Silent Partners always scream scam in my eyes. I don't think there is any reason to be in a rush to recieve animals on the buyers part. I'm usually researching an animal/breeder for months before I decide to buy at which point waiting an extra few days would be no biggy.

If it didn't sit right in your stomach then you have all the more reason to call off the deal. After all you produced these animals, you cared for them, its only right that you be concerned about what homes they find. If in fact he did have a silent partner and he did infact mail you a check I would apologize and offer to send the animals when the check cleared.

In the future I would set policies up and follow them with no exceptions. Having policies set up eliminates all the guesswork and stress associated with trying to judge a persons trust worthiness over the internet.