Ready to pack it in...

[Sputnik]

I just found beautiful Rufio, my male concinnus, dead in the tank. Luna was out exploring this morning and when I couldn't see her boyfriend I went on a search and found him underneath the slate. Yes, I take complete responsibility for my own stupidity! I changed the viv a few days ago and after scrubbing everything I replaced the plates, but mine aren't sealed into the tank as I thought they'd be easier to clean. I was sure I had secured them, but Rufio managed to get himself underneath and obviously not back out again.
I am so angry with myself and really feel like giving up. Losing the snakes is always so heartbreaking and maybe I just shouldn't be allowed to have them.

[guidofatherof5]

I feel for you and your loss, you are in our family prayers

I didn't know you had to be perfect to do this thing we do. We all have made mistakes, sometimes with a very bad outcome. We are all learning. Don't you dare give up. What we are trying do isn't going to be easy, sometimes. Learn from this but don't be defeated by it. No one here is going to judge you for what happened. We are all guilty of mistakes when it comes to caring for our animals. Mistakes in housing, feeding,etc. None of us would still have snakes if we quit the first time we made a mistake.
Kick yourself, yell at yourself, get down on yourself but don't stop caring for and learning from them.
The rewards that you've gotten from them far outway this tragedy.

[adamanteus]

Esther, don't be too hard on yourself. Sometimes when you place a heavy object, such as a slate or a full water bowl, on top of loose substrate the snakes crawl underneath and undermine it with their movements, thus bringing the full weight of the object down onto themselves. These things happen.
I wanted to call you but I don't have your number in my new mobile..... I have PMd you my number, please call me. XX

[gregmonsta]

Sorry for your loss don't be too hard on yourself (I know it's difficult) you can learn from this and move on

[drache]

Esther - I am so sorry for your loss
i did something like that a couple of years ago, and it was awful

[Stefan-A]

I'm sorry about your loss, Esther.

[mtolypetsupply]

Sorry for your loss. As others have said, animal husbandry is a process of constant learning and refinement of technique.

[jitami]

I'm so sorry Esther

[Sputnik]

Thank you everybody, you're all very kind! I know this is a constant learning curve, I just wish it wasn't at the expense of the animals. It's so upsetting when you think you've got it right and there's still something you've overlooked.

[snakems]

Thank you everybody, you're all very kind! I know this is a constant learning curve, I just wish it wasn't at the expense of the animals. It's so upsetting when you think you've got it right and there's still something you've overlooked.

you seem to think just the way I do. I feel this way about all of my animals not only snakes. When My snake was caught out of its tank by my cat I was BESIDE myself. I made myself literally Ill over it. Im sorry for your loss. Best wishes!