Effective Date: July 2026
At Scaly Friends, we want every buyer to have a safe, enjoyable, and informed experience. While Scaly Friends provides a trusted marketplace, every purchase is an agreement between the buyer and the breeder.
Use this guide to help make your reptile buying experience a positive one.
1. Research Before You Buy
Before purchasing any reptile, take the time to learn about:
- Housing requirements
- Heating and lighting
- Feeding requirements
- Adult size
- Lifespan
- Temperament
- Ongoing care costs
Owning a reptile is a long-term commitment.
2. Choose a Reputable Breeder
Look for breeders who:
- Provide clear photos of their reptiles.
- Give honest and detailed descriptions.
- Answer your questions willingly.
- Communicate professionally.
- Have complete breeder profiles.
- Display a Scaly Friends Verified badge (where applicable).
3. Ask Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask about:
- Feeding history
- Hatch date or age
- Genetics and morphs
- Health history
- Shedding
- Temperament
- Current weight
- Parent lineage (where available)
A responsible breeder will be happy to answer your questions.
4. Prepare Before Bringing Your Reptile Home
Before collecting your reptile, make sure you already have:
- An appropriate enclosure
- Heating equipment
- Thermometer and hygrometer (where needed)
- Hides and décor
- Suitable substrate
- Fresh water
- Correct food
Your reptile should never arrive before its enclosure is ready.
5. Understand Shipping Arrangements
If your reptile is being transported:
- Confirm collection and delivery details.
- Discuss packaging with the breeder.
- Avoid shipping during extreme weather.
- Be available to receive your reptile.
Always prioritise the animal’s welfare.
6. Verify Legal Requirements
Some reptiles require permits or may be subject to provincial regulations.
It is your responsibility to ensure that:
- The species is legal to own.
- Any required permits are obtained.
- You comply with all applicable South African laws.
7. Inspect Your Reptile
Upon collection or delivery:
- Carefully inspect the reptile.
- Confirm it matches the listing.
- Check for obvious signs of illness or injury.
- Contact the breeder promptly if you have concerns.
8. Avoid Scams
To help protect yourself:
- Deal only with reputable breeders.
- Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true.
- Never share sensitive banking or personal information unnecessarily.
- Ask for additional photos or videos if you are unsure.
- Keep a record of your conversations with the breeder.
If something feels wrong, take your time before proceeding.
9. Remember: Scaly Friends Is a Marketplace
Scaly Friends connects buyers with breeders.
We do not:
- Own the reptiles listed.
- Handle transactions between buyers and breeders (unless specifically stated in the future).
- Guarantee the outcome of private agreements.
Buyers should always do their own research before making a purchase.
10. Report Concerns
If you believe a breeder has:
- Misrepresented a reptile
- Broken our Marketplace Rules
- Listed an unhealthy animal
- Behaved fraudulently
- Violated animal welfare standards
Please contact Scaly Friends so we can investigate.
11. Responsible Reptile Ownership
Every reptile deserves proper care and respect.
Before purchasing a reptile, please ensure that you can provide:
- Appropriate housing
- Correct nutrition
- Veterinary care when required
- Lifelong commitment to its wellbeing
Responsible ownership benefits both reptiles and the reptile community.
Contact Us
If you have questions or wish to report a concern, please contact:
Scaly Friends
📧 scalyfriendsmarketplace@gmail.com
❤️ A message from Scaly Friends
Thank you for helping us build a respectful, knowledgeable, and responsible reptile community.
Every ethical breeder, informed buyer, and well-cared-for reptile helps strengthen South Africa’s reptile community.
Building South Africa’s trusted reptile marketplace—one breeder, one reptile, one connection at a time.