how to move on

[reggi-BP]

hi i had my first snake ever die a few days back i got him from lllreptile had him for 8weeks he never ate died before hes vet visit but i just dont know how to move on what do i do do i get another snake or not because if it doesnt eat ill go crzy i just dont know what do u suggest

[iCandiBallPythons]

Be sure your husbandry is in the correct peremeters , be sure to seek out a captive bred bp. Another thing to add is its fine to purchase one larger than a hatchling, typically they are more established if you are new to keeping BP's,

[RR - Mackenzie]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

My snake came from an abusive home, and he hasn't eaten since November, and started eating steadily for me a few weeks ago.

LLLReptile seems to be too shady for me, there are a lot of issues with them and their business, and I know they had 'farmed' leopard geckos.

Post what happened with LLLReptile in the BOI (Board of Inquiry) on Fauna (http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/), and try getting from people who have amazing reputations, like Brian Barczyk at BHB Reptiles, Justin Kobylka at J. Kobylka Reptiles, and there are a million more that are fantastic.

Good luck, and I think this was just a bad deal, try another ball python, I'm sure you'll be satisfied.

[jben]

sorry to hear, i would like to add that in this forum there are alot of hobby and smaller scale breeders that you can buy from with confidence.

[stevepoppers]

By the sound of that incident, he had something wrong with him from the beginning. I wouldn't complain on fauna until I'd tried and seen if they would compensate me for the time, money, emotions, etc. Anyone with a reputation to defend will offer a new snake, store credit, or a refund. If you're going on fauna, I'd at least see what they will offer, so you don't look like an ass if they get on there and say you never even contacted them.

It really just sounded like bad luck though. Heat pit problems seem pretty rare. That was the first I've heard of it.

I would get another. They are still really cool animals. Maybe give yourself some time to grieve first. Honestly, you sound extremely upset. I think you could use someone to lean on, be that a friend or a new ball. Maybe another would get you looking forward?

I agree with iCandy. Getting an established eater who can go a few months without food while adjusting will prevent this from happening again. Remember, though, I think your guy just had some extremely bad luck from the beginning. There's no reason to expect the same from another hatchling (given your husbandry was spot on).

I'm so sorry for this. The way it went was extremely cruel on you as well. I deeply empathise.

[Vypyrz]

I am sorry for your loss. LLL does seem to have a history of selling animals that are sick or fail to thrive. Before ytou post on the Fauna BOI, I have to tell you that they are going to want to see any and all communication, e-mails, etc, between yourself and LLL. The best thing I can tell you is to not give up hope and, when you are ready, get another one. I would suggest either getting one from a reptile show or directly from a breeder. There are two, that I know of, in your general area, that I'm sure would be happy to set you up with a well established BP. The first is Tim Bailey, a member on here (Muddoc), and well respected in the reptile community. He is located in Folsom, La. The other is Exotics By Nature, and they are located in Covington, La. There may also be some local breeders in your area as well. Here are the links to their websites, and the best thing to do would be to try contacting them directly to find out what they have available. Good luck...

http://www.baileyreptiles.com/index.html

http://www.exoticsbynature.com/index.html

[angllady2]

I am sorry for your loss, losing a friend is never easy.

I suggest you take a little time to grieve, it's okay to do. Then in a little while when you feel ready, go ahead and get another.

Don't feel you have to get a hatchling for it to bond with you, older snakes who are well established make great pets too.

Try and find a local breeder, or at least someone close enough to help out if you run into trouble.

Gale

[4theSNAKElady]

I recently lost my fave girl....I had adopted her 11 years ago. I have 9 other snakes, but there was still a void there. So what did I do?...I adopted 2 new girls..

[j_h_smith]

You've got to get another snake. If not, you will always have the fear of losing another snake. Insure your husbandry is correct. Make sure your temps are spot on. Buy from someone local that can give you assistance if needed. Take a deep breath and believe that everything wil be okay.

Good Luck!
Jim Smith

[stratus_020202]

I agree there was something wrong with her to begin with. It's hard loosing something so precious. But, remember that she isn't suffering anymore. Give it a little time, and when you feel you are ready, jump right back into it. They are wonderful creatures, and hopefully you will get a healthy one this time. Good Luck!