Things to look for in a good breeder

[ShortstackJack]

Now that I have my BP sexed, I need to get her a boyfriend. I don't want to get mooched out of my money though, I want a quality male.

What are some things to look for when trying to find a good breeder?

A sort of broad question, I know, but hopefully I can learn as much as I can.

[MrLang]

-Good communication

-Good reptutation (go to faunaclassifieds and search the Board of Inquiry for their name or business name)

-Quality over quantity

[Southern_Breeder]

-Good communication

-Good reptutation (go to faunaclassifieds and search the Board of Inquiry for their name or business name)

-Quality over quantity

^^ Agree 100%

[Neal]

One thing to me that shows a good breeder is that they will answer all your questions without getting short with you or getting annoyed. This shows that their first priority is information.

[ShortstackJack]

Fantastic!

Is it better to meet face-to-face when possible, or does it not matter for it to be through messaging?

[BHReptiles]

Fantastic!

Is it better to meet face-to-face when possible, or does it not matter for it to be through messaging?

It all depends on what you prefer. I've ordered my new babies both online and in person. I've noticed that if you go to a show, sometimes breeders can feel rushed but the really good ones will take the time to answer your questions. I've also purchased online from small breeders and really have nothing bad to say. You'll know when you've found a good one because they will answer your questions and work with you. They answer their emails in a timely manner with thoughtful response (not something like "Yes, he's male. He's $350. You can pay via paypal" but more like this: "Yes, the spinner is a male and was hatched around XX/20XX. He's currently eating ______ and never skips a meal!" can you see the difference?).

Some people only like to do business face-to-face. If you want to go that way, you can. You just need to find a breeder who might be willing to show you their animals or meet you somewhere if they have a closed collection. However, you may find that once you found the snake you want, that breeder is not local at all and your snake will have to be shipped to you anyway. It all comes down to personal preference and availability.

[FireStorm]

Most of our purchases have been online. I actually prefer to communicate through email or text message. I think that having things in writing is really helpful for buyer and seller. Less chance for he said/she said or miscommunication.

One thing I will add is that there are some breeders who are very reputable, but very reluctant to let you come see their collection in person, especially if they don't know you. Which, IMO, is understandable given the value of some collections and the fact that many (probably the majority) have their collections at their homes. Just figured I would throw that out there, since you mentioned purchasing face to face.

[Kodieh]

-Good communication

-Good reptutation (go to faunaclassifieds and search the Board of Inquiry for their name or business name)

-Quality over quantity

Agree 66.66%

Good reputation isn't everything. In fact, no reputation is just as sound as good reputation. Just check the breeder out and only be scared away if they have NEGATIVE reputation. Some people just haven't been given the opportunity to build a good rep. You could be the one who does it for them!

[BHReptiles]

One thing I will add is that there are some breeders who are very reputable, but very reluctant to let you come see their collection in person, especially if they don't know you. Which, IMO, is understandable given the value of some collections and the fact that many (probably the majority) have their collections at their homes. Just figured I would throw that out there, since you mentioned purchasing face to face.

BTW OP, that's exactly what I meant when I said a "closed collection". I probably should have explained that better.

I know I allow very few people into my snake area. Family and VERY close friends only. I have a couple of snakes on breeding loan and their owner is welcome to come see them anytime. I usually don't let anyone else around my collection.

[bcr229]

I look for breeders willing to provide me with the following:

- I want to see recent pictures of the parents as many animals change color with age, e.g. pastels brown out. If the sire and dam still look good then there's a good bet the hatchlings will too.

- For a hatchling, I would like DOB, current weight, and a picture or video of it eating. For an adult I want to know the weight, what it's currently eating, and how often - I'll pass on that 2000 gram girl that is stuck on eating a dozen live mice each week. If it will eat either f/t or live rats or ASF's that's a plus. Ideally for an adult the seller will provide a feeding log so I know if it's normal for it to fast periodically, and for how long.


- If I'm buying a "het" anything, I want the owner to guarantee the genetics in writing. If the current owner isn't the breeder and claims the animal is "het", it needs the same guarantee, either through breeder papers or proven through breeding.


- I don't use PayPal so I would prefer to pay by personal check, money order, or credit card. If the seller wants to wait for my check to clear before shipping that's fine. If we meet in person, whether at the seller's place, my place, or a neutral location, I will bring cash - please don't fuss about taking it.


- If the snake ever went to the vet I would like to know when, what for, the course of treatment, etc. This is for the snake's benefit - if it had an RI and got treated four months ago, but the stress of shipping causes a flare-up again, my vet would appreciate that info when deciding what antibiotics to prescribe.