Update on the CL boa rescue.. *sigh* I'm still appalled.

[DooLittle]

Good for you! Thank you for taking those poor babies in. I hope everybody winds up ok.

[Gio]

Nice work.

Sadly, "Free Country" means anybody can own animals.

Even people who are not fit to care for them.

I won't pass judgement on the people, but clearly the situation was VERY bad.

I think you stepping in improved things 100%!

[Surrealle]

Yeah, it occurred to me today that the CL pics showed a water dish and there was none in the tank when we got it, so I'm *hoping* it just got knocked over recently and the snake hasn't actually been sitting in standing water for 2+ months. He's doing quite well so far, as near as I can tell. I haven't seen any mites and as soon as it's safe to do so, we'll be treating him for what we suspect is scale rot (after a confirmed diagnosis).

The kitten, whom I've dubbed Mia, has made an even faster recovery. I knew something was wrong with her but apparently it was just that she was dangerously thin (you could feel every bone in her body, and visibly SEE her heartbeat). After 3 days of free-choice food, she's put on some weight already and is starting to play, explore, and act much more like a normal kitten. It's an incredible relief and joy to see that she's feeling better. Looking back on it, I honestly think she was maybe a week away from starving to death, if that.

Anyways, so far so good. I appreciate everyone's feedback and good wishes, and I'll keep you guys updated if anyone would like to follow their recovery.

[gator8811]

Wow this is awesome. Love seeing other people that would go eat out of their way to take care of animals. Great Job.

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[Surrealle]

Thanks.. My bf thinks I'm nuts because of how much I love animals, but it breaks my heart to see any of them suffering because of ignorance or cruelty. Just seeing the boa lounging in a clean, large tank or the newly playful kitten getting into shenanigans is enough to make all the effort and expense worth it. (Which is good, because their upcoming vet visits ain't gonna be cheap, lol. Good thing I don't mind pb+j sandwiches for a while.)

[Salamander Rising]

I have no words.


Bless you for taking both these animals!! I hope you can keep them, but if not, at least you will find them good permanent homes and they are both safe. They actually look pretty darn good considering how they started out. Wishing you all the best and do keep us posted!

This! ^

What a story!

How the heck do you get a Boa to eat eggs?!?

[Surrealle]

This! ^

What a story!

How the heck do you get a Boa to eat eggs?!?

I don't know and don't want to know. He's been eating f/t rats of various sizes eagerly since we got him and seems to be doing quite well. He's been handled once since he got here and though he wasn't comfortable with it, there was no hint of aggression, thankfully. Most of the day he hangs out with most of his body in the hide and his head poking out, along with whatever other section of his body he doesn't feel like tucking in, lol. Even his tongue is back to normal (apparently he was so cold and lethargic his tongue would flick in slow motion when we got him. Being the large snake newb that I am, I didn't even realize that wasn't normal until he perked up after a few days).

He does seem a bit shy and reluctant when we feed him, and it takes a few minutes for him to notice the rat because he seems more fascinated by what's happening outside the cage. I'm hoping that's just a product of him not yet settling into the routine. He also spends about an hour a day or less (I'm estimating) just staring upwards, but I haven't heard any difficulty breathing or seen any symptoms of anything else. If any boa experts could weigh in on whether this is cause for concern?

(The kitten, who has been renamed Rory, is finally doing well too. Her second week here she had to be hospitalized with a severe GI infection, which the vet was unable to diagnose. Fortunately, thanks to their care and the fact that she had spent the previous week fattening up, she pulled through and is home recovering--much to my relief. That makes twice in the past 3 weeks that she's nearly died. I, for one, could use a break with this pulling-her-back-from-death's-doorstep stuff, lol.)

[bcr229]

He also spends about an hour a day or less (I'm estimating) just staring upwards, but I haven't heard any difficulty breathing or seen any symptoms of anything else. If any boa experts could weigh in on whether this is cause for concern?

If you have a ceiling fan in the room he might be watching it. Mine are all enthralled by the fans.

[Surrealle]

If you have a ceiling fan in the room he might be watching it. Mine are all enthralled by the fans.

Lol, we do! And that would make sense because he does it in the corner of the tank that's closest to it. Thanks for clearing up the mystery!

[cory9oh4]

You're a blessing to the snake and kitten. Thanks for restoring some faith in humanity.