This sucks guys

[JJpeep]

That's really awesome. Especially given the amount of time that's passed.
I personally stuck with that breeder a while because the animals always looked great and they communicate well. I did also have an issue with shipping and they went above and beyond.

Snakes are great at hiding what's wrong with them. There definitely can be congenital problems that we miss because they are so good at appearing healthy. If there isn't an outward sign of an issue like a kink or bug eyes for example, all we can do is assume the animal is healthy if it's acting well. And sometimes something big like a move to a new owner is enough to stress them out as younglings to cause the failure to thrive situation, which sounds a bit like part of the problem here.

He was very helpful when I was picking out this particular pair as well. I am pretty new to the ball python world. Only about a year in. He gave me suggestions on genetics based on what I wanted to produce. Even suggested that if I paired certain
Genetics up the 'worst' I could get was double hets. Reason I went with him as well is his videos are more information and seems more down to earth. I like some of the more entertaining you tubers. But for buying, I wanted to go with him. Also had lots and lots of good reviews. Through the whole process the communication was top notch. Was so apologetic because he didn't get back to be in a day and all that. I feel comfortable and I don't feel like he knew anything was wrong with the snake or anything like that. So I unfortunately feel like there may have been something wrong with the poor guy. I know I didn't get him to eat, but I didn't get the female to eat either til last week and she didn't go downhill so quickly. Also a thing happens at the show. He sexed the snakes I was supposed to get and the pied I had picked out originally over the internet ended up being female. He apologized and had me pick out a snake. For some reason I picked the little guy who passed away. He was the tiniest out of the snakes. I even seconded guessed my decision a few times because of his size. But I liked his colors and I liked that he was spunky. But I have a feeling the spunkiness was a big stress signal. I know BPs can be shy. But he was very snappy at first and hissed alot. Which is fine. But I noticed over time he stopped all that cuz it didn't work and he would try and hide as good as he can
My thoughts are that he may have had congenital issues (maybe) and the move ended up being way too stressful for him and something ended up giving away in this poor little dude. It can't be easy going from a big breeding facility to a show then a home with new noises, new everything. Despite having lost the little angel, the breeder has made me more comfortable in the process. He told me this new guy is bigger and is eating very well. So that has me feeling a lot better. I'd like to thank all of you on here as well for supporting me and understanding my worries and problems and giving me advice. It is tough for me sometimes. I get very involved when an animal is sick and when I don't save one it hits me. I know if I want to get into breeding I have to toughen up a little. But I can't help my compassion when it comes to animals that look to us to care for them. I feel especially bad when an animal is afraid and sick. I just hope this little snake wasn't too scared out of his wits of me and that is what made him give out. I guess this new guy is arriving tomorrow morning. Worries me it is going to be hot, but the breeder assured me it is perfect for him. So fingers crossed. We are only a state away as well.