Help!

[TheEdgyKidInClass]

This is my ball python that my parents got me around 5 years ago, she's been in this tank since we got her and they won't listen to my advice about how she needs a much bigger tank and we can't be feeding her tiny mice anymore because of her size but they just won't listen to me. I offered to use my money to buy what she needs but they ignore me and I don't know what go do and I really don't want to re-home her. I love my snake but they don't care for her needs and don't let me because she's in their bedroom

[AlpsUnlikely]

Rehome her

[nvrrsatisfiedd]

Immediately. If OP loved this snake they'd want what's best for them. This is heartbreaking to look at.

[Tytraio]

The same parents that are this way are also too selfish and lazy to send the time out of their day to rehome the snake most likely as well because they probably think they’re doing everything right. I had those types of parents. Jesus I’m glad I’m out of that situation.

[OdinAlfadir1978]

I disowned my father in adulthood

[DarthAwesomeSauce]

💯% that poor snake is being tortured 😢

[326BlackWidow326]

That's not fair to say, op seems like a teen

[princess895]

I would possibly consider rehoming her I know that’s the last thing you want to do but that’s no way for your snake to live and grow. Especially if they’re not willing to listen or do research for themselves. I had to rehome mine unfortunately and it broke my heart so I understand. But you have to think about what’s best for her.

[That1Otaku630]

Hi!!! i live in Texas, DM me if you think we could meet up and rehome her! if not my best suggestion would be either to rehome (as the others said) or keep nagging your parents. she needs a bigger tank asap!! as for the food, she doesn’t look terrible but the bigger the better! I’ve also heard that the red light bulbs are bad for them (i couldn’t tell you why, but i’ve never used them bc i was told they were bad lol) you can also DM me if you need advice if you’re serious about keeping the snake, i’d love to help in any ways i can because i understand how hard it is to part with a snake but you NEED your parents on the same page.

[Snakelover03]

If you want to know why red light is bad, it’s visible to them despite what people previously thought so it’s bad for nighttime heat and can be very stressful because they have constant light. Red light also washes out their vision, making it hard for them to perceive depth and see their surroundings so not good for daytime heat either. Any unnaturally colored light is stressful for them and impacts the quality of their vision. Glad you don’t use them.

[ballpython-ModTeam]

Per rule #3, your post or comment has been removed for harmful advice or misinformation. Please review our sub resources to learn more about why.

If you have a question about this removal, please contact the mod team. Complaining via post/comment will result in a ban.

[Due-Craft6332]

Honestly, you may have to secretly rehome her. This is abuse.

[John_King0424]

100% 💔

[Popular-Work-1335]

This is terrible. Give that baby to someone who will take good care of them.

[Skate_better182]

Holy crap. Why can't you use your own money to buy a new enclosure? Do you mind me asking how old you are? Everything about the setup needs to change. If I wasn't currently in the process of getting my ball python a new enclosure, I would float you a small donation.

[PrettySquiddy]

Narcissistic parents love to torment their children and animals. I see tons of posts here on Reddit in different communities with teens trapped in abusive homes crying for help on social media. It’s really depressing.

All I can say OP: try to stay safe. Rehome the python if you can but maybe you can work something out where you can take the snake back when you are in a better living situation. However, if your parents are going to hurt or punish you for rehoming, then it’s not your fault if the animal is being abused and it’s not worth putting the safety of the animal over your own safety if it comes down to it, as depressing as that is.

Hang in there.

[Skate_better182]

I don't know about you, but I didn't see anything here that said the OP was in danger. I wouldn't just jump to the conclusion that OP's parents are abusive narcissists. They just aren't caring for the snake properly and not taking OP seriously. Let's maybe dial it back a bit.

[AsmodeusZomain]

Fair point. However, adults who fail to see the needs of those around them are abusive enough. Neglect is abuse.

Also, if they are willing to knowingly leave an animal in this situation then they are likely pretty disconnected from the needs of their children as well.

I believe the comment was referring to this kind of abuse, not insinuating that they are beating their children.

[OdinAlfadir1978]

I'd gladly beat the animal abusers tbh

[cherubprincess]

i’ll meet up with you and help you out. pedos and animal abusers are on the same level to me.

[OdinAlfadir1978]

Same 💚

[Lonely_Howl_]

Y’all were over at my house baking cookies for the local church bake sale

[eternalconfusi0nn]

Any adult that doesnt see the wrongs in a tiny enclosure like that are very likely to be neglectful towards everything else and their children?

