Why I won't buy from a pet store

[SlitherinSisters]

I'm not saying what is wrong or right, but I do think the snake is well past saving. If anyone does manage to get it to eat, it will likely go into shock and die. It looks small enough to have never had a meal in its' life. If you plan to spend money buying the snake just be aware that death is a very real possibility even if you get it to eat.

One thing I think everyone needs to keep in perspective is that reptiles will refuse to eat and starve to death. If you put a cat or a dog in a tiny cramped metal cage they will still eat. Their will to survive enormously outweighs their want/need for a nicer place to live. If you don't have the husbandry correct for a bp, as in this case, it will definitely starve to death and it will appear to be by its' own choosing. I really think that's why authorities/rescue groups tend to let stuff like this slide. People don't expect an animal to "choose starvation" when they are offered food, water, and shelter. And lets face it, most people don't have a clue about reptiles, even in rescue groups. Although it is a living creature, and it is terrible that the snake is starving to death, this case is more about lack of education than deliberate neglect. Yes it's frustrating, yes it's upsetting, but the only thing we can do is continue to educate people. Being mean/threatening will not help our cause.

[wilomn]

Cole, do what you think is right. But read this thread and look at who has what opinion. The most experienced keepers here all think this snake is not going to make it. We've all said it might, but probably won't. How do you think we arrived at this conclusion? Experience.

I don't think you have much, which is not bad. You're got a big heart, also not bad. Give it a whirl if you want to, but don't expect a good outcome. I mean expect it, you have to be positive, but, well, it just doesn't look good.

What YOU consider neglect is not relevant here because you don't know the history of that snake. This has been pointed out at least half a dozen times. If you refuse to see that, then the problem is yours and yours alone. YOU don't get to tell other people how to do what they do. I'm not telling you to do or not do anything, just giving my advice on what I think the likely outcome of your choices might be as far as this snake goes.

The tomato analogy is a bit much don't you think?

Is it cruel to force feed this animal? You WILL be increasing its pain and suffering and in all likelyhood simply prolonging its death. Is that what you REALLY want to do or would it not be better to simply let it go? Quality of life and quality of death are both important. Why make this creature suffer so we, well you, can feel better about it? Harsh yes, but real too. I'd give that snake one chance in a hundred, and trust me I personally know what those odds mean, but this one may be past saving.