What would you do? (RE-Big snake)

[borzoimom]

BIL is not the most trustworthy person....and I am certainly not taking care of the snake. I really really hate snakes. Thank you for your responses.....I am still thinking.....I'll let you know what happens.

The very fact you asked here, lead me to believe you do not consider him responsible... Fear of snakes is one thing ( me too) but responsible ownership makes the bridge that binds- and since you asked- I sort of thought that was your worry as well..

[Twisterdog]

It would depend, for me, on how he handles the snake.

If he has a large cage, and the snake can stay in it all the time, then I honestly don't see what the problem is. You could have him keep the snake in the room he is staying in, and keep the door shut all the time. Then you would never have to see it. I would also specify, if it were me, that he feed the snake only when you are gone. That is the problem I have personally with big snakes ... I like them, but I don't want to see or hear one eating its dinner, if it eats live food. I know its natural, but it bothers me. I wouldn't want to be home when that went on. But if you never see it, hear it, and you know it's going to be in a secure cage all the time, I would do it, as a favor for my family member.

If, however, you think he will not abide by your wishes and will let the snake out of it's cage if you don't want him to, then I would say no. It would depend entirely on how responsible, courteous and respectful you think he will.

[Vela]

If, however, you think he will not abide by your wishes and will let the snake out of it's cage if you don't want him to, then I would say no. It would depend entirely on how responsible, courteous and respectful you think he will.

I agree with that. My initial statement was on the supposition he would do as you asked because you are doing him a favor by letting him stay there. If he will not abide those rules, then I'd say no. If he is willing to keep it away from everyone then it's no big deal. Snakes really don't make any sound while eating, so you'd never hear that anyway.

I personally cannot think of one creature I would not allow someone to keep with them, while staying with me, if they were responsible and courteous about it. Though if they are not, I would not welcome the drama and trauma that might ensue.

[finn's mom]

Snakes really don't make any sound while eating, so you'd never hear that anyway.

You are right, but whatever it's eating might. I know I always left the house with my pet rat, Luli, when my ex would feed his snake. I didn't want her to hear the rat cry when it was placed in the tank, which I did hear once and don't ever want to hear again!

I think I'd let him stay if he was a responsible person and would respect your wishes and your dislike for his choice of pets.

[Cataholic]

I could not let a snake into my home. While I don't know if it reaches the level of a true phobia, I have a ridiculous fear of snakes. Ridiculous. I could not sleep comfortably in a housssse that has a sssnake. Ssssorry ssssnake loversssss. Couldn't do it, no matter how much I loved the family/friend member.

[JenBKR]

I could not let a snake into my home. While I don't know if it reaches the level of a true phobia, I have a ridiculous fear of snakes. Ridiculous. I could not sleep comfortably in a housssse that has a sssnake. Ssssorry ssssnake loversssss. Couldn't do it, no matter how much I loved the family/friend member.

Thank you so much - that's basically how I feel. I have an intense fear of snakes.

I don't honestly know how responsible he is with this snake, but he has had pets in the past that were not well taken care of He has some level of mental...slowness I guess you could call it. He is a good person with a big heart, and I don't want to hurt him.

[Vela]

Well maybe you could sit down with him, and talk to him about how you feel about the snake. Perhaps he knows someone who could watch it for him, but also perhaps bring up the subject of how afraid you are of them and if he really can't find anywhere else, he can maybe bring the snake and leave it somewhere where you won't even have to see it. If you have a room you are letting him use tell him you just need to not ever see it, please keep it in the room at all times and safely contained. Of course you'll have to do what you feel right about, but I would just talk it over with him, and maybe you guys can work something out that will work for both of you. If he is going to be there for only two weeks or so, the snake wouldn't even need to eat in that time and could be fed later once he moves again. Good luck, hope you can work something out.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

You are right, but whatever it's eating might. I know I always left the house with my pet rat, Luli, when my ex would feed his snake. I didn't want her to hear the rat cry when it was placed in the tank, which I did hear once and don't ever want to hear again!

that alone would convince me not to let Mr Snake within a million miles of my home. I know they have to eat but...........

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Just for you

http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?t=122487

[JenBKR]

Oh Neesy, that just sent shivers down my spine!

[ramanth]

You are right, but whatever it's eating might. I know I always left the house with my pet rat, Luli, when my ex would feed his snake. I didn't want her to hear the rat cry when it was placed in the tank, which I did hear once and don't ever want to hear again!

Well captive snakes shouldn't be fed live anyway but that's a whole other argument.

[JenBKR]

Update - BIL did move in last night, but the snake did not. He was able to find a friend to house the snake while he looks for an apartment...WHEW! Thanks everyone!

[ramanth]

Good news all around!!