Craigslist

Has anyone on here gotten a snake from craigslist? Ever had any problems? Mites? Other health problems?

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Originally Posted by AmysAnimals

Has anyone on here gotten a snake from craigslist? Ever had any problems? Mites? Other health problems?

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my male axanthic was a craigslist find, only problem I had is they did not know his sex or what exactly he was. I did get him at 1,000+grs and his 20gal long tank, 2 lights and a bite for $100...lol... Not to shabby...lol

All three of my craigslist rescues were in bad shape. My first was a little hatchling who was dehydrated and starved, my second was a 4 year old who was also dehydrated and starved, but was also covered in scars and had a blood infection that went septic (currently treating, she's getting much better). And finally, the one I got last night is about 4 feet, as big around as my yearling female, weighs the same as her, has burns on his belly and sores on noes/chin from rubbing. I'm working on getting it up to par, hopefully it won't require vet treatment (not exactly rich at the moment). It also has red flecks on the chin and a spot on the neck. They look like blood spatter, and the snake was fed live, but the blood would have smeared. There are no mites that I can see, so if anyone has any idea what they could be, please PM me. (It's no the beginnings of scale-rot, as the flecks aren't blister-like.)

Anyway, if you're picking an animal up from craigslist, do NOT agree to make a final purchase until you've seen the animal yourself in person, and give it a thorough examination. If it's not healthy, PLEASE don't be afraid to speak up.

Be very careful when buying from CL. The snakes I usually see on there are normals, most undernourished and/or dehydrated and usually with a ridiculous rehoming fee. On the other hand, I know some reputable breeders who will occasionally list a few on Craigslist to move them quickly and/or locally. So ultimately it depends. Just make sure to be careful and you might get lucky...

I bought several snakes from Craigslist and have sold many. As with any sales transaction, sometimes there are good buyers/sellers and sometimes there are bad ones. The same can be said with breeders online or retail reptile/pet stores.

Ask a lot of questions and if you find something you like, meet the person in a public place. If you don't like the snake for any reason, feel free to walk away.

The only real thing I am afraid of bringing home is mites. I have tarantulas and I don't want them to get infested.

I may just get from a breeder but if I can find something on craigslist then I may go that route. May have to fix a few things but it's worth it.

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Originally Posted by Inknsteel

Be very careful when buying from CL. The snakes I usually see on there are normals, most undernourished and/or dehydrated and usually with a ridiculous rehoming fee. On the other hand, I know some reputable breeders who will occasionally list a few on Craigslist to move them quickly and/or locally. So ultimately it depends. Just make sure to be careful and you might get lucky...

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Yeah I have noticed the ridiculous rehoming fee. That is not a "rehoming fee" that is a sale price. People do not understand the difference I guess.

I would stick to breeders or reptile shows. The last thing you need is a sick ball python as your first.

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

I would stick to breeders or reptile shows. The last thing you need is a sick ball python as your first.

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That is true. =)

I was kind of thinking that myself.

My first BP was a rescue/rehome from CL. She was starved, dehydrated, and left in a cold dark basement. I got her and her entire set up for $25. She's a stunning animal and I don't regret getting her in the least; she started my obsession and lead to a whole lot of good things happening in my life! I still check CL to see what's there.