Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I know that it is smarter to buy heterozygous snakes from well established breeders than from people with less credit. Established breeders will be able to show “proof” that the snake you are buying is a het. I was just wondering if anyone out there has, or knows someone who has been “taken” and bought an animal that was claimed to be a het, but proved not to be one later down the line? Do people know of specific cases of fraud in the piebald trade? I was just wondering how rare this occurrence really was. Thanks

I have not talked to anyone who hasn't been ripped off at some point. Hets are very shakey bussiness. I personally would not buy a het but if I did it would have to be from someone I trust and a 100% het at that. I don't like taking chances. I don't buy lotto tickets either but the down side is I have no chance of winning the lotto. Anyway be careful.

Kevin

Well....

I think you have to be careful when buying hets. I've had my share of het problems. I bought two female 100% hets for albino, with signed documents and pictures. Last year they bred with my albino male. One had 6 eggs (4 albinos and 2 hets) the other had 5 eggs (all hets). This year she's breeding with the male albino again. If I get all hets... I can safely assume she's not really a het.

Yes...I've learn some of my lessons the hard way. This is just one of my fun experiences (but still love the animals) and why I only sell hets that I have proven out or have produced. There are many breeders who have all had simular experiences and are just as dedicated to providing quality animals and services. The trick is finding them. Check refrences, ask questions, and make sure they have the visable morph that produced the het. (Ask for picture proof).

Good luck
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Larry Walker

There is another site that I can't link here that specializes in the kind of dealer feedback information you can't post here. Ask around or search the Internet for it.