Health Checklist When Buying Live Animals & Plants

## Why Pre-Purchase Health Checks Matter

Purchasing a live animal is a one-time decision. Learn how to identify unhealthy specimens by category.

Fish Health Checklist

• Eyes are clear with no cloudiness
• Fins are intact and held erect
• Swimming actively (not sitting motionless at the bottom)
• No white spot disease or cotton-like growths
• Gill movements are not excessively rapid

Reptile Health Checklist

• Eyes are wide open and clear
• No retained shed (old skin remnants)
• Posture is firm with alert responses
• Base of the tail is plump (indicates good nutrition)
• No mite infestations

Bird Health Checklist

• Eyes are bright and feathers are smooth
• Active and vocalizing
• Vent area is clean
• No discharge from nostrils

Plant Health Checklist

• Roots are firm and healthy
• No mushy or yellowing leaves
• No pests on the undersides of leaves
• New growth is present

What to Ask the Seller

Always confirm feeding history, health history, and source. On BreederDirect, the messaging feature lets you ask breeders directly, giving you confidence in your purchase decision.