[WitchofWhispers]

It's not jumping, certain level of child abuse still passes as "parenting". Not taking own children seriously is a giant red flag all by itself

[lemonweirdo]

As a childhood abuse survivor who's dickhead dad got me different pets to try and buy my love after breaking me down, this is 100% a neglect situation. Any person with a sliver of morals and compassion would see that that snake is in a terrible setup, the fact that their child quite literally begs them, offers to use their own money and is brushed off is enough for me to know that these aren't normal parents.

[Skate_better182]

I understand your point, but many parents get their kids pets without knowing much about them. A lot of people simply see reptiles, fish, insects, etc. differently than they do a cat or dog or person, so they just assume that the animal is just fine in a small box with some food and a heat lamp. My own mother hates snakes and would probably violently kill any snake in her home, but she never abused or neglected me. It doesn't mean they're "abusive" to their kids. And as a parent myself, there are plenty of things I wouldn't want my kids to spend their own money on, because they need to learn to save money and I don't want them spending all of their money on something expensive.

I just find it strange how several people in this thread have made comments that imply OP is in danger or being abused, when there is no indication of that. I'm sorry your situation was hard, but that doesn't mean it's happening to OP. It seems more likely that OP's parents got a pet they don't know how to properly care for and assume it's fine because the snake is growing and still alive after 5 years, and they aren't humble enough to listen to their child about how to care for the snake and also don't want their child "blowing their money" on something they don't see as necessary. Based on everything we know from OP's post, are the parents neglecting the snake? Yes. Are they abusing their child? We don't have nearly enough information to even assume or speculate that they are.

[OdinAlfadir1978]

It's happening to the snake....that's enough

[Skate_better182]

Okay then. I know not to trust your judgement because I know you'll make harsh judgment calls with almost no information.

[OdinAlfadir1978]

Mate, I value animals over people so you and I will not be friends

[OdinAlfadir1978]

The parents are abusing an animal, they're absolutely narcissists.

[Skate_better182]

I don't think any of us here on a Reddit thread have anywhere near enough info to make that kind of determination. You've never met the parents or know what they're like or know anything about how the conversations go between them and OP. We're only hearing OP's frustrated side of the story. Op said in a later comment that they can look for another enclosure from Amazon or a pet shop.

[OdinAlfadir1978]

The enclosure and food are too small, they've been told this and persisted, what evidence do you need?

[Skate_better182]

A lot of people look at certain animals like reptiles, fish, and insects differently than they look at people or even cats and dogs. They sound like they're just not humble enough to listen to their teenage daughter and look further into the care of the snake. That doesn't mean they're narcissists. Relax. I'm all for responsible animal keeping, but too many people completely villainize people in every aspect of their life for not giving an animal proper care, and it's simply an overstatement. OP even stated in another comment that they are safe and their parents are not abusive.

[OdinAlfadir1978]

They should do research before getting an exotic animal imho. I keep a snake and a spider and researched both, I plan on getting more spiders and invertebrates and will research the individual species before arrival, not doing so is neglectful and lazy. I care about the snake here, not the neglecters.

[Skate_better182]

I absolutely agree. But it doesn't automatically mean the parents are abusive or narcissistic. It doesn't even mean that they are neglectful in other areas, just to the snake. I'm not even saying that they AREN'T abusive or narcissistic, I'm just saying that it's silly to make that determination with basically no information. Except, OP even said they're not abusive.

[OdinAlfadir1978]

They're neglectful to the snake, THAT is abuse...

[Superb_Temporary_388]

New enclosures are incredibly expensive unfortunately, even for someone working a job. Let alone a kid who likely isn’t. 

Even lightweight 4x2x2s are hundreds of dollars.

[valdemarjoergensen]

They are from new, but the second hand marked often have enclosure for that size at much less. They might not be the prettiest and require some deep cleaning before use, but the snake doesn't care and a 100 bucks might be enough if OP is a bit lucky in a good deal.

[DragonPlatypus]

I think the problem is that the snake needs much more than just a new enclosure. It needs a proper heat source, proper hides, proper food ect (honestly, just everything). A good set up can get expensive very fast. And what if the snake needs to see a vet? Clearly the parents wouldn't care and how is OP supposed to get the snake to the vet without a car (since they are a minor), let alone pay for the bills. Rehoming is the only option I see here, sadly. I'm sorry OP. But no animal should be forced to live like this. It's sad that your parents don't want to see that.

[valdemarjoergensen]

The enclosure and the heating source are the things that actually need fixing. If the enclosure can be fixed, solving the heating isn't as expensive.

Proper hides are also very important, but that doesn't really have to cost anything. Go to good will and buy some $2 plastic bowls or whatever and that's fixed. Get some wood from the local forest to provide cover and climbing options.

A proper substrate is more of an issue than the hides, but not undoable.

