I want to extend a gigantic thank you to the Ball Python forum here on kingsnake. I never expected to have to go through this.
I have in my home 23 snakes, 15 cats, 2 dogs, a ferret, several arachnids, and a small herd of sub-adult humans(some of whom I brung into this world, some I took in.) Most of these are rescues of some sort, who have had bad lives somewhere.
When I take a critter into my home, I am making a comitment to be 100% responsible for it's health, happiness, and well-being. I am obligated to learn all I can about it's physical and emotional needs, and to provide it what it needs.
When an animal under my care dies of anything other than old age, I have failed. I am obligated to learn where I failed, and to make sure it never happens again.
I truly apereciate all the feedback I have recieved here. Like I said, there aren't many places where you can find people who understand having any kind of passion for a snake.
Thank you for all you suggestions, opinions, kind offers and ideas. Wheather it was through poor husbnandry, inadequate quarrantine procedures, or just plain bad karma, I have failed somewhere, and am doing all I can to figure it out, and never let it happen again. Being a single parent, it's often hard to be prepared financially for such things, but silly me, you think I'd be used to it.
(My animals have tapped into my bank account somehow. They always know wehn I am broke, and that's when they all gang up on me and get sick or something!) My vet bills far exceed any other expense I have. There's things I can't afford, but even more, I can't afford not to.
Again, I am grateful for a community that understands, and offers as much help as you guys have.
