Craigslist: good? bad?

[Likeabosscd]

I currently don't own any snakes but I'm very interested in getting one. I would like to purchase the snake from a trusted breeder but my parents keep suggesting Craigslist. I don't really trust Craigslist because I think the snake will be aggressive, get sick, die early, or just have a bunch of problems. I would also like to raise the snake from a young age rather than getting a full grown mature snake. Mostly, all I see on Craigslist is a bunch of full grown snakes.

Just wondering anyone's opinion on whether or not I should trust Craigslist or if I should just try to get the snake from the breeder.

[Scubadiver59]

Welcome to sSNAKESs!! :)

I've been buying snakes from CL for the last year with no problems what-so-ever; however, ask the seller all sorts of questions. Questions like:
1. Mites? Ever?
2. Current feeding schedule and prey size?
3. Current temps? This can change but at least you'll know what the snake likes.
4. Where they got the snake from? You probably won't ever get snakes with any kind of parentage, but ask anyway.
5. Any recent sicknesses? Overall health of the snake? Any respirator issues, ever?

Just a start...

[IDvsEGO]

wow, parents pushing a kid to buy from craigslist. Thats a new one on me. If it is to save some cash but still want a baby, I suggest looking into reptile shows. Repitcon shows are all over the place.

[Scubadiver59]

Probably something along the lines of getting an animal from a shelter, pound, etc...

wow, parents pushing a kid to buy from craigslist. Thats a new one on me. If it is to save some cash but still want a baby, I suggest looking into reptile shows. Repitcon shows are all over the place.

[craigafrechette]

Hi and welcome.

Going the Craigslist route can work out well IF you know what questions to ask, what to look for in an unhealthy snake, etc...
Personally, I think it's too much risk for a young person without experience to fall back on.

[Jim Smith]

I bought my first snake from Craig's list from a local breeder that also sells that way. If you don't care about the genetics because you just want a pet snake with no intentions of breeding in the future, and you ask the right questions as stated above you should be fine. There is usually an additional cost of around $50 of shipping if you buy from a breeder who is not local. Depending on where you live, there may be a reptile show near you where you'll have hundreds of snakes to choose from and usually get to handle the snakes and speak with the breeders before making your selection. Keep in mind that there are additional costs for the enclosure, heating, lighting bedding materials etc. as well as prey items for feeding. Overall snakes are very easy to keep and make wonderfully interesting and enjoyable pets. I also recommend that you do lots of research as to what species you want and the husbandry requirements before you start your search. One last point. There are many states with laws/restrictions on owning some species of snakes, usually species that are indigenous to your state. I recommend that you check with your local Fish and Game department to see if there are any restrictions on owning different species in your state before you buy. Good luck and enjoy your new adventure.

[Bandit]

I'm going to agree with the crowd on this - it can work out well IF you know what you're doing. The main questions which should be asked have already been stated, so I won't repeat them. Actually, I don't know anyone (personally) that has ever had a bad experience with buying reptiles through Craigslist. My main thing is that I would want to see the snake before I hand over money so that I can make sure that all looks well...alert, active, healthy scales, etc. If you don't know what exactly to look for, that may not help. Also, I don't know how old you are, but I really think you're parents should go with you to meet the seller/get the snake. I'm not trying to overhype the "craigslist killer" situations or anything, because everyone I've ever met up with through the site (which has been a lot) has always been very nice and all of the transactions have gone fine. But you never know, and it's better to be safe than sorry.

All that aside, I think Craigslist can be a good way to get a snake. They are often cheaper, and a lot of times people are selling snakes on there (even young ones) because life happens and they can no longer care for their snakes. Other good options are reptile expos, where you can choose from a wide selection and often get certain snakes cheaper than you could elsewhere. Facebook groups are another option. Join some local reptile groups and see what people are selling. Good luck!

[Likeabosscd]

Thank you all for your help. Your responses are greatly appreciated. Everyone here was super helpful. I think I'm going to go to a reptile show simply because that way I can handle the snake and ask the breeder some questions. Also I will have a lot of options. I don't think I will look on Craigslist because I don't know what questions I should ask or what I should look for. I'm not sure how to tell the health of a snake just by looking at it yet so the reptile show seems like the best option.

[IDvsEGO]

the selection alone is worth it. I ahve seens ome people here find soem unique snakes on CL but my area only has balls, red tails and retics. sometimes a king. I have seen 1 carpet and 1 woma. A show will ahve way more

[Scubadiver59]

Yea, but you can always decline to buy, and I guess I've been lucky and haven't had an issue with driving long distances--and I've made many 3-5 hours drives to buy snakes (i.e. NC and SW VA)--and finding a snake in bad shape.

I'm going to agree with the crowd on this - it can work out well IF you know what you're doing. The main questions which should be asked have already been stated, so I won't repeat them. Actually, I don't know anyone (personally) that has ever had a bad experience with buying reptiles through Craigslist. My main thing is that I would want to see the snake before I hand over money so that I can make sure that all looks well...alert, active, healthy scales, etc. If you don't know what exactly to look for, that may not help. Also, I don't know how old you are, but I really think you're parents should go with you to meet the seller/get the snake. I'm not trying to overhype the "craigslist killer" situations or anything, because everyone I've ever met up with through the site (which has been a lot) has always been very nice and all of the transactions have gone fine. But you never know, and it's better to be safe than sorry.

All that aside, I think Craigslist can be a good way to get a snake. They are often cheaper, and a lot of times people are selling snakes on there (even young ones) because life happens and they can no longer care for their snakes. Other good options are reptile expos, where you can choose from a wide selection and often get certain snakes cheaper than you could elsewhere. Facebook groups are another option. Join some local reptile groups and see what people are selling. Good luck!

[Bandit]

Yea, but you can always decline to buy, and I guess I've been lucky and haven't had an issue with driving long distances--and I've made many 3-5 hours drives to buy snakes (i.e. NC and SW VA)--and finding a snake in bad shape.That's what I was getting at. Sorry if it wasn't clear.