Adopt vs Shop

[mors_dilecti]

Hey guys,

I was wondering if there is the whole "adopt vs. shop" conversation in this community. I have a specific morph that I would like to buy, but at the same time there is a reptile rescue a couple hours from me that I really feel like I ought to get my BP from.

Are there any pros and cons associated with shopping or adopting specifically?

Thanks,
mors

[bcr229]

Do both: get the morph to breed, adopt a rescue as a pet.

[mors_dilecti]

I'm actually not really looking to breed. If I get a specific morph, it would just be an extra special pet.

[artgecko]

There are a LOT of factors to consider when looking at adopting and shopping in the reptile industry.

1. Is the rescue reputable?
There have been flippers masquerading as rescues in the past, or rescues that will adopt out sick, untreated animals to unknowing adopters. There have also been a fair share of hoarders keeping reptiles in bad conditions claiming to be rescues.
All that said, look for a rescue that treats animals and provides vet care. One that offers loads of information and is willing to help you as a new owner. I'd look at the condition of their animals and make sure they appear healthy and at a good weight.
If they meet those criteria, then by all means adopt if they have an animal you are interested in. Most rescue animals are normals (since these are the most commonly purchased by newb owners who then dump them). But rescues do get in morphs sometimes.

2. Is the breeder reputable?
Do they have healthy, feeding animals? Do they answer questions readily and offer help / guidance? Do they have a good reputation on fauna classifieds BOI?
If the person you are considering purchasing from is a good breeder and takes care of their animals, IMO that is worth rewarding and encouraging too. You would likely get a younger animal from a breeder, so consider if you want to start with a young snake and have it grow or if you would prefer an older, established adult, which is what you'd usually find at a rescue.

IMO it is really just up to your preference. If you are set on a specific morph, you could buy that morph from the breeder, but also maybe donate some money or supplies to the rescue to help support it. If you have room for two snakes, you could do both (quarantine though).

My state has a reptile group who also runs a rescue. I don't have space to rescue now, but had I known about this group when I was starting out, I would have definitely gotten a rescue for my first snake.

[Kcl]

Adopting is always great, but at the end of the day, the most important thing is to get a pet that you'll be happy with for up to 40 years. A rescue is going to usually be normals, often a year or two old - if the morph is important to you, it's a very long time to regret your decision.