Buyer’s remorse: advice is appreciated.

[JodanOrNoDan]

Please let us know how things turn out and how that snake fares. I was "fortunate" enough to see one of those in person when they we first being made. It was badly kinked right behind the head. I decided then I would never attempt that breeding. Random things do go wrong even with safe breedings. Why tempt fate?

[Craiga 01453]

You should have known better, true.

BUT, that image the breeder provided is clearly deceptive. It is obvious that he was trying to hide and minimize the degree of kinking. Plus, charging a high price suggests that the issues aren't so severe, just as offering for free or at a very low price suggests problems.

I also don't believe for one second that the breeder wasn't aware of any strange behavior.

You acted foolishly, but the breeder acted unethically, and one is much worse than the other.

I agree 100%

[Bogertophis]

I agree 100%

Same here, AND I went back to the photos again, & I don't believe it's even the same snake either, from the vastly-different white marking. I call "bait & switch"!
Very unethical source... trying to play you for a sucker.

[Ax01]

i took up the challenge and bred a successful Super Cinny clutch last year. you accept the risks and need to be ready for the heartbreak and need to do what's best for the animals u hatch.

Just based on that white mark near the tail it doesn't even look like the same animal to me.

ringers can close up/fill in w/ color or pattern where the white is thin or in small patches as it puts on size and more mature colors. it happened to my Banana Cinny het Pied. it could be the same animal. the snake does look alot lighter in the last pix of the top down head shot view but i'm not sure if it's just a camera flash.

You were aware that Super Black Pastels can have issues. You were aware this one was visibly demonstrating at least one trait that could end up being fatal (long-term). You could have gotten a healthy 'normal' for $50 at a pet store, but, you didn't...

Intent aside: I would focus on your husbandry and making her completely comfortable and getting her to eat. Once she settles in she may behave more normal.

i agree w/ this except the getting a $50 petstore normal part. OP already stated why they wanted this snake - it's pretty and wanted to prevent future breeding. this BP's strikes @ food w/o wrapping is defensive. that could mean it's scared, stressed and/or it's husbandry is off. i know some peeps dropfeed their BP's but i don't know of anyone who has converted their whole collection or breeding business to this method. these aren't Colubrids. i also agree w/ what LadyWhip said about there's ownership on both ends. you had the opportunity to look the animal over when u picked it up. we look all animals over for health and mites, etc. knowing the morph, run your finger down it's spine. eyeball closely how it looks in different positions and how it moves. the breeder coulda been more upfront as well and transparent w/ his guarantees.

i hope the best for all parties and this cute BP. good luck, keep us updated.

[Pokersnake]

She was born in late December. Could her markings have faded that quickly?

[Ax01]

She was born in late December. Could her markings have faded that quickly?

maybe. despite being a troubled feeder she doesn't look thin. how big was she when u got her and her size currently?

[Pokersnake]

She looks a little thinner than when I got her. I did not weigh her then, and my scale needs new batteries. I’ll try to find some.

[Bogertophis]

She was born in late December. Could her markings have faded that quickly?

I'm honestly not familiar with this specific issue (markings that fade) but I don't see how, and if they faded, wouldn't they fade evenly, not in this specific and
shape-altering way??? Seems fishy to me...

[JodanOrNoDan]

I'm honestly not familiar with this specific issue (markings that fade) but I don't see how, and if they faded, wouldn't they fade evenly, not in this specific and
shape-altering way??? Seems fishy to me...

Markings aside, I don't have the time to compare scales on the animal but I would if i was the owner, this snake is not what the purchaser says he was told about the animal and it should have never been sold in the first place. So yeah, the whole thing stinks like a fish market.

Breeder spent money on animals, rolled the dice and lost. My opinion is you don't play a rigged dice game with lives. Its why I don't ever breed a spider to a spider. Breeder gambled and lost, now he has to pay the house.

[Lord Sorril]

Breeder gambled and lost, now he has to pay the house.

If people are willing to pay $300 for a kinked snake - The Breeder just needs to find another buyer.