My First Rescues

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So before I start this post I'm going to share a side note. It's hard to tell this story because it was a heartbreaking experience. When I was younger I had a ball python. I didn't know anything about them, I just thought they were cool. Long story short... my lack of knowledge and understanding led to a snake who was neglected and cared for improperly. It shortly passed away. I was heartbroken. Not just bc the snake died but bc it died from of my neglect.

It took a couple years, about a dozen books, and people like those of you on this forum before I had the confidence, knowledge, and capability to adopt a beautiful creature like this again. Since then I have had success with a few Balls and a turtle.

Now to my rescue story!


This is just the start, but there will be more to come!
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I always search online just for curiosities sake to see what people are trying to get rid of. I came across a post for two BP's, Enclosures, and enough food for a month. Sounds great right? Wrong. I could tell by the pictures that these beauties (pied and candino) were malnurished and housed in absolutely deplorable conditions. Little did I know, it was worse than I thought.

I show up to the house and eveything seemed normal... white picket fence.. a couple dogs. That sort of thing. We talk and go downstairs to where they had the snakes. I got down there and immediately wanted to smack the woman. Bone chilling cold, housings covered in dust, feces everywhere, urates everywhere, most likely the past two sheds still sitting in the tank ( couldn't tell because they were in a million pieces), and empty water bowls. It took everything I had to hold in the words and emotions that I had for this woman, but I knew if I called her out on it then she wouldn't let me adopt them. I took them and left her house but not before asking " you are never getting anymore reptiles ever again, right?" She said "never".

Now, I understand that these animals aren't for everyone, but do you wanna know the worst part of this story? And I promise I can't make this up.... she went to school for herpetology!!! So I spent all night, along with my neighbor and his son cleaning all of the terrible things out of both of their tanks. Pictures will come soon but they need time to adjust to their new surroundings and to heal up after the absolutely deplorable conditions they were living in before.

I will update on their their progress and keep everyone informed with how they are acclimating, but I don't want my point to be missed here.... DO NOT BUY A BALL PYTHON BEACUSE IT'S "COOL" or "PRETTY". They are fascinating animals that live a very long time. Don't take advantage of them or neglect them!!