Very well said.I would never sell a hatchling with a defect. No matter what morph, cheap, expensive, normal.
It just doesn't seem right. I would re-home it carefully, to the right home, to someone with experience and willingness to take it on. If the defect was to severe, then I would do the heartbreaking task of putting it down.
"You forever become responsible for what you have tamed" You are also responsible for what you have created. And a snake with no quality of life means you do the hard thing.
I didn't even sell one of my hatchlings that had no other issues then being a difficult starter. Refused to eat, like some just do. To the point of assist feeding after all other options were exhausted. Even assist feeding was challenging with that one. I eventually got it to eat. Then to eat on its own. Then it would grab, coil and eat with gusto! After 3 or 4 of those great feedings I gave that one away, despite being a gorgeous looking morph and a sweet heart. It just didn't feel right to sell her. She went to a good home with full disclosure. If she had gone back to not eating because of the stress of moving, she would have come back to me.
She is a TREASURED pet now. I get pictures frequently. She is growing and thriving and gorgeous. She has never refused a meal yet. She is the sister to "Sunny" my Super Emperor Pinstripe girl. Her sister is just as gorgeous.
Actually, most of my hatchlings were either given away or sold at low prices. Same for the adults I "sold". This way I was able to be very picky about where they ended up. However, there is NOTHING wrong with good breeders asking good prices. I have no problem paying for a healthy snake with the genetics I want from a GOOD and REPUTABLE source.
He may be a good breeder with quality animals. He may (so far) have a great reputation. If the snake was in as bad of a shape in his care as it is now, it shouldn't have been sold, period! I would love to hear what he has to say.
Your outlook is refreshing and commendable
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