Hey Gang...So mainly I only keep Balls (a couple of corns, a carpet and a blood round out the mix) but I do watch Craigslist for people who need help re-homing their reptiles. In most cases, I just talk to the people and recommend a new home or an option.
So yesterday I came across an posting for a Free Large Snake - just come get it. So I called to get the details and offer help. It was an older couple (65+) whose son was arrested and in jail for the past 3 months. You can see where this is going. So they tell me he had a snake and they just want it gone. I ask the status of snake and they tell me "it was alive last week". I decide an intervention is needed and quickly. I drive over the meet them and they take me down into their unfinished basement. Tucked away in a corner is a 10' wood cage (had 2 large plexiglass panels as windows). The lady points and says he is in there.
So this cage is carpet lined and reeks!
NO HEAT
NO WATER
NO FOOD
For at least 3 Months!!!!
These people were scared to death of this animal, and hadn't gone near the cage since their son was taken. They give me a flash light and I can see this 7-8' Albino Burm. She is breathing. I get a screwdriver and open the cage (only way I could see to get in was to take it apart). The poor girl is covered in stuck shed and ICE cold (I guessed it was 50's in the basement - and yesterday was a warm day here). I pull her out she weighs about 30lbs and is lathargic. I hold her next to me and she seems to cuddle in for warmth. I tell them I am taking the animal and to throw the cage in the trash - why would you line a cage with carpeting in the first place???
So I put here on the floor boards with the heater running full blast and head to the vet. The vet is a friend so we bath her in warm water to remove as much shed as possible and he checks her out. Surprisingly she is OK though underfed (she appears full and round but her skin just pulls away from the muscle).
On top of this as she warms up I find out she is a sweety...outgoing and curious, not head shy and very friendly.
So long story...I have a new pet. I displaced my carpet python (which had the largest cage and put her in that one - I have a posting in the caging section about permanent ideas for caging...so please give me some ideas)
Without further ado - Introducing Dahlia
So all you burm experts what do you think? What should a 7-8' Burm weigh? Based on girth she could easily take a small rabbit (or would several rats be better - and how many)
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