Looking for a local specialist breeder in the internet? It's usually a sensible option to at least view the animal you are purchasing in an established environment before you buy, at least you can then be satisfied that it appears to be healthy and pleasant natured, and will endure minimal stress in being transported. Look for all the signs mentioned in the previous post, it makes sense to be aware of signs of a healthy snake before you set out to purchase it, tongue flicking, body weight, activity, etc.

Most breeders will allow you to go look at their stock by appointment and if they are breeding their snakes the chances are the adults are healthy and in a suitable environment to promote copulation.

They will also offer sound advice based on experience of housing the parent snakes and most will willingly tell you just about everything they know about the snake you are purchasing. On the other hand if you dont like what you see you can always walk away and avoid buying from someone who obtains their stock from that breeder, though this is not something I have ever needed to do.

On the other hand you may get just as good a service from the local pet shop, as before they really aren't all bad, though personally I'd rather buy from an expert based on their knowledge, experience and the specialist advice they can offer.

There is also the incentive in that breeders will usually specialise in a particular type ie ball, hognose, rat etc, so rather than a general knowledge of "snakes" they will have excellent knowledge about their favoured type

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