Price for "Rescue" Snakes???

dfreeman1313 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-22-2006, 03:11 PM

I was looking at the local SPCA website for another rabbit (Zena died...see other post!) and saw they had 2 snakes up for adoption.

http://www.spcawake.org/pet_search.html

A 6' Boa Constrictor and were asking $225 (no cage....just snake). A Ball Python for $100.

I kind of understand them asking so much, to keep the impulse buyers from getting it. I mean she's already big at six feet so it's not like they don't know she's gonna get big! But I think it's a bit high when the pet store down the road just sold a HUGE and beautiful boa for $150. I'm just afraid a serious owner might not be able to afford that much for a rescue, especially when they have to go purchace/acquire a cage, heat source, food, etc.

Am I off base here? I got my rescue from Virgina Reptile Rescue for $35 and she was a 6 footer.

Heidi · #2 (**permalink**) 03-22-2006, 03:16 PM

That does sound like an a lot for an adoption. I wonder if for some reason they are bumping up the price to deter people from it for one reason or another. Did you ask them why it was so steep?

onefallinstar · #3 (**permalink**) 03-22-2006, 03:18 PM

i agree 100 times over, its a rescue not a specialty breeder, cheers

dfreeman1313 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-22-2006, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heidi

That does sound like an a lot for an adoption. I wonder if for some reason they are bumping up the price to deter people from it for one reason or another. Did you ask them why it was so steep?

Yes, and they said to make sure it went to someone who is serious. I agree about that, but I think actually taking the time to SCREEN someone would be a better route. I'd rescue the snake if it was reasonable, but with the other stuff I'd have to buy, I can't afford it right now!

Heidi · #5 (**permalink**) 03-22-2006, 03:25 PM

Maybe explain that to them and let them. That is admirable that they want to find a good, responsible home, but to make somebody pay that much when they can go to the pet store. Even just filling out an adoption request and having to wait rather then going to the store to buy one that very minute shows a genuine interest rather then spur of the moment, gonna buy a snake. That seems rediculous.

dfreeman1313 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-22-2006, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onefallinstar

i agree 100 times over, its a rescue not a specialty breeder, cheers

I agree!!!! She wasn't the nicest person to talk to though. They wouldn't even let me see the snake because you had to "call first" and only people that were serious could look at it. Even after I told her I have a boa that I rescued she still wouldn't let me look at it. I told her I hope she likes the snake because with that price, they are going to keep it for a long time!

Sphynx · #7 (**permalink**) 03-22-2006, 03:28 PM

I agree with Heidi....maybe they are trying to deter people from getting them bacause there is somethng wrong with them or they don't want an experienced person to see the conditions they keep them in.....when David went, they wouldn't even let him see them....that, to me was a red flag....they said they only let you see them if you "call" first......what difference does it make...I mean, if you are standing there, apparently you are motivated enough and care enough to go see the animal.......just my opinion but I think it's dumb........

dfreeman1313 · #8 (**permalink**) 03-22-2006, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sphynx

that, to me was a red flag....they said they only let you see them if you "call" first

Exactly! I think I'm going to call then go back to look at it to check it out.

When I mentioned I thought the price was too high, she got very defensive.

RioBravoReptiles · #9 (**permalink**) 03-22-2006, 03:35 PM

I know nothing of those people or animals other than what was posted here.. but Reptile Rescue has become big business..
.
There are all kinds of rationales for putting a big price tag on a homeless rescue boa.. in the end if the reasons were for assuring the right homes they would simply not put a price.. and reserve the right to be selective on who gets the critter..
.
IMHO.
.
Gus.

Heidi · #10 (**permalink**) 03-22-2006, 03:37 PM

Was she a supervisor. Maybe you could call and speak with a higher-up and give them the expenses that you will have to pay in order to just bring the animal home and have propr enclosure for it, cage accessories, food, lighting and heat, etc. and after you give him/her a breakdown they will see that you are knowlegable and willing to take this pet home if they come down on price. I think the VA rescue will even come down on price or drop the adoption fee under the right conditions. I would pay it anyway because they have thier own expenses, but that is besides the point.

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