Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I think my post was deleted so I will keep it simple. If buying hets from a breeder what should one ask for for garantee. I see alot people saying garantee but is that just their word? Should you ask for copy of license and/or signed notirized garantee. what happens if the hets dont prove out and the person does not honor his/her word what do you do? I want a pair of het albino and cant afford what the big name breeders charge and I want to take every step possible to garantee the hets

>I think my post was deleted so I will keep it simple. If buying hets from a breeder what should one ask for for garantee. I see alot people saying garantee but is that just their word? Should you ask for copy of license and/or signed notirized garantee.

At present, you are taking a chance - even from big name breeders (even if less of a chance). It's too easy for someone to rip you off - unfortunately.

I offer a picture of the offspring signed by me along with details of the snake. For example, Albino X Normal and date of birth. However, if someone wanted to rip you off, you would not know for at least a year. Someone can guarantee all day long but if they don't back it, then you really don't have much recourse. I'm not sure what you mean by license. DL? License to have certain animals? I have both, but again, I'm not sure what they would do for you. Both can be faked.

Research, research, research. Ask about a breeder(s) you are interested in. Get feedback. Talk to the breeder. How long has she/he been around. Do searches on boards like this one. How far back do you find posts. If a breeder has been posting on Kingsnake for the last 3 years, I think it's safe to say he/she is not a fly-by-night type of person. Or at least didn't just show up. Read their posts and get a "feel" for the kind of person they are. Look at things like email address. I rarely talk with anyone with a hotmail or yahoo address. Before anything serious takes place, I must get "real" contact information.

> what happens if the hets dont prove out and the person does not honor his/her word what do you do? I want a pair of het albino and cant afford what the big name breeders charge and I want to take every step possible to garantee the hets

Again, I'm not sure there is much that can be done. One of the reasons I produce photos is so if I ever get a complaint, I can compare animals. Think of your real costs. Is a $50 savings worth a possible 2 or more year delay in your breeding project? Surely your time is worth more than that. I'm not saying go to big breeders and skip smaller breeders. Just do your research. If you still get ripped off, you'll know that you did all you could to avoid it.

A breeding explosion is taking place and there are lots of "small guys/gals" out there with plenty of animals. Sometimes, taking a chance pays off big.

Good luck!
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Jay A. Martin

Thats why it's nice to know the person your dealing with, and if you have any doubts, just don't get them. I'm getting het pairs for 600 or less this year, and I know they will be hets.

Chad