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Spugy
Snake mite
Canada
24 Posts |
 Posted - 23/09/2012 : 19:45:14
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| This is probably a dumb question and Google isn't being helpful. How do you check out a breeder? For mammals you normally visit and see the living conditions. Snakes and reptiles seem to be a bit different. I also think that it would be easier to mask health problems with caged animals than cats or dogs. What do people think? |
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CDN_Blood
Rainbow oddball
Canada
489 Posts |
Posted - 24/09/2012 : 12:19:31
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There are really so few reputable breeders in Canada that they're not worth mentioning. I always suggest checking your local classifieds first - better to get something that already needs a good home into one and there is never a shortage of reptiles needing new homes. Kijiji and Used(CityHere) always have pages and pages of herps in need of homes.
Up here, there is such little interest in Rainbow boas that you simply won't find many people breeding them at all. Three of the four that I have here were given to me because people just can't seem to sell them - there is that little interest. It's been an eye-opener for me because I was hoping to breed my Colombian or Paraguayan just once, but seeing how hard the are to place has made me scrap that idea :( |
TODD
25 Years of Commitment and Responsibility in Private Herpetoculture |
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Spugy
Snake mite
Canada
24 Posts |
Posted - 24/09/2012 : 19:54:07
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| I found a breeder close to where I live.... I guess the key word is reputable. I was hoping for a baby. 1) because they are cheaper and 2) because you can acclimatize them to being handled. what part of Canada do you live Todd? |
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gmac
Grumpy Scots Admin
United Kingdom
710 Posts |
Posted - 24/09/2012 : 20:16:48
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I would look for previous buyers recommendations, I would also visit the breeder see what his conditions are like etc. and would question him to the hilt regarding his animals.
Ask questions on forums you are bound to find someone who has purchased from them before.
I wouldnt just look on a forum for a cheap snake, unfortunately doesnt always end up in the buyers best interest. |
GMac
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Snakesitter
Rainbow Master
USA
2718 Posts |
Posted - 24/09/2012 : 22:46:36
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In my experience, there are countless factors a good breeder can compete on, from baby looks to parental lineage to customer service to disease testing to customer references to limiting production to how helpful they are on the forums. Presence on forums and good word of mouth are both powerful positives. You want someone who is both knowledgable and available for more than just the sale itself.
While facility visits are possible for local names, not all breeders allow it (I, for example, do not, as maintaining my "disease tested" status is more important than any sale). For those who do not, or are farther away, you can check the Fauna forum's "Board of Inquiry" to make sure a specific breeder is not hiding a bad rep.
I agree with Todd on price. That factor is the competitive last resort of those who can't compete on the far more important factors listed above...so they try and "buy" business. And an extra $25 to $50 up front may seem like a lot, but it's really small change measured in terms of how much you will spend on your pet over the course of its entire life.
Good luck! |
Cliff Earle
Living Gems Reptiles
Premium Brazilian Rainbow Boas from a disease-tested facility
Website, Facebook |
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CDN_Blood
Rainbow oddball
Canada
489 Posts |
Posted - 25/09/2012 : 11:50:13
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quote:
Originally posted by Spugy
...what part of Canada do you live Todd?
I'm in the Capital. All the relevant info can be found by clicking my member name :) |
TODD
25 Years of Commitment and Responsibility in Private Herpetoculture |
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Spugy
Snake mite
Canada
24 Posts |
Posted - 26/09/2012 : 20:18:16
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Didn't realize that Todd. And my plans may have derailed. I have a major bathroom repair to worry about so not sure that pets will be high on my priority list-grrr.
So what IS a reasonable price for a baby BRB? I was quoted about $150-$200... the pet store sells them for $300-$400 which seems like the appropriate mark up. The breeder I have emailed seems friendly and helpful. I don't want to disrespectfully drop names (i.e. is BLANK a good breeder? What have you heard?) but would like to see how reliable and healthy the animals are. How does a person establish a reputation?
I will think up some questions (probably run by you lot first) regarding the breeder to see what he has to say. Not sure how to contact people who have dealt with these breeders before. Anyway, it is a good start.
I am ALWAYS tempted to get more reptiles from Used Victoria but I already have a ball python (want something new, preferably a boa). I might break down and get a red tailed but I was (being silly and being me) wanted a baby to get used to handling. I would especially love a BRB. I guess that there is a lot of unknowns, though. A baby is more vulnerable and so if he isn't eating or isn't super health, he can't be handled regardless. Too many sad stories about snakes dying (Topaz was especially heart breaking, though she wasn't a baby). |
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Snakesitter
Rainbow Master
USA
2718 Posts |
Posted - 26/09/2012 : 21:02:58
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Take care of your house first.
The average baby does indeed go for $150-200. You can find them at shows for as little as $100, but those are usually lower-quality animals and/or produced by people who breed them as a sideline rather than a main focus, and thus have less advice to fall back on. You can find them as high as $400 or more, but those are for premium picks from top private breeders. As much as I like and try and support pet stores, if I were going to pay $300-400 for a baby, I'd go to a private breeder: better quality and less disease risk.
Dropping a name to ask for feedback is not rude, provided you are tactful. Check the Fauna BOI forum first though, as you may find the information you need already there.
You are correct that babies are more vulnerable, but adults are higher-risk. I had a disaster come in on a male who did not show symptoms for a whopping 14 months after purchase -- he was the one who killed my my own Topaz (small world I guess). I've never bought an adult female and probably never will -- I prefer raising them up myself by hand and thus knowing their full history.
Good luck! |
Cliff Earle
Living Gems Reptiles
Premium Brazilian Rainbow Boas from a disease-tested facility
Website, Facebook |
Edited by - Snakesitter on 26/09/2012 21:03:36 |
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Spugy
Snake mite
Canada
24 Posts |
Posted - 27/09/2012 : 00:50:58
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| I am working on Fauna... The breeder calls themselves A&T Reptiles and are here on Vancouver Island. I can post my email if people have had experience with Tony, the owner :D Like I mentioned, he seems helpful but I DO take my reptile health seriously. I do NOT want to bring a sick animal into my place. I would rather never have a BRB than put the animals I already have at risk :D I am very attached to all of them. In fact, as my house seems like it might be more construction than initially anticipated, I think all 4 reptiles are going to live at my work for a while so they don't have to deal with the noise. Will let you know about the Fauna Forum, thanks! |
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Spugy
Snake mite
Canada
24 Posts |
Posted - 27/09/2012 : 00:52:01
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| T & A Reptiles, ooops :P |
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Spugy
Snake mite
Canada
24 Posts |
Posted - 28/09/2012 : 06:40:45
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| Thanks, found the breeder and I am happy to report that he got excellent reviews from the people who have dealt with him. :D I guess there are one or two decent breeders in Canada. Excited :D :D :D |
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Snakesitter
Rainbow Master
USA
2718 Posts |
Posted - 28/09/2012 : 21:07:27
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| Glad to hear it all worked out for you, Spugy! Looking forward to the (eventual) pictures! |
Cliff Earle
Living Gems Reptiles
Premium Brazilian Rainbow Boas from a disease-tested facility
Website, Facebook |
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Topic |
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Checking out breeders
