Craigslist always be causin' problems!

[BrandiR]

So, I'm perusing Craigslist (I swear, I don't even look at the pictures, just read the articles). Anyway, there's a listing for two ball pythons. The listing states that there are two available. They live in the same enclosures, each eat one mouse PER MONTH, but don't feed them together. It goes on to say they need 80-90* temps, "high humidity", and a bath once a week. Yes, it says that.

I'm by no means an expert, which actually is why the listing disturbed me. If I immediately know it isn't right, then it's way too obvious. So, I sent a very nice, nonconfrontational email that said something like, "It's more important to ensure that they're well cared for from here on than to disclose the improper care they've been receiving. Please do some quick research and relist the snakes with accurate information. If new-to-bp person buys your snakes and trusts your advice, that's really unfair to any future bps they may obtain."

I made a quick list (once a month isn't enough, you need a temp gradient, they shouldn't live together, a weekly bath isn't necessary) and explained that I'm not being a jerk, I just care.

I got no reply and curiosity got the best of me so I texted asking for pictures. He/she thinks they are a couple of years old. They look like long babies. Heat rock in the tank, no hides, and fully extended, their head and tail touch both ends of the tank. It looks to be about a 10gal. I could be wrong there. Oh yeah, "and there realy activ." (Have you ever noticed how much effort it takes to misspell a word with a smart phone? But I digress...)

So- Do you flag it? Do you leave it and hope the buyer has the knowledge to make corrections? Do you ignore it and eat dinner and be happy that you read about snakes all day long so you can do right by yours? Tell yourself, "I got 99 problems and that dude's snakes ain't one"?

[RoseyReps]

So, I'm perusing Craigslist (I swear, I don't even look at the pictures, just read the articles)

First off...this made me laugh. So thank you for that

Now, in my opinion you have done your part. You sent a message with the correct information / care to the person. If they still believe their way is best, that is on their shoulders. I've sent the care sheet emails, gotten some nasty replies, some nice ones, and no reply at all. I don't keep myself up at night wondering if they are caring for their snakes properly now, I just hope that they take advice well, and go on about my business.

[BrandiR]

I looked at the pictures again. The snakes are pretty long, it has to be bigger than 10gal. But it certainly doesn't look long enough to have a hot/cool side. That part should be disregarded because I really don't know the size.

[snowcolt]

i hate craigslist... i hate when someone has a setup for sale. tank, lamp, etc. and there is lots of sheds left in... and they want outrage for it..

[Kodieh]

Someone local to me is selling a "bermese" python. Then has a second ad selling the same "bermeze" python and a chinchilla.


...really? Two years old and "about seven feet" with a "cage that will last her years".

[Redneck_Crow]

As far as that stuff goes, I'll share a link to good information and answer questions if anyone ever does reply back to me. (so far, none)

But in the end, I've taken on responsibility for 10 ball pythons, soon to be 12. Those are my pythons to worrry about. Other peoples are not unless they ask for my help.

[Lucille]

So- Do you flag it? Do you leave it and hope the buyer has the knowledge to make corrections? Do you ignore it and eat dinner and be happy that you read about snakes all day long so you can do right by yours? Tell yourself, "I got 99 problems and that dude's snakes ain't one"?

If you flag it, you are helping the snake stay in its current unsatisfactory home. That you are worried and want to help says good things about you, but you can't take on the future of every critter on CL. If you every see an emergency situation, or downright intentional cruelty, yeah, then step in.

One thing you might think of, if you have energy and time, is to present to this site an idea for a new forum, 'The CL Revue' where people could link or describe these very kinds of ads. Perhaps such a forum could be arranged where the state would be mentioned first in the title. That way, those who had time and were ready for a challenge, and/or to do a good deed or random act of kindness, could look over the current CL disasters-in-waiting listed in the forum. With someone here, the hapless reptiles ready to be sold might have a little bit better of a chance at a good future.