Question for the experts

[sdrake]

Hi,
I have the opportunity to purchase a trio of sharp strain 100%het albino columbian redtails (2-Fem., 1 - M.), breeding pair of jungles, breeding pair of diamonds, breeding pair of dumerils, breeding pair of brazilian rainbows, breeding pair of womas. Complete rack built by creature comforts, full on auto feed auto water rodent rack. all animals have paperwork to prove they have successfully bred. the price is $11,000. This seems like a great deal to me. I know quite a bit about reptile keeping but I never really got into breeding and I would appreciate any input from knowledgeable breeders. Thanks in advance for taking the time to provide your expertise. sdrake101@netzero.com

[Justin@ectothermz]

It's a good deal, but only if it is right for you. There is simply no simple answer for this question, assuming that is why no one has attempted to answer it.

Questions you need to answer and this is only the tip of the iceburg.

A. Why are they being sold
B. Are these animals in prime health
C. Are these animals you feel comfortable working with and have the knowledge to maintain let alone breed.
D. This is a broad spectrum of animals and each needs a very specific climate, the variance seems a little more then you'd be able to maintain in one single rack??? Maybe, maybe not.
E. The majority of these animals are large and or tempermental, can you handle them, feed them?
F. I found it interesting that you mentioned that you have paperwork to prove they have bred? I'd assume you mean that they are legitimately what they are represented to be. All of the animals on your list can be determined to be what they are simply by looking at them, with the exception of the het sharps(which would require paperwork from the breeder)

On a much lesser note the price isn't all that fantastic, considering...rainbows, dums, and womas are not all that pricey. The diamonds are still expensive and the price on the het sharps depends on their age/size/ and pedigree.

If you were to take them inspect them with a fine tooth comb, ask a million question, get ages, health records, check for mites, and don't expect to make a million dollars off of their offspring.

These animals all have very different breeding requirements and can send you into a fit, if they don't produce for you. Pythons and boas will readily breed but that doesn't neccessarily translate into viable offspring.

Heed the warning when buying adults especially if you haven't seen and inspected them, even if they are from your best friend.

Hope this helps,
Justin Higgs