When it comes to buying hets...I'll only ever buy from a breeder that I personally know...or is personally known by a breeder I know and trust. (Such as I'd trust Ralph, even though I don't know him personally...because I trust Adam and Adam trusts him)


I know, I know...more coffee, Judy....more coffee....

In everything you buy in life, though...there are risks involved. Small risks for small things...large risks for big things. TSE had an excellent reputation at some point along the way...but proved that a stellar reputation is not a guarantee of anything.

Paperwork is not a guarantee of anything. BUT...if I have a paper with a picture of my snake that says he is 100% het and it is signed by the breeder...then at least I have that as proof in a court of law that the breeder claimed he was something he was not. (If he turned out to be "normal.") Of course, that's only if you managed to get that far in the legal system to begin with. I'd be surprised if anyone with TSE papers actually gets to ever present them in court.

All we can do is mitigate our risks. One way is with paperwork clearly identifying the snake and the claims of the breeder/seller. But by far, the best way to decrease the amount of risk involved is to KNOW who you're dealing with on a personal level...or at least know someone who does.