Backwater ReptilesReviews of backwaterreptiles.com

My husband ordered a Russian tortoise for our daughter. We received the tort Exactly 2 weeks ago. She arrived lethargic. Within 24 hours she was not moving, and would not open eyes. I figured she was stressed from her trip and just gave her time. After four days of not eating or drinking, eyes remained closed with discharge, and not moving, I had seen enough. I contacted Blackwater reptiles but they don’t pick up the phone, supposedly do the Covid. I emailed them and waited almost 48 hours for them to reply. I asked them for advice and support, but I was given none. I was basically told me I was doing everything right and I should wait it out. I then recontacted them the next day after no improvement and asked them if they would cover the vet bills and they told me no. The only thing they did was extend their death guarantee from seven days to 30 days, so essentially my turtle has to die before I get money back (minus shipping fees of course). Anyway, I couldn’t stand by and watch an animal suffer so I made an appointment with the vet. $350 later, she got antibiotics, fluids for “severe dehydration“ and vitamin A&D shot. At this point she is more alert, moving around a little, eyes open but still has not eaten. No doubt I’ll be ending up at the vet again later this week for more costly treatment. I’m pretty upset about the whole thing, and considering calling the credit card company to dispute payment. In retrospect, should never have bought from backwater reptiles. Quite honestly, I should have Taken more time and done more research to adopt an animal. My fault for that. Won’t make that mistake again. Hopefully if you’re reading my review, you won’t either. Don’t buy from backwater reptiles. Either buy from the reputable breeder or adopt.

Horrible business. Took my money now I can’t get in contact with anyone. I will be seeking legal representation. DONT NO BUY FROM THIS PLACE. While website is a SCAM!!

I ordered a goliath birdeater from them, what arrived was a close cousin, but not the species I ordered. Also,she looked absolutely starved!! She was in very rough shape. She showed up in a deli cup with a tiny bit of substrate, I can only imagine how rough and stressful her trip was.

I ordered a Hypo Boa Constrictor from them. First day it arrived, she was alive (surprisingly), but I noticed she was very skinny. I tried feeding her, but she wouldn't eat. I assumed that it was from the stress of shipping, so I let it slide. The following day, I tried feeding her again, but she wouldn't budge. At the very least, I did see her drink from her water dish. I still couldn't get by the fact that she wouldn't eat, so I decided I'd take her to the vet after work the next day. I get home from work the next afternoon, and I see that she was dead. I emailed BWR in hopes of getting a refund and no response from them. TLDR: they sent me an underweight animal who refused to eat and 2 days later, she died...

If I could give this a ZERO I would. This is the worst customer service I’ve ever experienced. We order two frogs, one of which died within a few days. My daughter, who is autistic, wanted to have a funeral for her pet that she loved so very much. I explained this to Britney, the costumer service representative, she did not show any compassion or care for the dead animal or my daughters well being. She simply stated “send me a picture as per our return policy” I mentioned we had a funeral and “returning” the animal wasn’t my first thought. I’m a disabled veteran Who was injured in combat and my first thought was to protect my daughter with autism and her feelings. She wanted to have a memorial and if theirs any parents that have children with autism you’ll better understand what’s important. I mentioned to her that we buried the animal. She then advised me to dig up the frog and desecrate the grave site that my autistic daughter made. After I did this she then tried to “up charge” me for a “replacement” frog. I mentioned to her that we paid for an adult frog but received a baby frog instead, which is the one that died, she then blamed me for the error and said I’m not worth doing business with. Now I have a devastated autistic child who put her heart and soul into loving this animal and instead of making things right they are choosing to put pride over responsibility. I highly recommend finding another place for your exotic animal. They don’t care about their animals, the people they sell to or the well being of others.

I ordered 2 Colorado River Toads, both dead on arrival and Backwater Reptiles refuses to take responsibility. This entity is owned and operated by abusive sociopaths.

Ordered a tarantula. Came in a jar with grainy substrate and moss.. totally shooken up. I opened the mess of a jar to find nothing but the crap. No T at all. They wont take responsibility and they wont refund my purchase because they think im trying to get a free animal.... dont buy from them.

I ordered 2 Red Eyed Tree Frogs. One arrived dead. They shipped them in tiny cups with just a wet sponge instead of sphagnum moss to make a cushion. The one that died had her toe closed in the lid. The other girl had unusual green spots all over her. She was a little thin too. They sent me a replacement (for $25 not free) and when she arrived she had a HUGE cut on her hand and a broken toe. The cup was crushed and the lid wasn’t on so as soon as I opened the box she jumped out. They didn’t seem to care at all. She ended up losing the toe. The first girl never recovered from her sickness. I gave her medicated baths and tried everything but she was just too sick. Still have the girl that is missing a toe but she won’t eat so I fear she won’t make it.