Vetting Reptile Breeders — A Guide
Skuffe the Sunbeam Snake, a pet memorial commission, arrived to me yesterday ready to eternally rest her beautiful iridescent scales in a wet specimen globe.
Her owners did everything they could in the short 4 months that they had her to ensure she had everything she needed to thrive. After all, they are a species that needs very specific husbandry to flourish and a sunbeam was their dream snake. At a reptile expo, the breeder wouldn’t allow them to handle her, but assured they were assured she was in great health. Unfortunately, even after vet visits and tireless medication treatments that no one should have to anticipate for a new reptile friend, Skuffe passed far before her time should have been up due to breeder negligence. With how difficult keeping Sunbeams can be, this breeder seems to have the perfect system for making a quick sale and playing it all off as the new owners fault. Most Sunbeams are wild caught and riddled with parasites, which should be treated immediately by the breeder, not passed off for new owners to handle when it’s too late.
Her owners email to me during our initial consultation reminded me of my very first snake purchase at a reptile expo, that also seemed like a perfect fit at the time. I got a great deal on a breed that I had always wanted because the breeder was “getting out of the business,” little did I know two weeks later I would find out that my new pet snake was riddled with mites. The mites are long gone now, but the memory of being blindsided remains.
In a world where money trumps everything, it’s crucial to remember that there (too many) breeders out there just looking for a quick sale and not everyone is trustworthy, especially at conventions where community standards don’t always exist. It’s more important now more than ever to protect yourself and our scaly friends.
How to Stay Vigilant and Make the Most Informed Decisions When Choosing a Breeder —
Avoid Red Flags
We all know that this is hard to do when emotions become involved. Watch out for signs like aggressive sales tactics, reluctance to let you handle the reptile, or a lack of transparency in their operations.
Research, Research, Research…
Before purchasing a reptile, do your homework on reputable breeders. Look for reviews, ask for recommendations from trusted sources, and visit reptile forums or groups for insights. Google is your friend!
Ask Questions
Don't be afraid to ask the breeder questions about their practices, the reptile's health history, and its care requirements. Legitimate breeders are happy to share information and should be able to answer all of your questions without deflecting or using absurd sales tactics to make a quick sale.
Trust Your Gut
If something doesn't feel right, walk away. If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Better to be safe than sorry! In the long run you will be saving yourself heartache over a lost/sick pet, and will also save you from spending even more money on vet bills and medications
Remember, responsible reptile breeders prioritize the health and welfare of their animals. By staying informed, you can ensure a positive experience for both you and your scaly companion. The more we hold breeders to a certain standard when it comes to our purchases, the more likely it is that these shoddy breeders go out of business and the less reptile lives become injured, lost, and even endangered. Together we can raise industry standards and hold breeders accountable.
