Suspicious breeder or not???

[kabob]

K, I found a breeder in my area BUT the breeder suggested we meet somewhere - now i'm not sure if this is normal or not.
I always figured I would visit the breeder's place to see the hedgies but either the breeder is just taking saftey precautions (alot bad ppl out there) or the breeder has got something to hide.
I found this breeder on line.

Please advise - I feel that the final sale should be at the breeders place - for all i know this breeder might not be legit.

help!

[paris26]

Is this breeder suggesting a meeting place to discuss the potential sale of one of their hogs? Maybe it's their way of screening you to make sure that they are selling to someone legit (not to say that you aren't)
Ask the breeder if they have any past customers or references that you could talk with. A good breeder who stands by their animals will do that. What better way of advertising for them?
Also, where did you find the breeder online? Please don't mention specific names of the breeder in question, but many breeders are affiliated with hedgehog groups such as the Hedgehog Welfare Society, the Hedgehog Breeders Alliance,the International Hedgehog Association etc. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't still ask questions or that all the breeders in those clubs are good breeders, but it's a good place to look.
In the end go with your gut feelings. Does this make sense?

[kabob]

thanks for replying paris26 - i got the hedgy breeder's email from another breeder(who breeds a different type of small animal). the "small animal" breeder and i have been corresponding for maybe 2 months but we've never met. however she recommended this hedgy breeder to me.
and yes we are meeting because i want to see what she has to offer.

[Nancy]

I meet people half way sometimes but those are ones that don't want or can't drive the whole distance. We do alot of talking through phone and email ahead of time and then arrange a meeting place. I've driven 3 hours one way to meet people who have also driven 3 hours.

If you are willing to drive to the breeders home and they still don't want you to, that would send up alarm bells to me. How much have you corresponded with the breeder and do they have a website? It could also just be their way of screening people without commiting where they live.

You can pm either me or Paris26 with the breeders name. We might know who it is and be able to give you some information. If you also include your location we can give you breeders near you. :)

[HedgieMomma]

Personally I have EVERY single customer come to my home, if they wish to meet the parents of my babies, they are available for them to see. I prefer them to come to my home in case they ever need additional support, they know where I am, and will feel comfortable about coming to me. Just my preference, I feel more comfortable here and I would hope my customers do to.
Michelle

[kabob]

well we've only corressponded for maybe a day or so - so maybe that why this breeder is "being safe"??

the "small animal breeder" who recommened this hedgy says she's sure this breeder is legit
- oh and i must correct myself i think i stated that the "small animal breeder" and i have been emailing each other for 2 months ---after checking out old emails it seems we've been emailing since april - my mistake :lol:

[kaiteedyd]

I get a little nervous about the idea of people I don't know driving to my house to pickup animals. I'd rather meet somewhere but that's just me.

Ofcourse I live with 3 other girls and don't want to put them in any danger.

I'll only meet people at my house I feel super comfortable with or have maybe met before in a public place.

call me paranoid...

[Nancy]

Kaitee you are right. I was giving this more thought overnight and realize I answered for my situation only.

I forgot to mention that when someone does come to my house it is only after repeated phone and email contact and I feel fairly comfortable with them. I also make sure that my husband is home as well as my daughters boyfriend, both are BIG guys.

A person cannot be too careful these days. There are alot of crazies out there. :)

[kabob]

:ring: thanks guy - ok so this is more or less the norm - i think i wud be cautious if i was in her situation too - the world is a crazy place with tons of crazy ppl.

thanks again!!

[HedgieMomma]

Guess I am not overly worried as I do get to know all of my clients either by phone or email before they come over, and I am never home alone. Plus we have Doberman's, which is extra security.
I also have lots of neighbors close that are home all the time too. Really you need to do what makes you comfortable, if you feel odd about a breeder/customer, go with your gut instinct. I won't sell to anyone if I feel they are a little "off".
Michelle