Taking in unwanted herps. - Page 2

Nafun · 07-01-10, 11:42 AM

Well, this saturday is the big day, they come and live with me.

I made the mistake of starting to browse craigslist, and I seriously need to stop. The sheer number of reptiles that need rehoming saddens me, and I came very very close to adopting another animal, and even went so far as asking my wife if she'd let me start a reptile sanctuary (she said no. such a party pooper).

Now if only I could find a diamond carpet python or super dwarf retic that needed adopting!

marvelfreak · 07-01-10, 12:32 PM

Can't wait to see pics.

Lankyrob · 07-01-10, 01:12 PM

IS craigslist just for the US?

Nafun · 07-01-10, 01:21 PM

nope
craigslist: london classifieds for jobs, apartments, personals, for sale, services, community, and events

Lankyrob · 07-01-10, 01:27 PM

Oh bugger - now i have ANOTHER place to look for snakes that need homes!!!

Nafun · 07-03-10, 02:30 PM

I just got them home, no pics yet.

Both balls had wet substrates. They hadn't offered food since I agreed to take them 3 weeks ago..... way to save money on rats!

The water dragon has a stumped tail... they'd been feeding it nightcrawlers and feeder goldfish because "crickets are too expensive".

The Iguana is 2 years old, and is about the size of a 6 month old. Completely feral. It was getting a diet of nothing but mustard greens and kiwi.

marvelfreak · 07-03-10, 04:08 PM

At least they're in good hands now. Know doubt you'll get them health again. Sounds like you might have your work cut out for you. Hope to see pic soon.

Nafun · 07-05-10, 06:03 PM

I knew the balls hadn't been fed for at least three weeks, so I decided to forgo the 2 week cooling off period I normally give new arrivals and offer them a live rat (they've had live their whole lives, I'll work on getting them on F/T or F/K when they're eating good and regular). The female, we're calling her "Bocce", struck the rat from inside her hide, and pulled it back inside her hide so fast we never saw her move, and never even saw the rat hit the ground. The male's first response was "cage open? I go explore now!", but with a little coaxing, he hungrily snapped up his rat too. I was completely amazed, but gratified that they let their hunger overpower the wariness inherent to their species.

Still no pics. Balls are getting solitude in the quarantine room, and the lizards are still going crazy (though they are at least eating, even if, in the case of the iguana, it's grudgingly.)

Nafun · 07-07-10, 11:28 AM

Yoshi the Chinese Water Dragon is now a free range chinese water dragon. We've given him free reign of the reptile room for today.

We ordered crickets and mealworms online. 1000 of each. The meal worms were no problem, but it turns out that if you put 1000 crickets in a box for 24 hours, by the time that box gets opened, they want out REALLY badly. About 95% of them made it into the tub, unfortunately, that means there are 50 now merrily chirping in the corners of my reptile room. Now Yoshi is merrily skittering around the reptile room chasing down crickets.

marvelfreak · 07-07-10, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nafun

Yoshi the Chinese Water Dragon is now a free range chinese water dragon. We've given him free reign of the reptile room for today.

We ordered crickets and mealworms online. 1000 of each. The meal worms were no problem, but it turns out that if you put 1000 crickets in a box for 24 hours, by the time that box gets opened, they want out REALLY badly. About 95% of them made it into the tub, unfortunately, that means there are 50 now merrily chirping in the corners of my reptile room. Now Yoshi is merrily skittering around the reptile room chasing down crickets.

What no video?

lol I bet that be a site to see. Bet yoshi having the time of his life.

presspirate · 07-07-10, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nafun

What's your guys' opinions on it?"

If I had the time, space, and money I'd do it in a heartbeat. I have gotten 3 of my 5 snakes off of craigslist, and all were being underfed for their size when I got them. My adult bp was being offered live rats, though it was obvious he was afraid of them, so he did not eat for months. I finally got him back to eating f/t and as long as I do not offer them to frequently he is a great eater.

My smaller bp was being fed 1 small mouse once a week. I could see the ridge on her spine when I got her. she did not have any heat on her cage, and the lady let her kids play with it as if it were a dog, or a slinky. (take your pick.) the poor thing was petrified. A couple of months, and 3 sheds later, she is eating a med f/t rat every two weeks and looking fine.

My boa was being fed to fuzzy mice a week. he could easily have taken a hopper at the time I go him. The lady did not want to feed him anything bigger because she thought that was power feeding and he would grow to enormous size. My concern there is that she kept the female from his clutch.....

So, to the point. My thoughts on taking in unwanted herps are if you have the time and the resources, and are sure you can make the commitment then do it. I have seen many postings of people who claim to do just that, only to turn around and try to get rid of them because their collection has grown too big, or they are moving and the place they are moving to will not allow pets, or, now they have a full time job and cannot spend the time with them that they would like to. Give me a break. The snake does not want to spend time with you. It wants to be left alone, and fed once in a while.

Anyways, I ramble.... please continue your discussion. I loved the story about yoshi. That does indeed need a video.

marvelfreak · 07-07-10, 04:08 PM

I got a ball python given to me about a year ago. Really didn't want a ball but didn't want to see the poor thing get sold back to a pet store. So i took it. The other day my bosses son and nephew stop by to see my snakes. The nephew (chase) had always wanted a ball python. Well after talking with him for over a hour i found out he had done his home work on them and knew just about everything there is to know about BP. Also found out he had a cage , heat pad, light, and everything you need. After seeing pics of his set up i asked him how come he didn't have a snake yet? Said his mom wouldn't let him get one after promising him he could. Well now he lives with his dad.(moms long gone) I told if his dad said it was ok he could have my ball python. Dad said yes. So now bulleye(BP) has a new home With a 16 year old boy who parents are getting the big D. My boss and his dad both told me thanks. It the first time he smile or been happy about anything since his mom left 6 month ago. P.S. My hat off to anyone who takes in unwant reptiles or help rehouse them with people who want them.