Expo Savvy

[SoPhilly]

So, this past weekend was my birthday (yay!) and this coming weekend is the Hamburg Reptile Show, where my son's father has told me he will be buying me a snake as a present (bigger yaaaay!!!). I've done my due diligence and thoroughly researched the several species I'm interested in, and we'll see what I find. If I don't see what I want, I'm going to just hang on to the "one free snake credit" and get something from a breeder.

That all being said, I feel like a kid-in-a-candy-store level of excited , but am trying to not get so carried away that I make easily avoidable mistakes. I know to check for mites, retained shed and clicking noises, I'm internet-familiar with several of the breeders that will be there, but I'm still pretty new at this.

So I'm wondering if some of you who've been around the block a few times have any tips or advice about buying from expos? What do you know now that you wish you would have known before buying your first expo snake?

[herplover]

Get feeding schedules!

[Minkness]

If they are a reputable breeder they should have a business card. Take one if they do, if they don't make sure you write down all contact info, date, and so on for future needs (something happens, you like it so much you want another from the same breeder, ect)

Be prepared for quarantine if you have other reptiles all ready at home.

Haggle if you can but be respectful.

Don't buy the first pretty snake you see.

Bring your own hand sanitizer or alcohol wipes if you can.

Take cash because it makes it easier to haggle and to budget.

If buying supplies, depending on the size of it, buy them last so you don't make multiple trips or risk them selling what you all ready bought. I purchased 2 exoterras at my 1st show and nit only haggled the price down, but managed to get the guys to help me get it into my car because it was the end and not as many customers (note, I also went by myself so didn't otherwise have help)

Try to only handle an animal you are actually interested in. This is more for sanitation than anything.

You may already know some of these things but figured I'd throw my .02 in lol.

Hope you have fun!

[Jim Smith]

I don't know what you plan on doing with your snake in the future, but I would get the genetic make up of the snake and it's parents just in case you end up breeding it in the future. Also, keep in mind that the snake is only one part of the cost equation. You will need the enclosure, heating, thermostat, etc, etc, etc, Keep in mind the adult size of the snake you purchase based on the room you have to keep the snake. Good luck and keep us posted.

[SoPhilly]

Herplover: Check!

Minkness: Great tips, thanks! - I did know a lot of these already, but "bring cash" is a really good idea I hadn't thought of. It is kind of like going to Vegas - having a set amount to spend in-hand is probably wise

Jim: Yeah, good call. Breeding isn't something I'll be doing anytime soon, but it's something I'm already fantasizing about. Which means it's probably only a matter of time, lol.

Also good call on the "quarantine" and "actual cost of snake" factors - I've got a quarantine tub set up with belly heat, tstat, newspaper, hides/decor etc. with enough $ to get a permanent home as soon as I know exactly what I'm getting. Plus enough to take the new arrival to my vet for cultures right away - my son loves our current snake too much to risk her catching anything. Plus, I'd rather catch problems early, and/or make them the breeder's problems if the snake is sold to me sick. Mama don't play.

These are awesome, keep 'em coming!

[Sublimeballs]

Look at all the animals at a table you're considering a purchase from... They bring the cream of the crop and if alot of animals look bad at their table they probably have wose they didnt bring.....just walk away.

Look the animal you're considering over 10 times.

I always do a run around first thing to see who has what, then I start at the table that had the best looking of what I wanted.

As mentioned HAGGLE.

I always have a trash bag set up near my front door. When I get home after a show the cloths come off and into the bag and its straight to the shower.

Don't get stuck in the mindset that you have to find something at the show. There's always the Internet.

Get to know your local dealers. They're really good friends to have.

Don't buy frozen rodents from repticons.... The one company that sells at their shows are just shy of petstore overpriced.

Go VIP, the raffle and getting in an hour early are well worth it even if you don't go the second day.

As mentioned get bussiness cards.

As mentioned Cash in hand, not sure what your price range is but I always take small bills. A wad of cash makes bargaining easier.

I'm sure I can come up with more. I've been going to shows for the majority of my life.

[marvelfreak]

If you know what you want and some of the breeders that are going to be there sell the kind of snake you want do a check on Board of Inquiry® - FaunaClassifieds BOI. This will give you a heads up of who to avoid.

[SoPhilly]

You guys are the best. Haven't been back on this thread in a while, but to update: Got a Dominican Red Mountain Boa (or Greater Hispaniola Boa) from a local Breeder who is well rated on the BOI, with pics of the parents and a business card and cell # if there were any problems. For Waaaaaaaay cheaper than Tom Crutchfield is asking.

I'll be starting a thread on him in the Epicrates forum soon. Been waiting to get pics until he's settled in a bit more.

Thanks everyone for the advice!

[Minkness]

Congrats!!!!

[SoPhilly]

Thanks Minkness!! He is gorgeous.

[Minkness]

Can't wait to see pics!

[EL Ziggy]

Congrats on the new addition Philly. Looking forward to seeing the pics.

[pet_snake_78]

Next up, gaboon :-)