Pet Store VS Breeder : Where to Buy Your Reptiles

If your in the market for a new reptile pet, your in luck. It seems like every pet store has a decent supply of reptiles, not to mention the growing supply of local breeders, which you can find in almost any urban location. Should you buy your reptile from a breeder, or from a pet store? That is a question that only you can answer, however as a reptile collector, hobbyist, and breeder perhaps I can help shed some light on the subject.

Pet Store Reptiles: Pet stores gather their collection of reptiles in a variety of ways. Some of the reptiles come from large reptile breeders, while others are wild caught, or come from farms. Most private owned pet stores will buy pets from individuals who are just tired of the pet. You really need to check with the pet store to find out where they purchase their reptiles from, and if they are in fact wild caught reptiles. Also check to see how their reptiles are housed. For instance, if they have hatching leopard geckos on calcium sand substrate it could mean two things, either they have no knowledge of the reptiles needs, or they just toss them in the first available cage. Baby leopard geckos can eat the calcium sand substrate, and die from impaction.

Wholesale Market: You can buy wild caught reptiles in bulk or one at time at a fraction of the cost you would expect to pay from a breeder, or pet store. However, remember sometimes you get what you pay for. There is a risk involved with purchasing wild caught reptiles. Wild caught reptiles are just that. They are reptiles that someone collected from their yard, or from an uninhabited area close to them. These reptiles can come from other countries, or from your own local area. There is a high death rate with wild caught reptiles. Some of them will refuse to eat, and you will need to force feed them in order to keep them alive. Others will suffer from FTT also known as failure to thrive, which leads to certain death. Even if your wild caught reptile is eating, it may have internal and / or external parasites, which could lead to it's death eventually, or even contaminate other reptiles you own. Not every wild caught reptile is sick, but there is a higher rish with a wild caught, then there is with a captive breed reptile.

Breeders: You can find plenty of great reptiles through local breeders. However, don't be fooled. Some breeders inbreed their reptiles to archive morph colorations, and patterns. This can lead to serious health conditions. And, just like with any animal some breeders cut cost by housing their reptiles in unfit conditions. A good breeder will show you pictures of the parents, and know the line from which the reptile was breed. Only buy from breeders who take time to answer your questions, and educate you on the care of the reptile.

Reptile Shows: Attending reptile shows is a great ways to pick up some fantastic, and affordable reptiles. Just keep in mind that anyone who pays a fee can be a vendor at the event. No matter how nice their table looks, be sure to ask questions. Vendors selling wild caught reptiles should have them labeled as wild caught. Be sure to ask them if the reptile is eating, what it's eating, and if it is established before buying a wild caught reptile.

Classified Ads: Everyday someone comes home with a reptile that they thought was neat, only to regret buying it a few days later. Classified ads are great ways to find fantastic deals on reptiles. You can also find breeders though your classified ads as well. Just remember to ask questions, before buying. For example I have a bearded dragon that will not eat veggies, and will not drink from a dish. If I was to sell him, and did not inform the buyer of his needs, he might die. Important details can slip a persons mind, so ask questions.

No matter where you buy your reptile from, you should quarantine it from your other reptiles for at least two weeks. Never put your new reptile in a used tank or cage unless you have washed it with a bleach solution first. Even if the animal who used it prior was healthy, bacteria and other germs could still be harmful to your new reptile. And last but not least, enjoy owning your reptile.