Hey all. I originally was just going to post a pic of this critter since it changed color, but had some thoughts bouncing around my head as of late.
This guy is an "entry level" CBB chondro I bought from a breeder. I mention this because I know there is alot of debate or questions here about the value of buying CBB over farmed or WC animals. My first few chondros cost me quite a bit more than this guy, but you can see how nicely it turned out. I think it's a super specimen of a mainland type chondro.
Also worth mentioning: This CBB chondro decided to take a vacation from feeding upon arrival. It didn't eat for about three months, but I had absolutely no worries because I was able to talk to the breeder, heed his advice and personal experience and get the guy eating again. I also knew the animal was eating well and what it was eating before I received it because I had records from the breeder. Also there was very little chance this chondro was suffering from renal failure and the subsequent kidney damage that is always a real possibility when acquiring an imported animal(basically, I knew the snake had always been well hydrated) I was also informed by the breeder that if the problem progressed past the point I felt comfortable with, I could ship it back, and he would work with the animal to get it going again. I also recieved a photo pedigree dating back over 20 years on the dam's side. For as long as I own this chondro, I feel I could talk with the breeder and get help with any issues I might have in caring for it.
I posted this at the risk of sounding dogmatic or preachy, which was not at all my intention. I've just read so many posts debating this topic that I thought I would share my experience, and the benefits that truly do come with buying from and supporting dedicated breeders.
So... the theme of my rant is... if you have never had the privelege of working with a dedicated breeder to acquire a chondro, you might not know what you are missing out on. So much of what has made my chondro experience valuable and rewarding has been meeting and learning from passionate, dedicated keepers and breeders. Anyways, thanks for reading, and if you endured all of that you should at least get to see the picture I came to post, LOL!!
Thanks,
Kevin
