Breeder vs. Pet Store

[Johnny Hive X]

I'm looking to get a BP after I set up the habitat and all, but I've been looking around a bit. I want a HATCHLING. I live in Dayton, OH (about an hour north of Cincinnati and an hour south of Columbus).

I've been to two pet stores near my house.

Jack's Aquarium and Pets: Had hatchling Ball Pythons, but keep them in a very small tank together. I counted 5-6 in nothing bigger than a 10 gallon tank. I've heard from other people that Jack's doesn't take care of their animals very well, so I'm extremely apprehensive. They are charging around $50/$60.

PetSmart: They had a small tank labeled for a Ball Python hatchling, but I didn't see it inside. I think they are out. The problem is that the label said Captive HATCHED, not captive BRED. They are charging $70/$80.

My friend got his BP from an online breeder.

http://www.rcreptiles.com/: He's an actual breeder, and the closest to Ohio that I've found. He's out of BP hatchlings (waiting on a female to lay eggs). I believe my friend said RC charges around $80 + shipping for the hatchlings.

QUESTIONS/CONCERNS:

- Which is better: Pet store or Breeder?
- Which is better: Captive Hatched or Captive Bred?

I'm worried about stressing the snake out through shipping, but worried that the snake is stressed out like crazy through pet store procedures anyways.

I've read captive bred are better than captive hatched.


Does anyone recommend any breeder or know of any close to or in Ohio?

Thank you!

[RoyalGuardian]

Breeder, breeder, BREEDER!!! Any of these wonderful breeders here would be happy to supply you with the most beautiful animal you have ever dreamt of! I would go to the for sale/Wanted forum and post up what you are looking for. I love you BP.net breeders!!! You guys RULE!!!!

CB captive bred is what you should look for.

[Johnny Hive X]

Can you give me a link to the breeder section? I couldn't find it.

[RoyalGuardian]

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=69

[PythonWallace]

Can you give me a link to the breeder section? I couldn't find it.

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/f...splay.php?f=69

Be careful when looking at animals that are for sale from people who only have a few posts. Most of the people selling on tis site can be vouged for, but not most of he new posters. There have also been a couple of problems here recently with new members signing up and posting ads, then getting caught trying to pull scams. You can ask or inquire abouit a breeder you are thinking of buying from here and also on the BOI at www.faunaclassifieds.com
Godd luck finding what you are looking for.

[Violetdixie]

Why not try going to one of the reptile shows in Columbus? You will get to talk to many breeders, as well as have a large selection to pick from. I'd be willing to bet that you could even pick up a pastel male for around $80-$100.

The next one is November, 15th. That should give you enough time to have an enclosure set-up for your new BP!

http://www.allohioshows.com/

[starmom]

There are tons of ball python breeders who sell very healthy snakes. I have had dealings with NERD (New England Reptiles), 8Ball, and TSK. I would not hesitate to purchase from Ralph Davis, Jasballs, Heather's Herps, West Coast, BHB, Bailey Reptiles, VPI, and tons more.

I would not worry at all about the shipping of a healthy snake from a breeder. I would worry greatly about purchasing a reptile from a box store like Petsmart, Petco, etc.

[RoyalGuardian]

I love TheVipersHouse! I got my female Spider sibling from him and he is so great! but really any of these breeders are great. I wouldn't really worry about shipping all that much. It is stressful but make sure you get overnight shipping. It may cost more but its worth it!

[Rapture]

Usually you are better off buying from a breeder. Most breeders take very good care of the animals they their own snakes produced.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

- Which is better: Pet store or Breeder?

Breeder

- Which is better: Captive Hatched or Captive Bred?

Doesn't matter as long as the animal is healthy and well started