might help them without their knowing it. :)

don't feel bad I ran into a fool of a guythat was going to buy a second ball python to release in the yard with the one they got x weeks before, I pointed out one they would be dead before winter, And that the came from Africa and that the temps here would not do the poor thing any good. I told hime more less if he wanted to help the snakes out don't puechase hem they better off if the store does not see a profit from selling them.

I think people should keep THEIR business to THEMSELVES.

I understand you care about animals, but emailing someone about their craigslist add is tasteless and rude. (to me)

Your doing the right thing but if you can't get through to them within 3 emails don't bother. LET THEM SUFFER! People these days don't like to take advice which will screw them in the end. My opinion is don't worry and just live your life learning about Balls and add to your great starter collection.

Hopefully this helps and Cheers you up!

Daniel:snake::snake:

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Originally Posted by Argentra

I agree with Una. :) Don't even mention their "care" techniques, but conversationally tell them about "this Great site with tons of cool pictures and people to chat with" and let them absorb the wisdom. :) If they don't, then they are truly hopeless cases and you should just forget about them, lest it drive you mad.

It's true, you can only suggest, not tell. Keep it light and you might help them without their knowing it. :)

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We have a saying in the military," Leadership is the ability to convince others to follow you, without question, while allowing them to believe it was their idea all along..."

But also sometimes this one is more applicable, " There are leaders. There are followers. But some don't even know they have the legs to do either.."


Rob

People are rough, Maybe that's why we love our herps so much.
I see allot of ignorance on a daily basis here at the rescue, between meetings, calls and emails.
My best advice is not to attack, just take a big deep breath and try an offer very friendly advice. Like as stated above about this site. Some folks like to have an "ego, and show off" their collection. Try and use that saying how they can "show off" here. They'll probably end up learning a thing or two in the process.
There are many pet owners in the world, and what I've noticed is that people think the way that they care for thier particular animal is the right way. It may be true, it may not be. But in the end take it easy, let it roll off of your back (believe me I know how hard that can be at times). And remember you and your actions have an impact. You may just need to learn who and what to impact.
Rusty
PS to Nate Coohwhip all the way...lol that is too funny

First of all, it's almost like you're martyring yourself for the love of BPs. Way to go for standing up for what you believe in. Secondly, ignorance is not truly blissful. They'll realize their mistakes when they repeatedly get bit because their snakes are so unhappy; when their snakes keep getting ill or die; when their snakes refuse to eat, or eat each other. I pray for the work you're trying to do by "shining the light." And as said before, definitely keep it to a "Hey you like BPs? Then you definitely need to check out this site..." Good job and good luck!

Or, two steps to the left is this opinion.

There is nothing wrong with keeping two snakes together if they are healthy and not cannnabalistic, providing that one being food for the other is not the goal of their cohabitation.

Of course, given that you have all of 5 minutes of experience I don't suppose that has been in the forefront of your mind.

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Originally Posted by wilomn

Or, two steps to the left is this opinion.

There is nothing wrong with keeping two snakes together if they are healthy and not cannnabalistic, providing that one being food for the other is not the goal of their cohabitation.

Of course, given that you have all of 5 minutes of experience I don't suppose that has been in the forefront of your mind.

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Hahaha, Wes you crack me up. :8:

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Originally Posted by Soterios

I think people should keep THEIR business to THEMSELVES.

I understand you care about animals, but emailing someone about their craigslist add is tasteless and rude. (to me)

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No, tasteless and rude is animal abuse. It ceases to be their business when they put another living creature in harms way (to me).