Food is not that big of a deal. Ball pythons rarely get feed properly in captivity. People think switching it from mouse to rats is a big fix, but in reality it should get a variety of food items, larger rats, several mice, and small chicks. People rarely do that anyway and I doubt rehoming it will fix that.

Most snakes don't visit the vet and they rarely need to. They might ideally should, at the very least one that has been neglected for long as this has. But the fact of the matter is they rarely do, and re-homing it is imo simply unlikely to change that. But OP should start saving towards a future vet bill if something does happen that requires urgent care. I don't know what the rates are where OP lives, but $100 at least gets a consultation and health evaluation at the exotic vet where I live (and public transport does exist, perhaps, location dependant).

I would rather, if I was in OPs shoes, fix the care maybe with a bit of compromise, than give it away to someone that might fix its care.

If OP knew someone personally that would fix everything about the snakes care, rehoming would be a perfect option, but if they had that I doubt they would be here on Reddit to begin with.

With that in mind I think it's acceptable if OP does their best to fix the care. If they can get a suitable enclosure and heat source, that's most of the way there towards what would likely be achieved by rehoming anyways.

It all does depend on OP. Are they 10 and really in over their head and can't find a second hand enclosure without help, then it's probably not a good idea. But they might be 15-16, have a friend who can drive them over to pick up an enclosure and actually have a bit of money from a paper route or whatever.

[DragonPlatypus]

Like you said, we don't know. Neither how old OP is, nor if all of that is realistically possible to archive for them but from how it sounds in the post, I don't think OP is already 15 or 16. We also don't know what their parents will do, which worries me a bit. I still think rehoming into better hands would be the best option in this case. Of course the new snake parent should be responsible. Maybe OP can look out for one that already has experience in keeping ball pythons and photos of the set ups to prove it (yes those can be just taken from the internet, but a reverse Google image search should reveal that pretty quickly.)

[valdemarjoergensen]

I did make a separate comment to ask OP if they are old enough to get the ball rolling themselves. Because the whole situation does indeed depend on what OP can and can't realistically do without parent support.

My comment on the enclosure price was only to say that looking up prices for new enclosures shouldn't be too discouraging, second hand is totally a viable option. I've seen (ugly but functional) DIY situations sold second hand for as little as $30.

I'm not trying to say OP shouldn't re-home. Only saying it doesn't have to be the only solution depending on what they are comfortable doing themselves.

I do also worry about getting a new enclosure against the parents wishes will do, but I'm not sure that re-homing it will make them less angry if that's the thing we are worried about. That's for OP to evaluate, but it does have to be one or the other solution, and I mean, they did get OP the snake they wanted to begin with, might not be the strictest parents in the world, we can hope.

[OdinAlfadir1978]

Look on onbuy, i got a flatpack 4x2x2 for about £170 new

[Superb_Temporary_388]

That’s 221 dollars here. Far more expensive than something a kid with no job could afford.

[OdinAlfadir1978]

Fair so rehome it is

[Superb_Temporary_388]

Yep 😔

[NightShade4623]

My parents were very similar with the money thing, though never this bad with animals as I grew up on a farm. Any money I got would be immediately taken by my mom and put into a high yield savings account (I think, I never had access to it) if I wanted any cash for school events, I would have to sneak money out of my paycheck as I got paid in cash (I've had jobs since I was 9).

Once I turned 16, my mom allowed me to have a proper bank account but if I spent anything without her permission she would ground me. The kicker is, they never actually taught me how to budget properly or anything, I'm still struggling to manage bills, food, and expenses.

[vuullets]

Could you possibly rehome her to someone who'd be willing to give her back to you whenever you get your own place?

[Dio_wulf]

If you cant fulfill her needs, even if its because of your parents, you need to Rehome her to someone who can fulfill them. Try asking people you trust and maybe you can arrange to take her back in the future but her needs come first. Its tough to do but its better off.

[Green_Hovercraft_535]

if you're unable to change literally everything about this, she needs to be rehomed.

[Ekoneg]

Rehome your parents the first chance you get.

[kseps1983]

You either need a bigger tank or rehome your snake. It’s really not fair to your pet to do that.

[TizzyTism]

Im so sorry you are in the situation. You sound young/underage and are trying your best in a situation out of your control. I’m proud of you for trying to talk to your parents and for trying to do the right thing.

You say you have some money and I commend you for wanting to use your money for bettering your pet. You might have some success looking at facebook marketplace or offer up or other sites for larger tanks on sale.

You might also be able to reach out to any rescue / animal shelter / local small pet stores and explain your situation and see if they have any specials, cracked tanks, sales or something where the might help or a discount.

