CRR - I can understand economizing when times are tough. But, a visit by the vet in this case after the dead of the first could POSSIBLY have prevented the second.
So, vet visit - even if 150 bucks - could POSSIBLY have prevented dead number two and the loss of a 300 dollar animal.
Sometimes being frugal can cost more than you can save. I wonder how you would react if they were your animals under his care?
He may be a good guy, but to me this shows a lack of responsibility on his part. On top, he may even lose a couple more.
Now, I will get off my horse and ask the usual - Any batteries, potential poisons laying around? If they showed no outward signs of trouble I believe I would be looking at the "local environment".
Just my two cents.
Bez