Reptile & Amphibian Forums

How can I go about convincing my sister that her son (11 years old) can look after my retic while I'm away for two weeks? My nephew is great with my snakes and would even like to own one himself (he wants a Burm). Even though I've told my sis all about my retic - 5ft male, never bitten me, somewhat problem feeder but generally a sweetie - she doesn't want him taking care of the retic for 2 weeks. It'd only be two feedings and possibly a shed. Any suggestions to help me convince her? I really don't trust anyone except my nephew... Thanks in advance!

I honastly wouldn't allow an 11 year old to care for any of the large constrictors. Even though your snake is only 5' I guarentee it is stronger then your nephew. If I was you I would recommend talking to a local pet store and try to find out if they are able to or if they know of others in the area that might be more suitable care givers then your nephew. When I was sent over to Iraq my wife was pregnant and was unable to care for my snakes. I talked to the local reptile oriented pet store and they found me a local keeper and she looked after all three of my snakes for 7 months. Todd

Has she stated what her concerns are? I think what would probably help is to let her see the retic, maybe even handle it, and then see her nephew handle the retic. If she has an issue with the feedings, maybe also let her view a feeding. After all the above is done, I'm sure she'll realize that her concerns might be unreasonable. But I would definitely first pinpoint what those concerns might be.

As far as an 11 yr old taking care of the retic, my only issue is whether or not he would be responsible enough to take care of him. Hopefully you would articulate to him the importance of carefull handling and ensuring that the enclosure is always closed and locked to ensure he doesn't escape. I honestly wouldn't worry about the retic (at only 5ft) overpowering him. But I possibly would worry about his maturity level and ability to look after the retic. But you know your nephew best!

Hope that helps!

Thanks guys... I really do trust my nephew with my snakes, he's been around them for 3 years now and he's great with them... I'm still working on convincing his mum... She's not deathly afraid of them or anything, she wouldn't mind her son having a Burm... Maybe I'll try to get her to hold the retic first and all. I'm pretty sure I can convince her.

"Maybe I'll try to get her to hold the retic first and all. I'm pretty sure I can convince her."

It works for Bob Clark, so why not! lol. Bob usually seems very eager to get whatever snake you are looking at (within reason), into your hands. I guess he knows that the more contact you have with your dream animal, the more likely you are to put aside your common sense and get it Hey, whatever works!
-Chance

The most dangerous part would be the feeding...and if it is for 2 weeks, im sure the retic can go without food, before you leave you could just feed him a little bit bigger of a meal and make sure your nephew wont handle him for a few days.

Two weeks is a bit on the long side but when i go away for a week or 10d i refrain from feeding for 10 prior to leaving, give plenty of water prior to leaving- then clean the day before i go and place 8 oz deli cups in ceramic dog bowls - 3-4 per cage- hard to flip over- and make sure there is an elevated dry area in the cage- an inverted dish tub with holes in the side like a hide box to climb onto if the floor gets gooky- they are usually dry, clean thirsty and hungry but no worse for the wear upon my return.

winslow

If you trust your nephew and feel that he is good with snakes, use CASH as an incentive. This is an important project so be generous.

Bill

n/p

If I read this correct the snake is 5ft and you sis is kinda ok about a burm. Why not some more experience with a snake like this? Also burm and retic are that much different if at all. I just happen to like retics more.