No offense, but are people just stupid???

[Mike Cavanaugh]

Just picked up another rescue... Now I am not one that normaly throws around the "stupid" word but I am starting to wonder.

I know lots of new-bees take bad advice from clueless walpet shops... but come on! this is the third rescue in a row with the same story. This one is a 2002 geourgous 4 foot reduced girl that weighs 800 grams.... Nothing but BONES and scales!!!

Of course I asked him what he fed and how often, and he quickly and proudly replied "one x breeder mouse every 2 weeks or so"

This snake looks like skelator. How can you own a snake for six years and not be curious enough to read up a bit? This thing is rediculously skinny, and this guy honestly did not have a clue. He thought it was the most healthy ball ever. If she just filled out to normal size, I would say she would be at least 2300 grams.

took her home and before even putting her in her permanent home tried to feed her.... Normally I wait at least a week before trying to feed but she looked like she was starving. She took 3- 2 month old ASF's back to back to back. She probably would have taken a 4th and 5th, but I did not want to overdue it.

I just don't understand how it can get this bad. How can you have a snake for 6 years and not read up at all? I would venture to say that anyone, even somone who never saw a ball python before would think she is skinny.

[hondo1967]

Lazy people that dont care

[Argentra]

Since the snake a- is still alive, and b- keeps eating and everything, they don't ever stop to think that they're doing something wrong. Sad but true.

The male I'm rescuing in a few days has a similar problem in that they were feeding him a medium rat plus an adult mouse, FT, once every MONTH or so! Granted, that prey is a bit large so he doesn't look underfed in the pics I got, but still... now I have to try and get him on proper prey size and a good schedule.

At least you have that girl now and can get her nicely filled out.

[Koiscale451]

I have the same story with one of mine, she's still a baby though, but she can barely slither through my fingers.....gettin' better though.
Some people just puzzle me
It's amazing that some are not even curious....I mean....seriously???
Good thing you found her, and great job getting her healthy! Bet she's a happy snake now.

[ryan9815]

Glad you rescued her! I dont understand either. Im going on almost a full years of research and such but still dont personally think I am ready for a snake yet. Some of these people just buy snakes of impulse, it is sad.

[TheMolenater2]

The sad news is some people ARE just stupid....
Its good you are helping it though!

[Ladydragon]

good for you on the rescue(s). and yes, sadly people are that stupid, combined with ignorance and laziness. Now how about some pics of the rescue so we can all ooh and ahh at her, even if she is skinny at the moment. She is in good hands now and will fill out beautifully soon enough.

[blackcrystal22]

The only thing we can do is try to help!

The petstore that I go to often knows me pretty well. If I successfully breed corns I might sell them one or two because they really like having reptiles available.

I was talking to the owner suggesting some sort of corn/snake care sheet that can go out with any snake owner that is a must for them to read. He thought it was a good idea considering most parents with a 12 year old come in asking for a 'beginner' snake and he worries with lack of experience it could lead to problems.

Educate and rescue is all we can try to do.

[Mochelem]

I have a rescue and Im guessing she is 2 years old, she was very skinny when I got her... Just look on the bright side they gain weight pretty fast, in about 3 months she has almost doubled in girth...

[Argentra]

True. My rescued pastel was 44g when I got him, and now is over 260 in only 6 months. True, he's a pig... but hey.