I live just across the river from St. Louis MO. Been somewhat interested in ball pythons for the last year or so, and doing research on and off since. None here yet. Want to make sure my man's job is completely secure and we have a fresh wad of cash in the pet emergency fund before we add to our current family. (2 cats, both rescues) A little more padding in the savings account would be nice before investing.

However, there was a possibility of obtaining a seriously neglected ball this week, but apparently the family that had it actually put the aquarium into a spare bedroom, and didn't think to check in on it until they noticed a horrible smell. Needless to say, they managed to neglect the poor thing to death. This was a serious let down (respect wise, etc) and right now I'm completely furious with this family. Who wouldn't be though? I wish I knew the situation was so dire, or I would have acted.

This is one of those situations where the kid (the son) gets a snake because on a whim he convinces his mom that he'll take care of it. Kid gets tired of taking care, "grow's out of wanting it," (not my words, the idiot mother's) the mother gets tired of caring for it, stops feeding it, watering it, and eventually ignores it entirely. I hear from the daughter, who has been away at college and never imagined her parent to be that irresponsible, that the last time it was likely fed was up to a year ago when last she was home and fed it herself.

People like this really take my breath away with their ignorance and disregard for life. The daughter is LIVID and I spent the day with her calming her down. She's the one who, the instant she figured out I was thinking about a python, tried to swoop in and rescue the thing by giving it to me. This is when she still only thought it was simply being taken care of in a less than satisfactory manner. Again I say, she never would have dreamed that things where that bad, and found out only when she came home to pick up the snake and deliver it to me.

Honestly I don't think an unhealthy snake is the best to start out with, but I'm a sucker for hard luck cases, and this one obviously needed help. Just wish I would have acted earlier when I heard that they were thinking of giving it away. I wish I would have known the extent of the situation before I said, no thanks, we're moving, can't really have any more pets right now. Again... about a year ago.

On to happier things. Went to the Tye-dyed Iguana today in fairview hgts IL. Looked at baby balls. Just happened to be there during feeding time for the lizard half of the population, so that was fun.

I've had a few herps in my life, but nothing since I was a kid. Kept pet rats for a couple of years, but had to rehome them when I became horribly allergic. (guess that means I'll be feeding f/t, eh?) Always taken pride in keeping my animals well maintained and happy, etc. My husband isn't exactly thrilled about my desire for a new addition to the household, but he accepts that there WILL be a snake in the future, and I'm sure it'll grow on him. He's not unhappy, just disinterested and blah. No kids. No desire for kids in the future.

I guess that's all for now. This really turned from an introduction into a rant/grumble fest. I may not post often, but I know I'll be hanging around and reading as much as possible in the following months.

Thanks for providing good info, etc.

Ro.