the saga continues........

[MegF.]

Excellent news!!! The local petstore near me got out of snakes, for which I'm grateful! They never took care of them properly and I hated to see them there.

 

[Susielea]

Oooh you're a pet shop rehabber too! Sounds like you've done good for their trade as well! And you know they've got their act together now so you can safely sell them your hatchlings this year too! Worked out well for everyone by the sounds of it, Well done!

 

[diamondlil]

The thing is, Susie, this has always been a superb shop. Over the years I've had tropical fish, gerbils, guineapigs and finches from them, as well as our cockateil and our sadly missed striped grass mouse. This is the place where I was tempted by the giant pouched rat. Everything is in excellent health.
The reptiles were a new venture for them and keeping the snakes together was suggested strongly by the RSPCA and the vet from the local council. By talking to the owner of CPR about the problem too I've given them a helping hand in how to deal with the recommendations. The failure of Val to thrive whilst co-habbed and his quick turn around could be valuable if there are more 'helpful' suggestions.

 

[Susielea]

Oh boy, that explains a lot!
I've heard lots of things about the RSPCA and their recommendations concerning the care of reptiles, so nothing I hear about them surprises me any more I'm afraid.

Don't get me wrong, their are plenty of charitable organisations out there that do really good work, but I just think they haven't really got a clue on this subject.

 

[diamondlil]

I can't believe I hadn't updated Lil's thread for ages, but then she's just a big fat healthy girl now! 318 grams of former non-feeder, who's owner adores her!

 

[Devilscat]

dimondlil, I know this is a very old thread. I have enjoyed reading every post. I think you have the patience of an angel. I have only had one non-feeder. I did try everything suggested by others, except pureed mice. That was the next step. My 12 year grand-daughter was even willing to puree the mice. Our little girl did not make it. All the rest of our snakes are good healthy eaters. Your Lil is so beautiful.

 

[Weebonilass]

I can't believe I hadn't updated Lil's thread for ages, but then she's just a big fat healthy girl now! 318 grams of former non-feeder, who's owner adores her!

And worth every blood & tear you put into her... she's gorgeous

 

[diamondlil]

And worth every blood & tear you put into her... she's gorgeous

Thanks Ginger. She's freshly shed today

 

[LBoz]

Wow, she's gorgeous!! I'm sure she knows she's loved very much. I love happy endings. :cheers:

 

[diamondlil]

I can't imagine ever giving up any of my pets, but if I could for some reason only keep one snake, it'd be Lil.

 

[diamondlil]

I still can't believe how big and healthy Lil is now!

 

[SnakeAround]

We recently had a discussion on a Dutch forum about what to do with a baby that does not eat itself after a few attempts, many said to give up and freeze it but this shows that holding on can certainly have a happy end

 

[diamondlil]

We recently had a discussion on a Dutch forum about what to do with a baby that does not eat itself after a few attempts, many said to give up and freeze it but this shows that holding on can certainly have a happy end

For myself and Lil, a very happy end. I really can understand the opposite view though. For snakes I want to breed, I'd really think about how much effort to put in. For a pet, no trouble to try as long as they are not suffering. Of course this is why I could never be any kind of professional breeder, I'd spend more time on the problem babies and keep them, so any breeding project snakes with special needs get kept as pets!

 

[SnakeAround]

I do the same over here, but I might sell it off to someone I know and trust to keep it as a pet only.

 

[diamondlil]

I've rehabbed a couple of non-feeders for other people, but Lil's the one snake I could never sell, under any circumstances!

 

[Asbit]

Janine I just got through this entire thread and it took me most of my evening...I am so pleased to have finally found it and read it...I have seen you around the forum and heard Lil and her story referred to but had not read it yet. She is beautiful!!

I really could not have found it at a better time...I was just asked tonight to help someone get their Aunties two non-feeders to eat. After reading just this thread I now know far more trick than I had heard of yet.

As well I have a Snow Motley who is just the most laid back snake I have ever had and will let me pose her for photos and loves to hang out around my neck...so her personality sounds similar to Lil's ....I have no idea but maybe it is a snow thing?

This is my Artemis

Great work Janine and everyone else here who is so willing to help out!

 

[diamondlil]

Wow, I expect reading all of Lil's story in one go was an undertaking in itself! She really did beat the odds and I can never forget just how much help and support I had. Which is why I kept on with this thread after she was eating and growing in the hopes it could also help others with snakes that just won't eat.
Lil's perhaps not the best advert for keeping corns, she almost seemed set against surviving, she's still got odd proportions, shorter and fatter than the norm, but she's a testimony to how the members on here will rally round to help a struggling owner with practical suggestions, support and friendship.

 

[diamondlil]

I must be mad! This year I decided to breed Lil, I've been besides myself with worry as she got ready to lay, wondering if risking her was a totally stupid idea. Thanks to the snake gods, 20 lovely eggs and a slightly deflated (but still snausage-shaped) Lil!

 

[SnakeAround]

Yay good for you two! Who is the sire?

 

[diamondlil]

Lil mated with Slim my amel and Butch the anery (poss het amel)