Exotics At What Price

[beth]

I agree, the video shows an underweight, skinny python. I think my biggest ball is bigger round than that albino burm. I'm surprised that we haven't heard that this snake was euthanized.
I wonder how the snake could breath in an aquarium covered with a tied down quilt.

 

[ophiura]

When I first heard this story I envisioned a much larger snake. That is not a particularly large snake and wouldn't require, IMO, a great deal to keep it adequately fed. Clearly it is not in the best of shape - obviously does not point to a skilled owner keeping it.
I don't have an issue with people keeping these snakes. I do have an issue with many being widely sold as if they are gerbils.

 

[beth]

Which is why you must have a permit to have a Burmese, which this owner did not have. That law, however, I believe just went into effect, and most owners who already own such an animal aren't going to go out of their way to comply with the current law on an existing pet snake.

 

[aw2x3]

Ophuria,
Thats my biggest gripe, with this hobby...large constrictors, mainly. Any schmo can go to a local reptile show and purchase these snakes for less than $100. From the get go, they're not properly taken care of and after a little while, the person no longer wants it.
IMO, it's the breeders responsibility to ensure proper housing, to the snakes you're selling. If you're not concerned with who these snakes are going to, then you should not be allowed to breed and sell these snakes.
At one time, when I had 12+ snakes, more than half of them were rescues. I finally got tired of being the guy that everyone thought would take anything and got tired of coming home, after work, to find snakes dropped off on my front steps. Before I moved, I found proper homes for the majority of the rescues. Now, Heather and I finally have had the opprotunity to buy our rare Pythons, that we've been wanting.
I STRONGLY agree with permits, where these snakes will thrive, if let into the wild. I think that Florida should charge 100x what they're charging, for those permits. Then, it would limit (to an extent), the morons that are buying these snakes, because they think it makes them cool.

 

[beth]

Actually it is scary how easy it was for even KIDS to walk into a pet shop not too long and pick up a 1' cutie Burm. Of course, this snake commonly goes to 25' and starts to get dangerous to humans at 8'.
AW, do you actually do rescue work, or are you just the local target for unwanted snakes? I have to ask, what do you do when you want to go on vacation? Right now, I pay someone to come in, but haven't found a pet sitter who is totally comfortable with my snakes.

 

[salty blues]

Originally Posted by Beth
http:///forum/post/3076226
Which is why you must have a permit to have a Burmese, which this owner did not have. That law, however, I believe just went into effect, and most owners who already own such an animal aren't going to go out of their way to comply with the current law on an existing pet snake.
Unfortunately, even having a permit doesn't guard against pure stupidity.

 

[beth]

$1000 permit would greatly curtail just about any snake problem. Only serious herp keepers would go for that, and that person would be ready to appropriately take care of that snake.
That would also exclude most kids from purchasing.

 

[salty blues]

Originally Posted by Beth
http:///forum/post/3076250
$1000 permit would greatly curtail just about any snake problem. Only serious herp keepers would go for that, and that person would be ready to appropriately take care of that snake.
That would also exclude most kids from purchasing.
Your point is well taken, however I have seen plenty of stupid wealthy folks.

 

[flpriest]

Originally Posted by salty blues
http:///forum/post/3076262
Your point is well taken, however I have seen plenty of stupid wealthy folks.

it would keep the poor stupid people out of the mix...

 

[ophiura]

And the reality is there will always be a supplier if there is always a market...whether above ground or not. So many people will get them anyway. With animals generally kept inside, it would be hard to really police it. Then do you question people buying rats or mice?
Some of these breeders are the equivalent of puppy mills. horrible.

 

[deejeff442]

not just snakes here in texas it is legal to own a lion or tiger.
a few years back a little girl lost her arm to the family tiger.

 

[florida joe]

OXFORD, Fla. — Asphyxiation is the preliminary cause of death of a little girl strangled by a Burmese python in central Florida, a medical examiner determined Thursday after conducting an autopsy.
The 2-year-old girl also had bite marks on her head and arms, according to the autopsy report.
Authorities on Wednesday said the girl’s name was Shaiunna Hare, but said Thursday they think her name was spelled Shaianna, citing court documents.
The boyfriend of the little girl’s mother noticed his 8-foot python was missing from its terrarium when he woke up early Wednesday. He found the snake on top of the toddler. He stabbed the snake several times with a knife in order to free the girl.
Charles Darnell called 911 but the girl was dead when paramedics arrived.
Florida wildlife officials said Darnell didn’t have a permit to keep the snake at the house.
A veterinarian treated the python’s stab wounds and the snake was taken to an undisclosed facility where it will remain until the investigation into the girl's death is finished.

 

[beth]

Originally Posted by ophiura
http:///forum/post/3076283
Some of these breeders are the equivalent of puppy mills. horrible.
Exactly right. The concept of housing snakes indefinitely in very small containers with little to no opportunity to move, is animal cruelty in my view. Add to that an environment that is not kept clean. No wonder so many reps are plagued with parasites and diseases when finally sold in the pet trade.

 

[ophiura]

Originally Posted by deejeff442
http:///forum/post/3076437
not just snakes here in texas it is legal to own a lion or tiger.
a few years back a little girl lost her arm to the family tiger.
Yeah, don't even get me started on this one...

 

[aw2x3]

Originally Posted by Beth
http:///forum/post/3076245
AW, do you actually do rescue work, or are you just the local target for unwanted snakes? I have to ask, what do you do when you want to go on vacation? Right now, I pay someone to come in, but haven't found a pet sitter who is totally comfortable with my snakes.
When I lived in Southern Illinois, I was kinda the local target for unwanted snakes. Alot of times, I would even buy snakes from people, that were not taking proper care of them, just to get them out of the conditions they were in.
Now that I've moved to the St. Louis area, I'm more picky about what I take in. Not too many people know I have snakes, so I don't get the unwanted attention of being the drop off for everyones snakes.
And, vacation?...what's that? lol

 

[meowzer]

And, vacation?...what's that? lol
I heard you on that one.....I can't imagine trying to get someone to snake sit...I can't find anyone to fish sit...LOL

 

[aw2x3]

Oh, I have quite a few people that would be more than happy to snake sit, while I was gone...I just can never afford to go on vacation. lol

 

[meowzer]

Originally Posted by AW2x3
http:///forum/post/3076753
Oh, I have quite a few people that would be more than happy to snake sit, while I was gone...I just can never afford to go on vacation. lol
OH...LOL....Well my problem is finding a person that I can trust to come into my house and feed all my tanks

 

[pezenfuego]

Originally Posted by meowzer
http:///forum/post/3076757
OH...LOL....Well my problem is finding a person that I can trust to come into my house and feed all my tanks
That's very hard.
Top off is even worse. I came home one time to a tank that was 41 ppt

Luckily nothing died

 

[meowzer]

Well I am very grateful that I now have an auto system for the 225g....that would be a big worry....the other 2 tanks don't have as much evap, but I also have 10g's of ro/di water made up also with an ato system...so having someone add a bit of water would not be an issue....