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Inquiry Rockabirdie Reptiles

aambumann

aambumann

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Hi, was wondering what anyone thought of Rockabirdie Reptiles. I saw 2 other posts, one was good, one not so good, that is 50%, hoping for more info to make a decision to buy from. Thanks.
 
I'd make sure he doesn't still us USPS for shipping. I don't care what was said by some in the other thread, it is not an acceptable shipping method. Not only the fact that it sometimes takes 2 days, but some sorting facilities irradiate packages since the Anthrax scare.
 
I did speak with him personally on the phone, and asked him that very question. He uses Fed Ex overnight. For what you can tell over the phone, he seemed like a decent person. He even offered to pay for the shipping because I was buying 2 pair of Uromastyx. They are scheduled to arrive on Fri. 8-16-13. I will up date after arrival.
 
We recently bought a 1.2 of Giant Madagascar Velvet geckos ( Blaesodactylus boivini ) from him and were very pleased. I was able to pay quickly ( some breeders/dealers seem to love to string things out, even getting paid ) and arrange for shipment immediately.
Our animals arrived safely, packed correctly and in excellent health and condition, active , calm, friendly and bright eyed. He was very friendly and answered all my questions. We are extremely happy with our transaction with him and will be doing business with him again.
 
I have a mixed opinion. I contacted Rockabirdie through Facebook. They were initially very responsive - high-quality photos of the actual animal I would be buying, and answering some of questions I asked. Paid via paypal. Up to that point, it was honestly one of the easiest dealings. Then things went sideways. On Facebook, I asked about shipping - no response. Sent an inquiry directly to their email address - no response. Called their phone (which doesn't even have voicemail message), left a message - no response. So, after a week of trying to contact them and not getting a response, I went back to Facebook and informed them I would be filing a dispute with the claim. Quick response - said that the snake was being mailed that day (via USPS!?). The next day, I get a notice from PayPal saying my purchase was being refunded. I had to contact them again and ask if they had cancelled my order. Sure enough, they had, because the snake had been sold by "the partner" and they apologized and said they knew it "made them look bad."

There just seems to be an issue with disorganization and communication. So, while I don't have a negative opinion, I really don't have a positive one either. Also, I always find it a bit sketchy for people not to have their Terms, Conditions, and Shipping Info readily available.
 
Uros not like the pictures

I did receive animals quickly ( 2 pair of Uros ), the transaction went smoothly. He even paid for shipping. Talked to him on the phone a few times and was always helpful. I was not really happy with the colors on the Uros, they looked nothing like the photos on his face book page, I contacted him and he suggested they were in shed, or were getting acclimated and should improve, colors have not improved. 1 month later 2 quit eating, I was able to rehabilitate 1 of them but 1 did die. I did give a good guy review because I did receive the animals and they looked to be healthy other than the colors not meeting expectations, but I am not sure about another transaction. At this point I guess I will chalk it up to experience.
 
I recently inquired about the trio of cape gopher snakes they had offered (i think the price was like... $200 shipped or so). I thought that was an amazing price for a trio of cape gophers, captive bred, SHIPPED.... considering the fedex shipping would probably run at LEAST $70.

then I saw some people saying that they have used USPS and I started to wonder if that was the plan and that was why it was so cheap shipped... so I asked if it would be shipped fedex priority overnight? And at that point, they stopped responding even though up to that point communication was thorough. That just gave me a "feeling".
 
I purchased two snakes from him a short time ago (Sept 18). They were shipped FedEx, but arrived a day late. He had indicated it was an error on the part of FedEx. When I spoke with FedEx they explained the package had been dropped off past the last pick up time. The snakes did arrive and looked ok. One did have mites (happens too often) and is not feeding well. Contact me if you want more information.
 
He does get some different animals but that is because he is an importer. So if you don't mind getting wild caught animals that aren't cared for very well then he's not that bad. I don't agree with some of the things he does or the way he treats reptiles but to each his own. Just remember to treat his animals as if it came strait from the wild.
 
I am actually waiting to get the high yellow Saharan male listed in the classifieds on here shipped to me. I will be leaving a review for Thomas once this male is shipped to me. It has been such up and down crazy Weather though but hopefully he will be home soon.
 
Ozzie do not expect the colors to be as brilliant as they are in the picture. I ordered two pair of Uros and the colors never have looked like the ones advertised. I was disappointed. Remember these are imports. 2 out the four I received quit eating, I was able to save the male, but a female died. Ozzie, here is a link for the yellows I received from rockabirdie,( faunaclassifieds.com/forums/showthread.php?t=440989) they were advertised to look just like the one's he has on Fauna right now as well. Beware, I am not sure I would purchase from again, just my opinion. He is a nice enough guy, but the colors just do not match advertised pics.
 
I will keep you posted how everything goes ( I am hoping smoothly) I am aware of how the Uromastyx need to warm up before seeing the true color. I currently own 2 Uro's . I will not though in any shape or form accept and I will be livid if he comes with mites!! I work for an Exotic Vet so he will go straight there when he arrives. as I have my other Reptiles health to consider, This particular male is suppose to be around 2.5 years old, But I am hoping for a pleasant experience with Thomas.
 
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