What do you consider quality?

[DesignerBP]

What do ypu feel is the primary aspect or aspects of quality(not necessarily what you look for when purchasing but as an overall standard)? thought of this when seeing threads where where people talk about "quality" when purchasing a bp. I know this is a subjective topic so what are the factors that equal quality to you. I personally think a healthy well proportioned bp can stand alone quality, but of course when purchasing then color and pattern would also have to come into account according to my taste. and the breeder doesn't seem to have great importance to me as long as he/she is putting the animal before the profit. Your thoughts?

[Freakie_frog]

to me when I think quality I ask myself a few questions..

1: is it a great example of the morph; I.E will does it look like a Cinni or a dark normal.
2: Does the animal look healthy; Clear eyes, hydrated, no RI or other issues.
3: Is the breeder a friendly, knowageable, helpfull, person. Or are they sitting on their duff texting and not even engaging their customers/
4: Professional setup at a show (if that's where I'm buying). A breeder that takes the time for a professional set up takes the time to produce quality animals. Now it doesn't have to be big breeder style but at least take the time to throw a sheet over the table..

[h00blah]

read post above. lol.

[Spaniard]

My number one is the animal itself. Does the animal represent the morph well. Are the colors and patterns going to fit in with my plans and other animals I currently own.

My number 2 is the reputation of the breeder. Do I trust buying from this person. If something goes wrong do I have confidence that the breeder will make the situation right.

Both of these things are very important to me and determine not only the quality of the animal but quality of the entire experience and whether I will purchase from an individual again.

[NorthernRegius]

The Animal:
I want the animal to be healthy, in good condition, feeding well! I do research on the morph before I buy & look to see what aspects I like & what plays well into my current projects.

Then I look for the best example of that I can find, if I see it in the clutch I pick the best FEEDER in the group, this isn't always the prettiest animal. I learned this the hard way.

The Seller:
I do expect the breeder/seller to be honest, to answer my questions promptly... and yes to have MANNERS (pet peeve). There are some folks on-line, in forums who are rude, even abusive in their posts. Although some have fantastic animals- they will NOT get my business.

There are folks who by their posts or by checking the BOI who either dodge problems instead of resolve them: LIE, CHEAT or show they lack integrity; or fail to practice good quarantine. They will not get my business either.

As a buyer I have responsiblities to uphold as well:
To be clear with the seller on payment terms & to be ON-TIME with payments! (I do most purchases on payment plans or trades).

To give detailed shipping info. I have my animals sent to the local facilities so I can pick them up as they arrive. I also call &/or e-mail the seller to let them know I got the animal ok even if there's no issues after I inspect it & double check the sex.

THEN I post feedback in the BOI- good guys deserve their due too!

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Quality in a snake is to find the best example of the morph I am looking for, but it’s not the only thing I am looking at when buying either, I also look at whom the seller is (there how people I would not buy from regardless of the quality of their animal and/or price) and then I look at prices.

[ssballow]

Other. I guess you are implying for a breeder. Being a pet owner, I look for a snake that is healthy, eats good, and is easily handled. I wouldn't want anything other than a normal. I think they are the prettiest anyway.

[mainbutter]

I'm surprised that so many people voted "no single aspect"

Sometimes with selective breeding, a truly spectacular specimen really only exhibits one "single aspect" to such a degree, that I consider it a truely high quality animal. A clown might just be another clown, but the extraordinarily reduced pattern clown stands out, with one single aspect making the difference between "another nice BP" and "extaordinary".

Granted, being awesome in many regards is preferred, but I do think that "single aspect excellence" animals, in many cases, can be defined as "true quality animals"

[GenePirate]

Obviously, the animal has to be in good apparent health, feeding well, and in a clean environment. Nothing turns me off more than poor conditions--except seller rudeness or ignorance.

What I look for is the WOW factor--good color, unusual or symmetrical pattern, reduced pattern gets my attention, and no obvious defects that could be passed down to offspring. Robin's lesser and pastel, and Waltah's & BigLu's cinnamons, and anything Brock has made lately have all been outstanding. Those are morphs that I wouldn't think twice about paying a few extra bucks for.

It's not just one characteristic; it's the whole picture.

[WingedWolfPsion]

Color and pattern are important, of course, but there are also some things you didn't mention.

Temperament is a big one, for me. I do not consider a defensive, snappy ball python to be high quality, at least not something I want breeding in my collection.

Even more important than ANY of the above is feeding record--a poor feeder is NOT a high-quality animal, no matter what it looks like.

I don't care about the breeder, and I'm not sure I've ever seen a disproportional ball python, at least not within the bounds of normal snake structure.

Obviously health and lack of deformities goes without saying.