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Tips for choosing a breeder

Hypancistrus

New member
I am going to be attending the Mid-Atlantic Reptile Show quite soon- about three weeks from now. I was thinking of picking up a Leopard Gecko, but now that I've had some time to get used to my Corn, I am considering another snake. I think I want something a little different than a Corn, but still a good pet, so I am thinking either a Ball Python or a Mexican Black Kingsnake. I've also had good experiences with a California Kingsnake, so I wouldn't be averse to one of those either.

The only thing that worries me is that I sort of accidentally stumbled upon a great Corn Snake breeder (she answered a message I posted on this site back in May!) without really knowing what to look for in a good breeder.

I was a participant in a chat a few weeks ago in which some more experienced members detailed the ins and outs of Crypt, and it freaked me out a lot. I can and will quarantine the new snake, but you really cannot quarantine for Crypt (from what I have read) so choosing a good breeder is essential.

So what do I look for in breeders at these reptile shows? I am going through the list of vendors one by one, looking for those that will be carrying the snakes I'd consider. Once I have a cumulative list, I will post it, and hopefully some folks will have had some experience with these breeders.

Also, if anyone could suggest another forum, similar to this one, where I could network with BP/KS/MS nuts, I'd appreciate it.
 
Okay, here's the list. There are a few people who didn't list what they would be selling. I have included them at the end.

Jim Shacochis Reptiles- MD [BP]
Harford Reptile Breeding Center- MD [BP]
LLL Reptiles- have heard bad things about these guys from Bearded Dragon people
Maryland Reptile Farm- MD [pretty much anything]
Prairieland Herpetoculture- IL [BP, colubrids]
Regal Reptiles- RI [anything & everything]
Reptile Kingdom, Allen Booth- NJ [KS/MS/BP]
John Skipper Reptiles- MD [BP/KS?/MS?]

Some unknowns (no specialty listed- could be selling anything!)
Rick Krumrine- ? [?]
Ted Lascola- WV [?]
Robert McIvor- MD [?]
Randy Wright- ? [?]

My gut instinct is not to go with any of the "mass producers" who don't specialize- like LLL Reptiles (who seem to be willing to buy CB animals from anyone) or Maryland Reptile Farm. Maybe I am being overly cautious, but I don't want ANYTHING to happen to my little Corn!

Again I appreciate any and all responses. If there's something you'd like to say about a breeder, but don't want to air in public, feel free to PM me. Thanks very much!
 
Hypancistrus said:
Maryland Reptile Farm- MD [pretty much anything]

Rick Krumrine- ? [?]
those are the only two i have delt with i tihnk, and i have nothing to say bad about either. I got my pair of mexicans blacks from MD reptile farms, and some kingsnakes from Rick, i had good servie from both!
 
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