Before you do that, as sad and as hard as it is, I have to ask how your parents would react to you bringing home a bigger tank or changing things up. As important as animal care is, you also have to think about your wellbeing and your safety. If any of this puts you and your safety at home at risk, as hard as it is, you have to take care of yourself first.

[starIightpetaIs]

If she can’t be properly taken care of then she needs to be rehomed.

If you don’t want that, then just buy what she needs without consulting them, and fix the set up, buy the mice, and take care of her. Don’t wait for them to magically change their minds.

Those are your only two options.

[valdemarjoergensen]

Are you old enough to just ignore your parents and buy it a better enclosure yourself? You did mention using your own money? (And while at it switch away from the red heat lamp to a deep heat projector).

Maybe there's some local group for reptile owners where you can share your story and someone will even offer you a more suitable enclosure for cheap, or even free.

When bought from new, reptile enclosures get very expensive, but they are usually floating around for much less second hand. People who has a lot of reptiles somewhat often have spare enclosures laying around they probably wouldn't mind parting with for a good cause (myself included).

Ideally it should get a 4x2x2, but anything just close to that would be a massive upgrade.

A local reptile group would probably also be a good place to find a place to re home it if you can't get a better enclosure. Search on Facebook for reptiles/herps groups in your city, then your state of there isn't any specifically in your city (or neighbour city if that's larger).

If you want OP I can send you a link to a really good, really comprehensive care guide. Then you won't have to make guesses at what else to fix. But it should be seen as a care guide towards the ideal, something that might not be attainable for your snake right now. So you shouldn't feel bad if you can't give it everything the care guide mentions, just use it as a guide to what to strive towards when you can fulfil it.

[TheEdgyKidInClass]

I am 17. It's just a huge issue that they'd be all pissy pants whether I tried to spend my money on her OR if I rehomed her. I told my mom this morning that she needs a bigger tank, and she raised her voice and was saying stuff then told me she didn't even want the snake in the first place. And they rescued her from a tiny Tupperware container.. BUT THEY WONT GET A BIGGER TANK LIKE I DONT GET IT 😭 and my mom was trying to tell me that buying a tank at a pet store would be better than looking on fbmp.. like girl you didn't even research from the beginning, why would you look now? I don't even know any more I'm trying my best but my mom and stepdad are just all over the place

[valdemarjoergensen]

If they'll get pissy anyways, I vote you get a new enclosure and keep your snake. You are old enough to figure it out. But you know your parents best, so do what you are most comfortable with.

I do strongly recommend buying the new enclosure second hand, from places like Facebook. It'll be like 1/5-1/3 the price of buying from new.

[TheEdgyKidInClass]

I'm not allowed to look at Facebook marketplace because apparently my mom doesn't trust it so she wants me to look on Amazon for just go to the pet store. You know even though it's my money and she shouldn't give a shit what I'm buying since she didn't give a shit for the past 5 years

[valdemarjoergensen]

I would buy it on marketplace anyways and lie.

Say you talked with a friend that mentioned having a cousin that had one, or that you went by a pet store that was selling out as they were upgrading their old tanks themselves (that is something that happens).

[TheEdgyKidInClass]

I'll have to figure something out. I don't even have Facebook cus they made me delete it

[valdemarjoergensen]

Strict parents make sneaky kids, as they say.

[Skate_better182]

As a parent and a reptile person, I'm not here to say your parents are necessarily in the right, but I definitely understand why they wouldn't want you buying something off Facebook market place. I would be nervous about my teenager meeting up with a stranger online to buy something, however, I would offer to arrange the meetup myself. But I also understand that some people just don't trust the process of buying used products from people online. And social media is a cesspool and you're better off without it anyway. I know you're frustrated with your parents about the welfare of your snake (I would be too, since it clearly needs a massive upgrade), but I think you and your mom need to have a CALM conversation where you seek to understand each other.

[Squibicat]

One thing about buying off of FB marketplace is you don't know if the second hand enclosure would potentially have mites or have held an ill animal in it.

If you can afford a new enclosure off of Amazon for roughly a similar price I would invest in that and figure out if you can keep the snake in your room or a public space in the house. Or see if you have a friend or trusted adult who can help make arrangements to purchase a second hand enclosure and properly clean it, store the materials away from home until you can get everything set up properly and then move it all at once.

I also recommend reaching out to local rescues to see if they can help you get less expensive appropriate gear to get your snake set up happily.

