Sad day...

[hoax]

Before I write this I would like to state that I do not hold any one liable. I feel like these sort of things just happen.

I have been looking forward to this day since around August when I first talked to this breeder. I have been on the phone with him several times a month either making payments or just talking about snakes.

My baby was finally ready and was shipped out last night at 18:30 I arived at the shippers local hub and picked up my snake. He was a jungle pastel ball python. I was quite giddy seeing as how my first BP I took back to the pet store because it had mites and I was unsure of its health. So this is in theory my first BP. I could not wait to get into my truck to open the package. I waited until it was 85F in my truck and warmed my hands so they would not be cold. I then took my pocket knife and very carefully cut the packing tape and the shipping label. I took off the insulated top and I see a few spots of moisture on the bag. No big deal the little guy just couldn't hold it, I guess. I take off the ties and open the bag and see the most beautiful BP I have ever seen it was just kinda laying in the bottom I figured maybe it was just lethargic from the shipping. I pick him up to warm him and he is limp. No movement no resistance no balling no flickering the tongue nothing...

I immediately call the breeder. Who was devastated he has never lost a snake in shipping. So he is shipping me another snake as soon as he is ready to ship out. I have purposely left out the details of the breeder because I do not want people to be stupid and make assumptions about the breeder.

I figured no one in my family understands so I came here. I know you guys understand. Has any one else lost a herp in shipping either being the breeder or the customer. Do you know what happened? Can any one help me understand this?

If any breeders have lost a snake during shipping can you share what happened?

[Slim]

Hoax - Sorry to hear about your loss. I know it must have been gut sinking feeling to realize the snake had expired before it got t you. Just keep in mind that you did nothing wrong, and that sometimes things just happen. Hang in there, and good wishes.

[JLC]

Awwwww geez....that sucks! I've not had this experience, but I can well imagine how devestating it would be. I've only ever had one snake shipped (so far!) and I do know how utterly psyched and excited I was. I can't imagine how I would have felt had something gone so terribly wrong.

Sounds like the breeder is gonna do right by you and I know we'll all be looking forward to pictures of your new baby.

So sorry you had to go through that!

[wilomn]

Shipping is not directly from your seller to your buyer. Often times the shipped animals criss-cross the country. This means they can be exposed to snow and 90 degree temps on the same day. Factor in a rough ride, intentional or not, and some just don't make it.

It's a bummer but if your guy is working with you that's cool.

In my TOS I recommend that buyers photo the box before opening, during opening and then the contents when opened. Saves a lot of hassle and insures that everyone is on the up and up.

Hope your next one does better.

[Ladydragon]

I purchased a pastel male and he also arrived DOA. It was not pleasant and I am sorry you also had to go through this. It isn't always like that. The rest of my snakes all arrived safe and sound.

[RhacHead]

I'm sorry to hear about your loss,believe me I can relate About 3 years ago I ordered my first animal online! I was very excited and couldnt wait.It was a Crested Gecko that was seriously a NEON yellow! AWesome little guy So imagine my dissapointment when It didnt arrive next day when it was supposed to,In Febuary.... Long Story short I got hosed and the breeder wouldnt even replace the animal On the Up side I've had around 50 live shipping transactions (buying and selling) since then without a single casualty! Its really safe if one packs the animals correctly so don't let this one experience sour you on shipping and good luck with the new one! Post some pics when he arrives

[wolfy-hound]

Sorry to hear of it. I hope it works out for you to get a replacement, although nothing can make that sense of horror any better when you see your new pet didn't make it.
HUGS. At least it's not common that snakes die during shipping.

[what_stanger?]

Damn that really sucks!

I had my one and only snake shipped to me. I was scared his whole trip, figuring fedex was throwing the box around and such.

Once he arrived I opened it up very carefully, and the bag he was in wasn't moving, and my heart dropped. It was just because he was in the dark, once i opened the bag, i saw his tongue flicker, a huge relief.


Its probably not to often for a snake(bp) to die during the shipping process, they seem hardy. This is very unfortunate

[Morphie]

i'm sorry for that huge disappointment.

[AaronP]

I'm sorry to hear about it man, unfortunately these things happen from time to time, too bad it happened to you.