When to step in?

[sneakerpro]

I have a friend, who's roommate has a BP. I've only met the roommate once or twice. He isn't important. The BP he has is important. It is in a very poor environment right now. It is in a 10gal aquarium, with no hides, a 24-hour incadescent bulb, a water dish, a fake plant/vine, NO substrate, and NO gauges. He looks too big to be in a 10 gal.

Somehow, even with all of this poor care he still has a very strong feeding response from what I'm told. I have talked to my friend, and he is also concerned about this snake. The owner of the snake is rarely home, and seems to be doing nothing about improving the situation.

So, do I help them get a proper setup, and trust my friend to take care of his roommates snake? Or do I kidnap the snake and take care of it myself? I'm sure I could make it look like the snake just happened to escape, and they wouldn't have a clue!

[missi182]

I would want to kidnap it! lol But thats stealing... Anyway, I think you should politely and as nonchalantly as possible ask the room-mate why his enclosure looks as it does. Something like, "Hey, I own a bp, where did you get him?" Then you know, slowly get into a convo about everything and ask " so what do you like to keep his temps at?" Which will be responded with "I don't measure them" and you can try and get into a little more.

If he completely does not care to talk about it, well that is animal neglect really. Not to be mean but here in Ontario, you could call Animal Control for neglect and have the snake taken away, then adopt it! But yea that is a sticky situation, I would like to hear what others have to say as well.

[Drew87]

If i was in your spot i would yes kidnap the snake i cant stand to see animals in situations like that (might be illegal) but i would still do it, forget the tank and everything just snatch the snake and have his roommate tell him it escaped.

[sneakerpro]

I'd feel a little bit like Danny Ocean, but it is definitely possible to take it without EITHER of them knowing about. They don't really have what I'd call a "quality lid" on the tank, so it is even LIKELY that this snake would have escaped. It even has a HISTORY of escape!

I feel like it is wrong to take it, but I feel like it is even more wrong for this snake to be so neglected. I'm hoping my friend will sort of step up and take over the care of the snake, but if he doesn't... then we never had this thread, and it will self destruct in 5.. 4.. 3.. 2......

[missi182]

Haha, well if you wanna steal it, it doesn't sound like buddy will miss it, but of course I am not condoning any sort of illegal behavior here....*whistles and walks away*

Oh and if you do take it, bring a "sport bag" with a pillowcase in it for the snake....I mean...don't steal its bad! heh

[Drew87]

Yea man do what you got to do Danny just make sure it doesnt came back to bite you like it did for Mr.Ocean in the second movie haha

[sharilynn]

Take The Snake!!!!

[wolfy-hound]

Talk to the roommate and show him how easy it is to set the snake up properly in a tub with proper heat.
Stealing it will only get you into trouble.
http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=40
That's how to set up a tub.

[frankykeno]

The snake is this person's property, whether you like it or not. Taking it without permission is stealing and it's not a good idea to be telling someone to steal something in the public forum. If this continues, the thread will be locked for promoting an illegal activity.

You can be responsible and simply talk to this person. Where did the ability to communicate go? You can suggest some changes, ask if they feel that they can't care for the snake if they would like you to adopt it, etc. It does not have to be confrontational, think educational. If you try and this person does not care, then you may want to consider other options - but stealing someone's snake is NOT one of them that I'd ever consider or advise anyone to consider.

[Waffles13ilj]

Why dont you just ask him if he wants to sell him? Its win win, he gets cash and you dont get in trouble. He must not care too much!!
Good luck!