iHerp Answers: Another question from a newb....concerning buying snakes!

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Another question from a newb....concerning buying snakes!

Posted By:

CrazyBall

has anyone ever bought snakes from random people like an adoption agency....i found a python and corn for like 110 and really considering getting them so they have a good home....


Points:	50
Topics:	Knowledge Base
Tags:	Adoption, Buying
Administrative:	Show/Hide

Member Comment

2/20/2009 8:15:28 PM

redhood23

honestly, i would rather do some research on the people selling first, before i did anything. find out why they are selling what they are eating, how they have been eating medical records(if any). how long the person who has them had them, etc...

Accepted Answer

2/20/2009 8:41:45 PM

Jeffriey

An adoption agency will probably most likely check you out rather the other way around to make sure you have the proper set ups etc. Buying on line is always risky unless the person has a good reputation. You can do searches on different forums like kingsnake.com or fauna classifieds. Sometimes a google search will bring up experiences with different sellers. Some people have just asked here on iherp answers or in a blog. Buying privately has it's pros and cons. If you don't know the person talk to the seller and blast away with the questions. Sometimes they will let you come into their homes and see the animals. I've made several coffee shop and parking lot deals because people like to protect their collections and it's location. I've always respected that because I like to keep my collection private also. I've always aquired my animals in person. More importantly to all of this is keeping the animal(s) you buy from random people in quarantine if you don't know the full history or where it originated from.

Assisted Answer

2/21/2009 10:47:20 AM

vonnick52

Everything said above is true, but at the same time, you always have to keep your eye out for those outstanding deals....I have no experience with reptile adoption agencies, what kind of python is it? Depending on the species, that could be a great deal or a mediocre deal. If its mediocre, pass on it and buy an animal from a reputable breeder that way you have that much less to worry about. If you decide to purchase them anyways, ABSOLUTELY be sure to check the health of the animal before purchasing and don't let it anywhere near your other animals for a few months, as you risk spreading communicable diseases.

I have had my ups and downs with private purchases. I have one animal that I got a really good deal on, and when I got her, I found out why...she wasn't eating...had some belly rot from systematic infection of some sorts which resulted in extensive vet bills and me giving the snake anti-biotic injections for two weeks....and now I'm tube feeding her because she's still not totally well (this has been going on since late August/early September of 08). On the flip side...I have a very nice female Biak Chondro that came with an exo-terra full set up and everything for less than I could of bought the animal for.
If you cannot find any information about the person online through the aforementioned websites, I wouldn't purchase the animal without seeing it take a meal and getting my hands on it to check it out. Again though, QUARANTINE QUARANTINE QUARANTINE!

Assisted Answer

2/21/2009 1:20:24 PM

Kaiyudsai

110 for an adoption????? that's ridiculous.... the old "rehoming fee" ... IMO you're better off buying from a breeder..... unless of course you are just interested in saving some animals.... in any case I would negotiate the price... you could buy a corn and a ball python for under 100 bucks from a breeder.......

Assisted Answer

2/21/2009 3:57:16 PM

TigerLilly

Although legal adoption agencies/rescues will check you out, it still makes sense for you to check them out as well. I was going to purchase a bp from someone claiming to be a "rescue" when in fact they were not. Oftentimes, people of this nature take in free reptiles that no one wants anymore just to "flip" them and make a fast buck. Ask them to show you their 501(c). That will prove whether or not they are "legal." If they are not legal, I would be very wary of buying anything from them unless it comes with verifiable vet paperwork.

Assisted Answer

2/21/2009 8:37:31 PM

Windswept

Assuming you mean a ball python and a corn, you could buy both from breeders for less than $100. This reeks of just someone trying to make a quick buck because they don't want the animals anymore, I know of several agencies that'll give the snake over for free if you check out.

So, go for a breeder or find someone else, I say. OR, negotiate and find out why they want so much. :/

Member Comment

2/21/2009 9:44:11 PM

dalvers63

If it is a legitimate rescue, and you're OK with paying that much, then go ahead. I'm the Adoption Coordinator for our herp society and the most we charge for any animal is $20. On top of that, you have to be a member, which is $20 for a year.

We don't pass on vet care expenses to adopters which is why the cost is the same for any animals. We're always happy to take more or take donations. FInding good homes for the animals is the most important thing, though.

Member Comment

1/16/2011 11:57:41 PM

abi21491

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