Yes small breeder are on the top of things and an ethical breeder will not sell you something that is inconsistent or not feeding well (I would rather hold back the animal longer than selling something that may not feed well), that being said keep in mind that because a snake feed well with the breeder does not mean he will feed well for you, there is the issue of change of environment and people that do not offer optimum security as a breeder does and end up with issue right of the bat, them older animals are more notorious to cease feeding when changing environment which is usually a matter of patience.
Remember before goinf to a show always try to check who has a good rep and who does not and you can do so here on the BOI