I also got my bp at a Petco so I don't know her age. She came with her very own set of mites (Oh boy!). But I haven't had any other problems with her directly caused by the store.

Here's the way I see it. A lot of people say not to buy from Petco/Petsmart because a lot of their animals aren't in the best shape. Instead, they recommend buying from a breeder. I like to think that I rescued her. Every time I go to Petco I always want another one just so I can save them from the horrible conditions. If I could, I would. I think that buying from an evil pet store is ok as long as you don't have a bunch of other snakes you are going to intriduce a sickness to (yes I know you have to QT, but there's always a chance). And as long as you know what to look for when it comes to sickness, you can treat just about anything short of major neurological problems.