May be rescuing Brazilian rainbow boa- tips?

[Arirang]

Hello, all!

One of the many benefits of having a selfie of your snake on your face as your online dating profile picture is the fact that people want to re-home snakes to you. You don't get many actual dates, but really, who wants dates when you can get free snakes?

The owner doesn't seem to know exactly what it is (he called it a Brazilian python, and I just assumed he meant rainbow boa- I didn't want to ask too many questions lest I annoy him and not be able to rescue his snake), but it seems to be poorly taken care of (by his own admission; apparently, it was his ex's and he's just holding onto it until he can re-home). Heat rock, no hides, a tank that seems too small if his measurements are correct. No routine for feeding. Perhaps overhandled, though apparently docile. He doesn't seem to know what the "handler", as he called her, is feeding it.

I just want tips on how to do this properly for the snake. It may or may not be a Brazilian rainbow, so more general advice is needed, but species-specific is also welcome. I have care sheets, etc.

[tttaylorrr]

first step is reading up on proper quarantine procedures. that linked thread has a ton of info and some really thorough quarantine practices, and should help you get a better understanding of what you'll need to do.

that's a neat little trick for getting free snakes; i may have to try it!

[Craiga 01453]

Like Taylor said quarantine will be of utmost importance.
Also be prepared for vet bills if the snake has been poorly cared for.

Have you seen pictures? It would be nice to at least be able to ID the snake before agreeing to take it. "Brazilian Python" leaves lots of possibilities on that table. I wouldn't assume BRB just because they said "Brazilian". They clearly don't know what they have, so I'd say almost any boa or python species is a possibility.

[AbsoluteApril]

Also there are BC (BCc) from Brazil so it may be a boa and not a rainbow. Care would be a little different for both but either way better than what it's currently getting by the sounds of it.

[bcr229]

Most boas and pythons suffering from neglect are dehydrated. I would set up a QT tub that could handle a small bowl for drinking water, plus a water container big enough for the snake to comfortably soak in should it choose to do so.

Otherwise make sure the heat and humidity are on point, don't push food on it too fast, and offer f/t feeders wet.

[ladywhipple02]

Maybe I'm the paranoid one here, but I would definitely ask for pics first, preferably with the person in question, and don't go alone to meet said person (preferably meet in a public place). I'm sure you know all this, but there's some jacked up people in the world - wouldn't want your need to save a critter override the need for your safety!

[Arirang]

Yeah, I'll be meeting them in a public place known for pet swaps- outside PetSmart lol.

Thanks for the tips- I'll try to get pictures.

[Bogertophis]

If it's a BRB, they need very high humidity to thrive. I used to know some folks that kept them, they had a very cool (& huge) enclosure set up with a
waterfall. Lucky snakes...

[Arirang]

I'd definitely be open to having a water feature. I'd probably move Nagini to the bedroom and have that in the living room, if I did that.

The guy, however, hasn't been answering my texts, so I'm going to hazard a guess that the snake has either passed or been re-homed... If the latter, hopefully to a good home. Either way, kinda sucks, because they're beautiful and have a good disposition and are something I'd /never/ be able to afford on my own lol

I'll keep everyone posted!

[AbsoluteApril]

Hopefully the snake went to a good home!
Don't give up, you can get a rainbow eventually if you do want one, they aren't *too* expensive. You should be able to find one from a reputable breeder for about $150 to $200 no problem.
They are wonderful snakes to keep!