Student Tim Barker is looking for a caring owner to take his two four-foot boa constrictors and start a family.

The 16-year-old, from Bloxham, near Banbury, wants to sell the two-year-old male and female snakes as they are ready to breed and he has to concentrate on his studies.

"I intended to breed them but I haven't got the time now," he said. "I'm not really that interested in the money. I just want to find a good home for them with someone who is experienced with reptiles. Breeding snakes can by very time-consuming as you have to keep adjusting their tank temperature."

Tim, a student at Banbury sixth form centre, is studying for his GCSEs but also wants to spend more time doing his hobby, karate.

To make matters worse, the snakes are currently coiled up in a tiny tank after Tim's family moved house.

"I've been into reptiles for a little while and have had smaller snakes but when I bought these I just wanted the biggest ones I could find," he added.

"I hope they get well looked after. They have to be handled every day and have their tank cleaned out regularly."

Anyone interested can contact Tim on 01295 721865.

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