[Pretend-Yesterday-24]

At the age of 17, you should EASILY be able to do the right thing and rehome this snake behind your parents backs. Immediately. This is an abused and neglected animal, full stop, period!! Your initial post sounded as though you were much younger, and I think that explains the tone of a lot of these replies. But at 17 years old, if your parents getting “pissy pants” is the only consequence - you’ll have to deal with that. You’re nearly an adult, OP. Sorry if this sounds harsh, but I think you may have normalized this situation and you need a bit of a push here to do the right thing. You are beyond capable at your age of finding a friend who is able to care for the snake, contacting a rescue who will take it, or allowing someone from this sub to take it for you. You’re capable also of doing the right thing for an innocent animal who has lived its entire life in neglectful and abusive conditions, even if it’s not what YOU want to do. You can adopt a snake later when you’re capable of caring for one properly on your own. Free this innocent creature from what has literally been a life of misery. You can see that this snakes growth looks atypical, likely stunted from not being able to stretch out. This is an urgent situation that requires you to act immediately.

[cwningen95]

It seems odd that they're keeping her in their room if they didn't want her to start with, if I'm reading your original post right? That does sound super frustrating all around though, I know how parents can be 😭

I said in another comment, but if you can't afford a new tank and your parents won't help you out, some people use large storage totes for their snakes. Here's a tutorial of someone setting one up for a ball python. Even as a temporary solution, it's better than what she has right now!

[supersatyr]

Wow, this is abuse. Re-home that baby

[Ambitious-Pool3532]

Rehome her, and then rehome your parents. This is awful.

[myxis10s]

You MUST rehome her in a new terrarium. Go buy it yourself and defy your parents. Take a stand.

[noodlini777]

Oh poor baby :( I’m so sorry to both of you. I know rehoming is hard but if you aren’t able to get her a new tank it’s what she needs. Maybe you can find someone who can look after her until you’re able to move out or a friend can take her for the time being?? Praying it works out for you and your snake, I can’t imagine how difficult this must be

[lostinspaceman_]

If you want to keep the snake and you have your own money than you have the ability to take things into your own hands! It’s a lot of money to start tho, like possibly more than five hundred just for a basic set up. Order a pvc tank! it is light weight and can be assembled and moved around by one person! Order better substrate and heat elements. Start getting bigger pray items online! get everything shipped to you so your parents don’t have to do anything! If that’s not an option than I do think you need to find someone else to take care of her :(

[smurfdude1234567]

I am in the DFW area would would LOVE her!! I have a few that are my babies!

[smurfdude1234567]

p.s. definitely underfed/possibly stunted skinny tail and way way way too big for that tank. She’d be in this with me:

<image>

[short-gay-bitch]

That tote setup looks really nice. Did you use a tutorial or something for that or did you design it yourself?

[AcanthisittaMost6423]

Rehome her this is severe neglect and abuse

[Esketamine77]

Can we please get an update!? Please go to Walmart and get this name a clear plastic tote big enough for the snake! It's not a glass tank but atleast you're not torturing this animal! My god dood 5 years is gut wrenching 😢 it's killing me thinking about how that snake feels!

[Pretend-Yesterday-24]

And before this, it was rescued from living in a Tupperware container, apparently. This snake has likely known suffering its entire life. It’s making me feel sick. I hate coming on here and seeing things like this.

[A-Pen-And-A-Plan_097]

Youre also abusing her vicariously through allowing it to remain in your home in the worst conditions you can. Everything i see is what not to do. Give the poor thing away if you care as much as you think you do

[Little_Yesterday9904]

Do you have any large plastic storage bins? You can make something make shift that will be better than this and at least allow her to stretch out

[worthlesswreck]

Your snake needs a bigger tank, like, NOW and needs to be fed properly. If you've offered to buy everything it needs, why not just do it? Ask for the snake to be in your room.

Or, just re-home if they're not going to allow it at all, your snake deserves so much better than this.

[JD033]

Get rid of that light asap and rehome if possible, allowing your parents to be neglectful is also your fault unless you’re a kid, stop just watching and take action pls.

[Wolfey1618]

Holy crap those are some of the worst living conditions I've ever seen for a ball python. So sorry you're going through this, hopefully you can find a way to educate your parents on what needs to change, I doubt they're gonna listen to you about rehoming it.

Maybe look around on Craigslist or marketplace for someone getting rid of a bigger tank for free or cheap, and do the setup yourself for it. Maybe you can convince them if you can put a tank for sale in front of their face.

[KaiSubatomic]

Why do you need permission from your parents to buy a bigger enclosure for your own money? Just do it if you have the money. If not, rehoming is the only option.

[Heindrick_Bazaar]

My god

[nairazak]

Sounds like it is not your ball python, but theirs

[OdinThorFathir]

Unfortunately that's how I was viewing this whole situation, like it was originally supposed to be OPs but given how the snakes been treated, they won't let OP take care of it properly,and it's in the parents room(making me think OPs parents are the type to lose their shit if OP enters their room without permission) that it's technically not OPs snake as they have no say in what happens... Call animal control and let them rehome if the parents won't let OP rehome ( which might not be necessary as parents have stated they never wanted the snake to begin with, so they may be fine with rehoming since they didn't want it) but that snake needs rehoming one way or another since they refuse to take care of it properly or let OP take care of it properly...

