Sending a payment as "Payment Owed" is really awful, especially when a seller TELLS you to send it that way (to me, that's a HUGE red flag that they want to scam you, because they know PayPal won't let you reverse those via the PayPal site). Regardless, you might still be able to get your money back, regardless of PayPal telling you that it's not covered. How was the payment funded? Did you use a credit card or your bank account?
If the former, contact your credit card company and state that the seller has not sent you the goods, so you want the transaction reversed. PayPal will be forced to reverse it. If the former, go to your bank and state the same.
Keep records of what your discussions with the breeder have been. I think it would be best if you send them a letter stating, basically "I purchased (what kind of snake) on (date) for (amount). The amount was successfully paid off on (date). I would like to receive my animal by (two weeks from now) or I will be (filing a chargeback with my credit card company/disputing the payment with my bank). Please inform me as soon as the snake ships. Thank you."
Keep us updated. I deal with idiots on PayPal all the time and 90% of the time I win, regardless of being buyer or seller (of which I do high volumes of both). If you need any help with PayPal just let me know.
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