No one ever said that was the case. There are people who've owned snakes for decades and are still doing it wrong. And there are beginners who get off to a great start and never have any issues.
On your part, I think you've done a good job thus far asking questions and trying to help Joker. Most people really don't go looking for help if they notice a problem with a snake, they just let it die or euthanize it. You, however, have been responsible with your animals and receptive to advice from knowledgeable BP.net users (not including myself - I just got here!!).
The reason we're all worried (and it's not because you're a "noob") is mainly because you've just had a snake die and the new snake may or may not have come from the same place and is now in the same environment as the previous snake. It also sounds like there were some mix-ups on your vet's part. Your friend bought this snake (and I'm not sure how much she knows about BPs...) out of kindness but spent way too much money without a viable guarantee or proof of origin (CB or WC/CH).
All that to say... please don't go.![]()