Pre-beginner question: where to buy?

Hi everyone, I'm brand-new here and planning on getting my first bp in the next month or two. I'm hoping some folks will share opinions on buying from a reputable online breeder vs. reptile show. I'm in the SF bay area, the next big expo isn't till July. If it helps, I'm looking for a base morph, nothing really fancy, and not too interested in buying from a chain pet store. Thanks for any input you might have, you all seem like a really supportive and knowledgeable group!

If you go to an Expo, you can see different morphs and the differences between the individual snakes. It also gives you the chance to meet the breeder face-to-face and develop a relationship. There is just much more variety in Expos. But, if you don't want to wait be sure to check the breeder's reputation before buying.

Glad you're steering away from the pet store option! If you've got the patience, I would recommend waiting to get your snake from the reptile show. Of course, you will most likely need to speak with the vendor/breeder beforehand to discuss what they'll have for sale. Also as Don said, it's wise to check their reputation and credibility online. But that way, you will meet the seller, meet the snake, get to ask questions/handle the snake in person, and have tons of fun at the show. :D

Thanks, Don. Sounds like good common sense to me! I didn't know if the expos would have a big selection or not. Are prices usually comparable at expo vs. online?

Welcome Fidget!

I'm also from the SF Bay Area. There are a few local breeders you can contact before the show if you want to see snakes sooner.


I've purchased from both shows and online breeders.
Shows are exciting because there are so many things to look at. You can see the animal in person and talk directly to the breeders. Show prices also tend to be cheaper than normal online/pet store prices.

Online breeders have more variety to choose from. Looking at a picture certainly is different from looking at a snake in person. But some shows don't have what you're looking for so the internet is a great resource to find a great snake.

I would definitely look at both options.

For online reptile classifieds, try http://market.kingsnake.com/ or http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/

Many good breeders post there, including the big shot and local ones. But be sure the research the breeder first before purchasing.

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Originally Posted by Fidget

Are prices usually comparable at expo vs. online?

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Prices are generally about the same. Sometimes cost goes down slightly at expos as the day goes on, but that's usually for the more expensive animals. Shipping is the major difference in cost, since you'll normally have to pay an extra $25-50 to have a snake shipped to you.

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Originally Posted by Fidget

Thanks, Don. Sounds like good common sense to me! I didn't know if the expos would have a big selection or not. Are prices usually comparable at expo vs. online?

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Prices are usually pretty close. Sometimes you can get a better deal at a show, but more importantly, you save the extra $50 shipping cost that you would have spent buying on-line. I've bought about a third of mine on-line, and the rest from shows or friends. It's definitely fun getting to handle it before buying so you know exactly what you're getting.

Thanks, everyone. I really appreciate the input. I've been browsing the fauna and kingsnake classifieds and can't believe the variety. Luckily, my budget limits my options somewhat:D

I'll try to hold out for the San Jose herp show and/or make contact w/some local breeders. Nikki, if you have any particular recommendations, I'd love to know what they are. Again, it's great to have experienced brains to pick!

I would recomend waiting till the expo if you want to see whats available
The expo in your area is late enough that there should be a huge selection of hatchlings and Expo's are always a blast :0

I will be at the San Jose show. We attend several shows with Rons Reptiles, this will be one of them. I definetly would wait for a show! But if you cant wait for the show for your first one, you could always pick up your second one there!:D