Adopter possibly sketchy or am I just paranoid?

I have had a really tough time rehoming my animals in the past... I tend to choose people that sound great but turn around and resell the animal despite me asking them to come to me first if they can't keep it....

Well, it's been almost two weeks since I was supposed to get the $30 I'm asking for shipping (I'm eating the other half of shipping costs) and this person who wants to adopt one of my hatchlings has yet to send the money in the mail like we had agreed upon because she's relying on her boyfriend to do it, and apparently he forgot. Of course I don't care about the money, but it's principle. If you really wanted him, why not do it yourself? ARe you going to rely on your boyfriend, who seems unreliable, to care for this animal?

She has two other ball pythons that appear healthy, but there are a couple red flags. One being she houses two ball pythons of the same sex, but much different sizes together. One takes medium rats, the other takes rat pups.

Does this sound a little too sketchy, or do I need to calm down? If it is, should I deny her adoption of this snake? If so, how would I even go about doing that? :confusd: Any input is appreciated.

If she houses them together I bet her plan is to add yours to the party. I would find another home for it.

I have already asked her if she would and she said no since mine is a male and hers are females. Then again she also told me she would send the money herself in the mail. two weeks ago. *shrug*

I'd pass. Go with your gut feeling. It's typically right. Good people stand out. People you should avoid will usually give you some 'vibes' or 'red flags'. Given the fact that the person isn't 100% commited, and houses snakes of different sizes together (I'm not against housing snakes together, if it's done properly). Sounds sketchy.

My personal opinion would be to ask her more questions about how the animal will be taken care of. When my mom bred Chihuahuas she would refuse to sell to someone if she didn't think they could properly take care of them. I know the guy I got Yuki from seemed more interested in the sale than where the snake was going, which isn't very impressive to me... If it was an animal I took the time and energy to raise (even if it was "just a normal") and get ready to go to a new home I would want to know that it was a good home it was going to, and not going to dropped in a tank/tub/enclosure with two other snakes that were bigger than it. My suggestion would be to ask a few more questions and then decide if you really think it is a good home for your animal. If not, as a seller you do have the right to refuse to sell to her. My only suggestion there would be that if you do refuse to sell it to tell her clearly, and in the least accusatory way, why you don't want her to have your snake.

I denied someone one of my snakes because he was getting another ball python from someone else at the same time, and he wanted to house them both in the aquarium the other snake was coming with.

You have every right to deny anyone a sale of your snake, for any reason you want. Go with your gut instincts. If it doesn't feel right, move along. Someone else will be happy to give your snake a new proper and healthy home.

I'm not sure I have the grounds to tell her no without an argument. Her snakes do look healthy, with no stuck shed. She feeds F/T. I can't just tell her I don't believe her when she says she won't house them together (which isn't necessarily true that I don't), and a delayed payment just sounds like I am impatient and just want the money... I dunno what I should tell her. Asking more questions sounds like the way to go.

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If it was an animal I took the time and energy to raise (even if it was "just a normal") and get ready to go to a new home I would want to know that it was a good home it was going to

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Exactly... This was my first ever clutch and resulted in 7 normals from a spiderxnormal pairing. I don't care. I spent a TON of time, energy and worry on these guys just to get them to hatch. I'm keeping the 4 females I have left, and found a wonderful home for one. Maybe I'm just wrongfully comparing (or rather, contrasting) this person to the home I found for the other one, who I have 110% confidence in that she is being very well cared for.

Then ask her more questions. That should help you decide :gj:

You have every right to deny a sale that hasn't actually taken place (no payment) - with or without explanation. Even if the explanation is that it has simply become too much of a hassle, so you're going to keep her for now. I know "things come up", and I like to think I'm very flexible, but I would just stop contacting her and look elsewhere. If she makes good before you find another home, great; if not, it was her delay that caused the loss.

No you can deny her the sale for any reason. You have That right! 100%. You don't even have to Give a reason. My preference is if there are red flags of any kind I stay away. Especially housing issues or anything like that.


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I would not make that sale personally. Sounds too sketchy for my sketchometer...

I would not leave one of my snakes (or any other animals) in the care if this individual.

If you're not worried about the money, send me the snake and I'll take a picture of the rack I'd keep it in with regulated temps and scheduled cleanings/feedings. :).. I'm kidding but I'm not a big fan of aquariums and ball pythons.. especially in the same tank. My .02

what kind of ball pythons are you putting up for adoption?

I wouldn't give it to her, no.

I sell all of my normal hatchlings, and I wouldn't sell one to someone who described that setup to me.
There are plenty of local people who are looking for a good pet, and will treasure it. You can help educate them in proper care, and they'll do a better job than her.

Who cares if she argues? It's YOUR animal, and you have the right to decide who it goes to. Even if she had paid for it in full and you felt uneasy, you can refuse to send it and refund her money and she can't really say anything against you.

Listen, I've refused five times the value of an animal because the person just didn't "feel right" to me. I've also out and out given away a valuable animal to someone whom I felt was very deserving but a little short of funds.

If this person make you uncomfortable, then WALK AWAY. Period.

Gale

Thanks so much for everyone's input. I will contact her and tell her if she hasn't sent it yet not to bother. NYBallz, it's just a normal male.

If you are not comfortable, do not give her the snake. Most people you get either, yeah I'm ok with you, or hmmm, I'm just not sure about you. They always say to trust your first gut instinct. If something doesn't feel right, just say no. Hope you find a great home for your baby.

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She's not getting my snake.

She planned on having this (hatchling) ball python in a 50 gallon tank with 1 light for heat and 1 hide. No thanks. She was also trying to send the money to Moscow, Rusisia rather than Moscow, Idaho LOL. Wooooops....

Good catch.

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Ha wow....a 50 gallon take could be dealt with but also only 1 hide??? No heating pad???? The part that really got me was the Russia part ...I would have said nvm as soon as I saw that lol

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Originally Posted by kdreptiles

She's not getting my snake.

She planned on having this (hatchling) ball python in a 50 gallon tank with 1 light for heat and 1 hide. No thanks. She was also trying to send the money to Moscow, Rusisia rather than Moscow, Idaho LOL. Wooooops....

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Tell her you're stuck in Saudi Arabia and need $1000 US dollars to get out so you can get to your trust fund in the states. When you have your money you can give her a Magic Unicorn Rainbow Sparkle ball python (valued at 500k) and some cash on the side. She might go for it