Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just getting started and I've been reading as many care sheets as I can find. One question I need to ask has anyone dealt with any of the dealers here on the Kingsnake board and would you reccomend any of them? Secondly how important is it to get Cb as compared to WC? How many of you use sand as compared to bird seed?

Thanks, Ronnie

I will have to make this quick as my hungries will awaken at any time...
I will refer you with confidence to Lindsay Pike- urotopia.com
WC if not acclimated can be problematic but so can CB if the parents are not at optimal health- I bought an imported uro from Lindsay and I have had not one issue. Lindsay seems to me to be an honest dude who cares about uros.

I bought my current Uro from Lindsay Pike (urotopia.com) as well, and would highly recommed him. Deer Fern Farms (deerfernfarms.com) is also very well regarded, and I would buy from them with confidence as well.

If you are new to Uros I would *strongly* urge you to go through a reputable breeder, and to spend the little extra on a captive bred lizard. Buying a wild caught animal from Urotopia or Deer Fern Farms would probably be ok, because they will make sure that it is eating, and healthy beforehand; however, my understanding is that WC animals tend to have more potential for sudden, unexplainable declines regardless. WC animals from unknown origins will often not eat, have parasites, and as many people can (very sadly) attest to, die before the problems can be solved.

If you make the decision to buy an animal from a breeder who will not support you throughout your lizard's life (again - I REALLY don't recommend this!!), buying a CB vs WC animal is imperative. Of course one of the tricks is being able to tell one from the other if you aren't sure you can trust the seller!! Yoy have similar problems with most chain (and independant actually) pet stores. Only in their case it is usually lack of knowledge, instead of deceit that is the problem.

I believe that there are also ethical and moral considerations to the WC vs CB debate as well, but those are probably best decided by yourself.

Overall, your best bet to own a happy, well-adjusted, healthy lizard is to buy from a well-respected, well-known, established breeder. There are others besides Lindsay (Urotopia) and Deer Fern Farms, but those are the two I am most familiar with (and would highly recommend). As a point of information, both places are very busy, so if you are emailing make sure to put something like "Want to buy Uro" in your subject; and if calling to leave a message.

btw - Good job on researching first! The best way to do it is to have their new home all set up, and temperatures stable before you buy your new family member! Less stress for everyone.

Elizabeth

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1.0 Mali Uro Archimedes (May he rest in peace)
0.0.1 Egyptian Uro Zuberi Mosca Khu (Mosca)
0.1 Sulcata Minnie
1.1 Iguanas Flik and Loki
Madison, Wisconsin

Sorry i got mine at the Philly expo. Mine is WC red nigerian and he is the best little guy ever. He will tolerate you holding him for up to about 15 min at a time, other then that he is great. Eats like a pig and has excellent color. Here are two different pics but the same uro.

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o259/Brizzy420/Uro-Irwin Pics/IMG_0074.jpg

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