Advice on forced retirement from the hobby

Hello MM Community. We started our journey with snakes back around 2017 and we have loved our experiences with these wonderful animals, but due to circumstances out of our control we can no longer afford to keep going. I will add we are not sellers/breeders. Just snake lovers. Does anyone have any suggestions or tips on making sure our snakes can get to a good home? We also do not want to waste perfectly good racks. We have balls mostly with a few colubrids. We have some nice ARS (9706 and 7010) amongst others that I would also love to go to someone that is invested in the hobby. Any advice would be greatly appreciated in these stressful times. Thank you.

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I’ve heard there are several good rehoming reptile groups on FB. We are members of one local to my area, but you’d probably have better luck if you find one local to you.

We also have a pet store near us that does Exotics only, and they are great to take in surrendered animals and find good homes for them. Not sure how to advise you on specific stores, though, without knowing your location. There are many pet stores I wouldn’t touch with a ten foot pole, if you know what I mean :grimacing:

Lastly, you could do a basic MM account and just explain your situation in the description. I’ve been pleasantly surprised how well our sales have gone on the platform. You just never know who will pop up and purchase your animals.

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I should also add condolences. That must be so discouraging to build such an amazing collection, only to have to downsize. Whatever craziness is going on your life to require this, I feel for you. I’m sure you’ll make it through, but I know it’s got to be tough right now in the thick of it! Prayers! :folded_hands:t2::folded_hands:t2::folded_hands:t2:

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I have know an few people that have ended up in this position and it is never easy. I have also been there from a slightly different position - when I moved away from Atlanta sixteen years ago, I had to disperse my entire carnivorous plant collection (over 600 different plant specimens). I eventually got back into growing them, but my collection is very much reduced (only about 30 odd plants in an outdoor bog). Do not feel like it is irrational if you get upset over all of this, the shadow loss and mental trauma are very real

As far as what you can do to ensure the animals only go to good homes… This is also a difficult thing to do. If you can afford to take a loss, the easiest way to disperse is to give animals to friends that you trust. If you need to sell, then you are in a position where you have to vet buyers and that can be a long and drawn out process. There are a lot of good people out there that will be willing to help if they can. Sadly there are also a lot of sketchy people out there that are just looking for cheap breeding stock

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I’m sorry that this is happening, @seajay . It’s a heart wrenching thing, I know too well. I commend you for continuing to look out for the animals you’ve cared about for so long.

In addition to getting to know the rescue/rehoming groups near you, you should discuss the situation with your veterinarian. S/he might know of someone in the area who might be in a position to help you. Vets certainly know of owners who take care of their animals. Even if an individual isn’t able to take on another animal, these owners may know of someone who can.

One other possibility is your local school. Some schools allow teachers to have an animal in class. Even if this isn’t the case, there may be someone at the school who would appreciate the chance to get a well loved animal for their home.

Wishing you every success as you make this difficult transition. :folded_hands: :heart:

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These are such good thoughts @t_h_wyman. I am so optimistic and trusting, but it is unfortunately true about some homes not being great for beloved animals. Great advice.

@caryl I never would have thought of schools or vets. Those would be wonderful resources!

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