RIP Mittens.

[Andy_G]

Originally Posted by JessterK

Sorry to hear about your snakes as well. It does help to know I'm not the only one who's experienced this sort of thing. I might try contacting the breeder, though I'm not sure how exactly how I'd word it. I guess just relay to them exactly what happened and see what they say? Even if they did offer another one, I'd be slightly apprehensive about getting one from the same source. I know it almost certainly wasn't in any way their fault either, but an experience like this tends to make one cautious. I guess it's good to make them aware either way.

These things are certainly unfortunate and they happen to all of us. I myself in the early 00's (2004ish) had to have a boa euthanized due to cancer, and of course breeding comes with it's challenges as well. Keep your head up.

After having the snake for 4 months, absolutely no blame can be placed on the breeder in this kind of situation. Saying that, I think it would be good to let them know so they are aware. As far as wording is concerned, make sure you're clear that you're not looking for a free replacement or compensation as that isn't something owed to you. If they offer it, that would be very kind, but don't expect or demand it. It's a shame that no cause of death or necropsy was done as I am sure a breeder (as well as you of course) would appreciate knowing the cause.

[JessterK]

Originally Posted by Andy_G

These things are certainly unfortunate and they happen to all of us. I myself in the early 00's (2004ish) had to have a boa euthanized due to cancer, and of course breeding comes with it's challenges as well. Keep your head up.

After having the snake for 4 months, absolutely no blame can be placed on the breeder in this kind of situation. Saying that, I think it would be good to let them know so they are aware. As far as wording is concerned, make sure you're clear that you're not looking for a free replacement or compensation as that isn't something owed to you. If they offer it, that would be very kind, but don't expect or demand it. It's a shame that no cause of death or necropsy was done as I am sure a breeder (as well as you of course) would appreciate knowing the cause.

Thanks. Yeah, I figure it couldn’t be any fault of the breeder’s after that long. Like I said, he seemed healthy when I got him. I simply emailed them informing them of what happened, described my husbandry practices, and asked if they could think of anything that might have gone wrong. I don’t expect any sort of compensation, like you said, long past that point. As for a necropsy, I see what you mean, but I’ve heard it’s quite expensive, like $300. I’d spend that kind of money or more to save a snake that still has a chance, but for a necropsy that would be quite a hit to my finances. I hope you understand. Thanks again for your thoughts.

[Andy_G]

Originally Posted by JessterK

Thanks. Yeah, I figure it couldn’t be any fault of the breeder’s after that long. Like I said, he seemed healthy when I got him. I simply emailed them informing them of what happened, described my husbandry practices, and asked if they could think of anything that might have gone wrong. I don’t expect any sort of compensation, like you said, long past that point. As for a necropsy, I see what you mean, but I’ve heard it’s quite expensive, like $300. I’d spend that kind of money or more to save a snake that still has a chance, but for a necropsy that would be quite a hit to my finances. I hope you understand. Thanks again for your thoughts.

Necropsies are usually really good for closure, insight and answers (what, why, possible prevention, assessing risk of housing another snake in the same cage even after thorough cleaning) but sometimes they offer very little answer, and I totally 100% understand where you're coming from, you don't have to justify yourself.