A Swindon woman has made the “heartbreaking” decision to part ways with her pet snakes which helped her through a breakdown.
Natalie Young suffered mental health issues in 2014 and says she didn’t leave her room for two years.
She later moved back in with her parents, but says getting pet snakes provided therapy for her and helped her through the difficult period of her life.
But having moved out, Natalie downsized and can no longer fit the heated tanks in her new home.
Natalie has five different snakes for sale which vary in colour. (Image: Dave Cox)
The Stratton woman said: “The pets have provided therapy for me as the snakes are really therapeutic as the feel of them are soft and smooth. It is like having putty going through your hands.
“I am gutted as it is absolutely heartbreaking as we have moved house and we do not have the space for the tanks.
“Having them here is unfair as they won’t have the best life and I want them to have that.”
As well as five corn snakes, the 38-year-old owns a bearded dragon, a crested gecko, ferrets, a cat, a dog and more.
She told the Adver that she was even scared of snakes as a child, but soon overcame her fear.
“Growing up I was scared of snakes and I had no idea why so one day I held a snake and thought it wasn’t so bad,” said Natalie.
The snakes are just some of the exotic pets that Natalie currently owns. (Image: Dave Cox)
“The four adults have wonderful temperaments but the baby one that has a bit of an attitude but there is no need to be scared of snakes.
“They look slimy but they’re not and if they are handled right as well as being looked after, their temperaments can be quite good.”
Natalie is currently unable to work, but is doing a college course in animal management and will soon start another in veterinary nursing.
Natalie says that the pets have proved to be very therapeutic for her. (Image: Dave Cox)
“I have always loved animals and it is a dream to work with them as they are so much nicer than people because they don’t judge,” said Natalie.
Natalie is looking to sell each snake for between £70 and £90 and is selling the heated tanks too.
“I absolutely recommend them as a pet because they’re still quite a unique pet,” she said.
If you are interested, you can contact her at [email protected].
