Wow! That was just great! Even I felt the adrenalin!

Now that this thread seems to be embracing calmer shores, I guess I'll throw in a few pennies.

First, I agree that novices should not take in unfamiliar animals, however any good-hearted attempt to save an animal from a miserable existence supercedes that continued existence and usually implies the rescuer may take the extra steps to provide it with a better existence (...not always...). guidofatherof5, I commend your efforts and your willingness to learn.

I only have about 200 posts to my name on this forum, but in that time I have come to respect James and Stefan for their very informative and often direct posts. It's important that we express our opinions! It's vital that we should sometimes show our passion regarding a topic, for if we don't, then we should not be in the hobby. For those who naturally don't get all heated, peacemakers are always welcome.

I do have to say I agree with both Stefan and tyflier (how do I get real names? Is it Chris?) on varying issues.

I keep 2 Cali Kings, a Mexican Black, a Pacific Gopher and a variety of Corns, and I have to say their basic care is the same (feeding, temps, humidity, etc), and they are all healthy. Where general care is concerned, these 3 genuses have similar requirements. I will not venture further with percentages regarding the care of other colubrids. Thamnophis care, for instance, unless you are dealing with species hooked on mice (okay maybe not), have a completely different care requirements.

It is here that I must mention my own bias... But first I have to ask: tyflier, are your 50 snakes all in @ least 20 gallon enclosures, or are they large breeder boxes? I don't want to assume. I have been having big issues with corn and king breeders as of late (myself included), and have been downsizing my own operations due to the fact that there are too many of these snakes on the market already and.... (very important question) I am perplexed by the question "What is quality of life?" What is basic care? And what is specific care? Shouldn't all captive care be specific? Shouldn't all animals, if kept captive, be entitled to the best quality of life. I often wonder at what point do some of us herp fanatics say "No, no more new snakes!" I found that the more I acquired, the less I appreciated each specimen, or at least did not have the time. I personally believe that if we choose to take in an animal, "micro-managing" is essential, no matter how easy or difficult the species. Anything else, in my heart, is negligence. The animal is captive; there it has no choice. Is basic care enough? Enough for whom? Our schedule? These are ethical issues that PETA loves to use against the hobby. Unfortunately, it's often amateurs or the blatantly ignorant whose mistakes add fuel to their fire.

I commend all of you who posted on this thread; I am glad that the "opinionators" of this thread (Bless you! though I am not religious) stopped adding more bricks to the apparent wall that was materializing. This has been and still is a wonderful forum where both amateurs and professionals can communicate. I, myself, often post threads that are a bit more scientific than many of the general threads. I often assert my opinions. I don't believe I am an arrogant person. Perceptions however are a ------! We all come from different walks of life; we are all at different stages of learning. So, we are often apt towards some tunnel vision, no matter how minute. Let us be reminded of that and be correspondingly civil.

Steve