Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Can someone tell me (from personal experience, not rumor) the differences between buying farm-raised chondros versus bona fide captive bred ? Do the farm-raised animals tend to be more parasite-loaded, fragile, etc ?

You would probably get more reponses if this was posted on the Chondro forum but I am sure others here could explain this as well.

There are several differences, the first being that with US CB you are much more likely to know the lineage of the animal and what the parents look like, which will give you some indication of what the baby may look like when it is older. Second, US CB often are accompanied with feed/shed records from the time of birth, documenting that the animal is eating and what it is eating. Most reputable US breeders will not sell their offspring until the animals are established feeders. By the time you receive it, you should not have too much trouble getting it to feed. Quite often, farm bred animals are exported to the US after only eating a few meals, and sometimes haven't eaten at all. At which time, the wholesaler slaps a price tag on them and off they go to some unsuspecting buyer who may or may not be able to get the animal to feed. Third, farm bred animals have a higher risk of carrying parasites due to the conditions and feeding practices of some breeding farms.

These are just a few differences that I am aware of. I know many keepers who own farm bred animals and are very happy with them. I myself have owned farm bred animals and have been very happy with the animal. Three things to consider when buying a farm bred animal. First, many of them are sold as CB which can be somewhat misleading when some people assume CB means US CB, obviously, it doesn't. Second, the quality of the animal is often determined by who imported the animal and how it was cared for before being sold to you. I know of some wholesalers who received the imported animals on a Friday, and have them for sale that same weekend at shows, having no idea if they are feeding, or are healthy. Others, Gary Schiavino for example, receive the animals and hold on to them to insure they are feeding properly and have no obvious health problems. Gary even provides a health guarantee. Third thing to consider is that you are taking a chance anytime you buy an animal but are taking an even greater one when purchasing an imported farm bred animal. You need to understand the risks (i.e., feeding problems, parasites, etc.) and be able to deal with them if and when they arise.

Hope this helps, and again, post this question on the chondro forum and I am sure you will get more responses.

Bart