I've got a young ball python, hes about 10 months old. I am currently in the middle of getting our house ready to move and having abit of work done on it so a couple of weeks before xmas i took him to my friends house where it would be a little less stressful, i have had a few problems with feeding but nothing too serious, he always ate eventually and was very healthy. at first they said he was feeding ok and were staying in contact with me regular but then he started to ask me how much id sell him for as his dad wanted him and obviously i said he wasnt for sale. All of a sudden he stopped replying to my messages, i saw him now n again in work and he said the snake was ok and had eaten, i made arrangement a few times to go see him but everytime i turned up there was no answer. i saw his dad tonight n asked how the snake was n he said he's dead, not been eating apparently. i think he said this to keep him.. i dunno what to do.. can they die this quick? what do you think i should i do..
2007-01-13 10:00:23 · 8 answers · asked by Shorty 2 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Certainly they can die quickly, and pet sitters often lie about the condition to avoid getting in trouble or causing you worry (mostly the former).
You made some mistakes in this process. Casual friends often make some of the worst house or pet sitters there are. The question about selling it might have been a sneaky way for him to buy it from you to hide the fact it was not doing well or died.
I'd get in touch with my friend- ideally at work- and tell him that you are worried about the snake. Tell him what his dad said, and point out that if it is dead, that is sad, but OK- you just need the cage, etc. back ASAP so you can get another one. Suggest that he should go at least half-and-half with you to help compensate you.
If they are trying to steal it, you'll get some song and dance. Just be firm about wanting it back and state a time you will be there to pick it up. Show up about 2 hours early and watch for signs that someone is home. Go up and apologize for being early but insist that they turn the snake or just the cage over.
How firmly you suggest, and whether or not you mention calling the cops, depends on your relationship and whether or not you want to save it.
2007-01-13 10:15:08 · answer #1 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Oh NO! That is terrible. Unfortunatly it sounds like they really wanted to keep him. How long have they had him? A snake usually won't just die very quickly. They can live for months without eating. Maybe you can contact the police or a small claims court and fight for your snake if you really care for him.
2007-01-13 18:06:10 · answer #2 · answered by lynnabugg 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if there's anything the authorities can do. It's worth a try to at least call the police and see if they will accompany you to the alleged culprit's house. But don't tell anyone what you're planning. You want to surprise them. I hate to say it, but you may have to cut your losses and count this as a lesson to be learned. I'm so sorry...people can be such jerks!
2007-01-13 20:48:55 · answer #3 · answered by Jody B. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your friend is obviously no friend at all. You should have just stopped by without telling him. Have you tried calling the cops and telling them the situation? That may help and you might get your snake back!! Good Luck!!!!!!!!
2007-01-13 18:13:13 · answer #4 · answered by BRIDGE 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i agree with the guy that said to get the cage back. i wouldnt even ask for compensation for the snake. just show up and say you came to pick up the cage since the snake is dead. if the snake is really dead they will just give it to you.
2007-01-14 01:13:49 · answer #5 · answered by G-diddy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look... You wont get it back just sitting around asking people.TRUST ME... I'd say the best thing to do is call the police.
They will search his house or maybe arrest his dad for stealing
Call them now...I dont think the snake is dead
If you need more help and have msn add me jaydelaney@hotmail.co.uk or just email me
2007-01-13 18:39:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Visit their house. If they dont let you in you might want to go to the cops. If the snake is still alive, take him or her to another friends house- a more trustworthy one!
2007-01-13 18:25:09 · answer #7 · answered by Diana T 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is stolen property. Call the police.
2007-01-13 18:33:39 · answer #8 · answered by KathyS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