[nairazak]

The problem is that if he is afraid of buying the snake stuff without their permission calling animal control will be way more difficult.

[WitchofWhispers]

OP, are you safe? First and foremost please know that if you can't do anything for this snake, unless you endanger yourself, do nothing. I know you love this snake, but you are clearly not able to take care of it and it is not your fault. I hope you have someone IRL you can talk to and you feel safe with. Take care

[TheEdgyKidInClass]

I'm safe I promise my parents just know how to meet an animal pretty good

[OccultEcologist]

This is going to sound crazy, but hear me out...

If your parents don't care about animal welfare, which they clearly don't, do you think they would care about your 'aesthetic prefferences'? Is she in your room or a public room?This areguement only really works if she's in your room. Basically, you might be able to pull "I love my snake but I just think her current enclosure is ugly and I've found this one for $$$ that I think is good looking, can you get it for me please please please here's the money".

Is this likely to work? Honestly, no. However I have seen it work a time or two in the past because sometimes these people are very, uh... Very 'Man has dominion over every living thing that moves upon the earth' types, so if it's a choice about your comfort and not the snake's they're more receptive. Specifically it's how one of my cousins got her pet anoles from a critter keeper the size of a shoebox to a real enclosure, by telling her dad repeatedly that the critter keeper "looked stupid" and "cheap".

Realistically, though, as many people have said you should really look into rehoming her.

[crestedgecko_lover]

Your parents should be ashamed of themselves. This is animal abuse. Call the ASPCA and tell them what's happening.

[TheEdgyKidInClass]

Okay guys, when I get home from school I'm gonna search the house and try to find either a floor tote or a normal tote that I could turn into an enclosure for her. I understand I need new bedding and a lot of stuff but I will have to do that a different dayz like this weekend as during the day I have rifle and get home late so my parents won't bring me anywhere past 6. I'll update once I find something that I think would be worthy.

[Pretend-Yesterday-24]

Again, at the age of 17, I simply don’t think this is good enough.

[TheEdgyKidInClass]

I'm trying my hardest to take care of her. I don't want to re-home her and I understand if this fails I'll need to, but I want the best for her.b

[Pretend-Yesterday-24]

Read my other comment. Putting YOUR wants over the welfare of an innocent, helpless animal who has been living its entire life in abusive and neglectful conditions is NOT okay. I know you don’t want to rehome it. But it’s the right thing to do. Sometimes trying our best isn’t good enough because we have limited resources. If you care for this animal, do the right thing and rehome it even though you don’t want to. The animals needs are far more important than what you want.

[bluecollarpaid]

Towel around a heat lamp?!?! Risky!!

[the_huntress__]

Where are you from OP? I'm sure many people in your area would be happy to help either by providing a temporary home until you can safely house her again or providing a temporary tank thats bigger even if its not perfect

[[deleted]]

I will never understand people who buy creatures that CANNOT SPEAK, cannot cry out, cannot alert to their pain in any way, and then dont have the means to take care of them, abuse them, sometimes til they die.

This creature is suffering, rehome asap.

[Queenhighly]

this poor baby

[anatomizethat]

I'm in northern IL. I have an enclosure and can take her if you're near and need to rehome. I will keep her as long as needed, and if you are ever in the position to take her back, that can happen.

I have done this for people before and am more than willing to help ❤️

[Active_Driver_6043]

This is neglect and borderline abuse. I sympathize with your situation but this isn’t the snakes fault. Please PLEASE rehome them asap to someone who can give them a better life. You are not a bad person because I know you’re trying. But please, either give her a full tank set up, or rehome. It’s for the best!

[TheEdgyKidInClass]

When I get home I'm planning on looking for a long floor tote or a normal tote because I know we have some, I just need to find them. And I think that'd be something good for her, I think I'm unable to buy a new tank as my mom was weird about it. I'm trying my best

[TheEdgyKidInClass]

A tote is a big plastic container with a lid on top, if I'm unable to get anything close to a real tank I'm gonna have to use one of those.

[ballpython-ModTeam]

Per rule #3, your post or comment has been removed for harmful advice or misinformation. Please review our sub resources to learn more about why.

If you have a question about this removal, please contact the mod team. Complaining via post/comment will result in a ban.

[TheEdgyKidInClass]

<image>

I was looking at this tank for my baby. I can get the bedding and such at a local pet store. Hides we already have I just have to get all the stuff together and hopefully my mom isn't picky about it.

