Health & Other Issues and properly caring for reptiles right now.....

[Bogertophis]

I can imagine how much you're missing your basement- especially now that you're feeling better. What a huge job that turned out to be- not just the clean up but all the needed renovation too, ugh. But it should be awesome once it gets done.

[dakski]

I write this with a heavy heart. I think I am going to re-home Esmeralda/Ezzy (Leachie) and Ferdinand/Ferry (Chewie).

I've been doing a lot of soul searching and my health although stable at this point, has created consistent periods (days at a time) of exhaustion.

I try to explain exhaustion to people, but my cousin, who was on chemo said it best. She called me and said, "I finally get it. Being tired is saying, okay, I should to take a nap, going upstairs, and taking one. Exhaustion is falling asleep on the bottom step because you don't have the energy to make it up the stairs."

I have 11 reptiles and 12 tanks right now (one 3X2' being used as a storage tank on the bottom of the 6X2' Boaphile stack). It's a lot. It's more when I am not feeling well and Katie isn't either. We are constantly trying to pick up the slack for each other.

I know I do not not have justify it and have already found a good home - more on that in a minute. However, I am the kind of person who stands by my commitments. I committed to Ezzy and Ferry 3 years ago. I think they are incredibly cool animals, but I also feel they are a lot of work for limited engagement. I feed Ezzy 2X a week and Ferry 4-5, including insects. They have a large container of wood so I can always have clean wood in their cages and I have to throughly clean their cages 1X a week. They make a mess and everywhere because they can climb on anything - wall and ceiling, etc. Neither tolerates handling much either. Oh, and they have a misting system. I might move that to the Boas, but not sure yet. For now, I might just take it down.

The snakes are my true passion and I plan to keep Carra (9 year old Leopard Gecko) and Frank (BTS), as well as all the snakes.

I find the snakes to be pretty easy and are high reward for me. I handle them, interact with them regularly, and feel a bond with all the remaining animals (Frank and Carra included).

The basement being in shambles hasn't helped this (or the lack of running water for months). However, I am the kind of person who generally makes a decision and has little regrets.

Onto the potential home. I could sell them or barter with a local reptile store where I know the owner well and respect him. He would probably find a good home, and the money would help right now with the basement and contractor disputes etc. However, I think I am leaning towards "donating" them to the local reptile zoo I've spoken about here. https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...ight=riverside

The owner, Brian, might put them on display, and would probably use them for education, etc. Either way, I know they will have a good home. He's a great guy and very responsible and cares for his animals.

By "donating" them, I might still get something for the tanks and/or some cool perks with Riverside Reptiles. Brian does breed many snakes, and down the road, might consider filling the empty tank with something easier and that doesn't take up as much space (misting system, food items - drawers of their dry food, insect containers, etc. and the wood). For now though, not sure.

Between work, Katie still being sick, me being sick for years now and not getting much better, and the time/reward scenario, I think it makes the most sense to re-home them. It would also allow us to have much more space in the reptile as I could make an L shape with the tank, and/or have more room for a chair, etc. Not having furniture in the basement has made me miss just chilling with the animals and interacting with them more and in more meaningful ways.

Still not 100% sure, but getting there. Katie told me not to feel guilty as circumstances can change. Mine have. I still feel guilty.

[Hugsplox]

Sorry to hear you’re still having some issues, Dave. I think it takes a big person to admit that they’ve got a little too much going on. I read this not as a guy who’s giving up on some animals, but who’s putting them first and making a call that, while painful, has their best interests at heart. I think it takes a lot of love to feel the way I know you do about your animals and still consider what you’re considering. Plus, you get the added benefit of them, if you choose to donate them, going to a place where not only will they be well taken care of, but could be used to bring in new people to the hobby who get to see them there.

Anyway, I had this grand idea that I was going to be able to word this in a way that made you feel better but alas, I’m not nearly as eloquent as I like to think I am

[bcr229]

There is no shame in admitting that caring for a particular critter is beyond your knowledge or physical capability, and arranging for it to go to a more appropriate home.

[sp0420]

I'm sorry to hear about your health issues. I personally don't have any health problems but sometimes life is overwhelming and I miss a day cleaning tubs and feel guilty. So I definitely can relate. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your lady. If you every feel the need to re home someone temporarily I'll make a spot in my quarenteen rack. Feel free to reach out if you're in need.

Sincerely,
Sean