Pet shops or local reptile breeders?

[Bleh]

Reptile specialists / hobbyists is my preference.

A hobbyist has spent quite some time learning about their desired animal types and are much more likely to have an animal in the correct condition to be rehomed.

I used to use a 'popular' pet supplies shop around here for my dog and cat food, and regularly would walk around their stock of animals with the kids because the kids enjoyed it. They didn't stock loads and loads, mainly rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, fish and a few reptiles sort of thing.

One day, I clocked they had a BP. It was the first time I saw they had a BP available so decided to ask about him. He couldn't have been much older than 3 months, and if he was he was probably too small.

Anyway, the staff didn't really know anything besides what information was on the plaque, and that he seemed 'a bit aggressive'... I asked the staff member to open the enclosure, informing him that I regularly handle BP's, and that I would accept all responsibility if he'd struck me (as per their warning signs that animals can be unpredictable).

Anyway, the lad opened the enclosure and I distracted the young BP with one hand while picking him up with another. In less than two minutes the BP was exploring my hands and the staff member commented that nobody else has been able to handle him in that way. I explained that he wasn't actually aggressive, but scared!

But to the point. It was blatantly obvious from that experience that nobody in that shop had the slightest bit of experience in handling BP's and therefore his welfare wasn't prioritised but ability to produce profit.

If a pet shop has an animal enthusiast there who has some knowledge about the animals being sold, then you can almost be assured the animal will be happier and better looked after, but sadly many pet shops employ 'staff' and not enthusiasts so I'd suggest a good 'general' pet shop are few and far between.

This is why I'll only go to hobbyists / reptile specialists for my snakes.