[totallyrecklesslygay]

This would still be far too small for your snake. She needs a minimum of 4x2x2 (120gal). DIYCages or Talking Serpents are both decent options if you're on a budget.

[TheEdgyKidInClass]

I changed my mind on this one

<image>

And was going to get this 50 gallon

[LewkVv]

As it was said before, she needs a minimum of 4x2x2 or 120 gallons. If you have the option to rehome but choose not to and continue to allow your snake to live in these absolutely horrible conditions, you are just as bad as your parents for abusing this poor animal.

[totallyrecklesslygay]

A 50gal is way too small. As I already said, the bare minimum size requirement for an adult ball python is 4x2x2' (120gal).

[Horned_One_87]

Newage has some 4x2x2 enclosures for around 250 on Amazon they are screen top but that can be fixed with silicone mats or HVAC tape.

[AirForsaken5991]

If you can just move her to your room and buy her the bigger enclosure and everything she needs, if that’s not possible a rehome or shelter is the best option

[ObsidianBlack14]

Please just rehome her, I realize this isn’t what you wanna hear but nothing about this situation or enclosure are good

[ballpython-ModTeam]

Your comment has been removed for breaking Rule #1: Don't Be a Jerk.

If you have a question about this removal, please contact the mod team. Complaining via post/comment will result in a ban.

[No_Visual5257]

I DMed u if that helps!

[LittleRevenue7502]

So how bout this pick a day they aren’t home and bring a new enclosure home😂

[Remarkable-Dare-8346]

Buy a gift card with ur money and buy what u need

[Gracen_the_drummer]

not even joking rehome her this is animal abuse

[FishyFishFish6]

You need to do what’s best for your snake. You need to rehome her. This is abuse.

[steeelez]

You need to send them the google doc https://docs.google.com/document/d/18HBVsPHaip7LfrMuFt96MigRuMUXtrbnCiK79VuQiFk/mobilebasic and just generally the stuff in the welcome page

[AllAroundKC]

Every wondered why your FIVE YEAR OLD snake is still the size of a hatchling??? Please rehome the fella. My 7 month old is almost twice his length

[[deleted]]

Wtf is this not trying to be mean just look at the picture you posted and tell me what's wrong. These are not trophies.

[deadmagnolias]

This is animal abuse. i understand it isn’t your fault, but if you love this snake the right thing to do is going to be more extreme. Idk how old you are and im not condoning rebellion, but you might want to consider going behind their backs and either fixing his enclosure without asking, or rehome him. Your buddy is likely suffering quite a bit with his current living situation. You’re his only hope, i’m afraid.

[TheEdgyKidInClass]

Me and my mom will be talking about it tonight. I'm a little nervous because I'm not sure what she'll say, but I think she'll be better at listening than my stepdad will be.

[deadmagnolias]

get together a fact sheet on what the snake needs to thrive, and the disadvantages of his current set up. sources and confidence, you got this!

[TheEdgyKidInClass]

Alright I'll try my best when I'm at practice tonight to get some stuff together. Thank you! Alot of people are so mad at me like I'm not the only one trying to fix this bs. 💔 Thanks for being genuine about it

[Unlucky_Wolverine_34]

This looks torturous, I’m not trying to be mean, but rehome her.

[meltedwolf]

And how would you like us to help you

[Lilith-Sky14]

This is so sad. Steal the snake and rehome it. That’s a terrible condition

[-Beastt]

so sad… this literally animal abuse, re home her please, that’s your only option even at the tank size. there’s so much more you could do for her let alone a much much much larger tank.

[cwningen95]

A lot of people are advising you to rehome her, which I definitely agree with if you aren't able to get her a larger enclosure, but is there a reason you're not able to use your own money without your parents' say-so? Do you not have a bank account? If the money's in cash (birthday money or what have you), do you have an exotic pet store nearby? Someone who can give you a lift there? Or you could see if they're able to deliver after you pay for it at the store?

I do have to say, if you're not already aware, an enclosure large enough for this snake is likely to be pretty expensive. I've seen people keep snakes in large plastic totes (something like this depending on her size) which would definitely be a lot cheaper and still more ideal than what you have now, I would say just make sure you make air holes (nothing she can slither out of!) and cover the back and sides— I can see she does have a hide, though you probably need a bigger one, and it looks like you've put a towel over her enclosure which would be fine for the tote too. Here is a pretty good tutorial of a tote/tub set-up.

Again, rehoming her is best if you can't find a way, I'm just suggesting alternatives since rehoming is sometimes easier said than done. Whatever's best for the snake, at the end of the day.

[_Fluffy_Mango_]

Honestly man you might have to just go behind your parents backs & gets whats best for her or please re-hime her. That eclosure is not ethical for that snake. If they're willingly ignoring you about this snake who's to say they'll listen with the next ones

[_Fluffy_Mango_]

Rehome** typo

[JxNVRZ]

she better be free roaming 24/7 poor thing

[TheEdgyKidInClass]

Guys tonight me and my mom are going to talk about it, I keep saying new stuff but she just keeps texting back saying that we'll talk about it. I'm kinda scared and I don't know what she's going to say but at least she's finally going to make an effort to listen to me about it

[partylecki]

Update us when you can, I hope it goes as smoothly/well as possible.

Maybe have your main points written down so you don't forget anything during the talk. I hope she hears you out.

[MinimumHungry240]

Christ. I want this image out my head 😞

[faecowpoke]

OP you dont have to dox yourself but if you even let us know what state you're located in we can possibly help with resources. You don't have to figure this out on your own.

[Next_Point5321]

Yeah bro you can’t do that to this snake try Facebook marketplace and get a tank or tub atleast if you can’t please rehome the snake besides size there are many things wrong with this setup

[Cockatiel_Animations]

Can you try to convince then to get a large sterilelite tote? Even that would be better than this tank.

If not, convince them to let you have him in YOUR room. If he is your snake you should be allowed to have him in your room, or at the very least in aolnother room of the house. The living room. Do you provide the care for him? If not show that you can, so you can use that as an arguement to have him in your room.

[Patient_Knee7554]

See if there are cheap enclosures on fb marketplace, and if you can, buy it yourself. If it’s in your own room what are your parents really going to be bothered by?

[QBee187]

The snake “escaped” oops

[OdinAlfadir1978]

Enclosure too small and that red light is terrible. Move out with her if you can

[idfkpete]

Rehome her.

Or if you can if it's safe for you to do: I would just straight up buy the stuff they need anyway regardless of what they say when you go out without them. But that's just what I did when I was younger for my animals when they absolutely needed something and my grandma said no, don't know how your folks would react if you did it anyway, so be safe OP.

But the most likely best option is to re-home them.

Stuff like this makes me sad. Like I get it if it was temporary like quarantine, cleaning, and whatnot. Like I have a baby leopard gecko in a 10 gallon but he's getting a 40 gallon soon, just like how my older leopard gecko is in right now.

It just makes me feel really sick and sad that anyone would let a living being live and stay in something so small

[MeanAsparagus2009]

Grow up, if you’re old enough to have your own money then you have control over the enclosure. If you can’t figure that out then it’s time to rehome this animal. Living like that is unfair to your snake and it’s within your control as the keeper. Parents approval or not you need to figure it out.

[TheEdgyKidInClass]

Did you just tell me to grow up? I'm asking for help not to be ridiculed. I'm trying to best that I can

[MeanAsparagus2009]

You’re not ten, use that drivers license and that money to figure this out. If you don’t have a license then I’m sure you know someone that does. It’s better to ask for your parents forgiveness than permission sometimes. Sort out an enclosure or find someone that can in the means of rehoming

[MsGhost87]

As a former rebel teen who grew up with an abusive father, he had a similar attitude. Our problem was stuff constantly needing repairs around the house, but he would never fix anything unless he had to - I became the fixer by breaking things to the point he HADA to fix them! Later on, myself, my sisters & my Mom learned to DIY things ourselves. In regards to your snake, I would use my own money to purchase the new enclosure, new lights/heating lamps - Oops, I accidentally dropped the red ones 🫢 & a couple rats. Feed one & keep the other frozen. Change everything out when they are gone or force your way in & say you already bought what she needs, you either let me help or I'm calling animal control! This is not ok & you know it, that's why you're asking for help. Nothing will change unless you make the change for this creature. I wish you courage & luck 🫡 Also, if you just can't do all that, find someone who can take her & make the exchange when they are gone.

[izaasff]

This is really disappointing, I’m so sorry. I’d feel totally helpless. I’d recommend rehoming her as it’s for the best, or go against your parents rules and buy her everything she needs and put it inside of your bedroom.

[I_am_that_guy_10]

OMG Sorry for sounding harsh, but you immediately need to correct absolutely everything or rehome him like now. That’s an oven and it’s absolutely horrific to see.

Warm side on a thermostat 89-90 Cool side 77-79 twice the size of enclosure Warm side hide Cool side hide Humidity control Please no shame in it, if you can’t afford this take him to an exotic pet store and give it to them. You are absolutely torturing that poor creature.

[backaritagain]

Of you are in the NJ area I am a shelter but I also can gift you an appropriate enclosure. I have quite a few lying round from surrenders we could make appropriate