Reptile Expos

hey all, its my first time posting on these forums, just wondering if anyone has been to a reptile expo before? are the prices much cheaper there for a snake, tanks, heaters, bedding etc. compared to pet stores? are snakes more healthier than in pet stores?... i live in ontario, canada and is anyone planning to go to the reptile expo tomorrow in mississauga?

First off Welcome.

As for your question...in my experience the expos are usually cheaper...considering you are typically buying from a hobbiest and not a retailer (who needs a lot more margin to make money)

You can also save a lot of money if you are willing to buy used (which you will find a lot of at the shows).

Finally as for health...again in my experience yes the animals usually are healthier in most cases more care was taken in breeding and rearing of the animal available vs. an imported animal from a pet shop that you have no idea how it has been cared for.

Just my :2cent:

ahhh yeah thats i was thinking but wasnt sure... im really excited to go, im going RIGHT when it opens at 9 am

oops i forgot to ask, do you think it would be better/possible if i could buy a whole complete set up there for my tank and save more money than if i were to buy it at a pet store or fish store?

Just curious are you refering to the Ontario reptile expo tommorow? I'm hoping to go to that one. :D

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Originally Posted by SnakeLos

oops i forgot to ask, do you think it would be better/possible if i could buy a whole complete set up there for my tank and save more money than if i were to buy it at a pet store or fish store?

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I have never been to the Ontario show...but based on other shows I have been to I would say yes you can get everything. If you want a really "pretty" display tank you might still have to get some parts elsewhere....but all the basics to keep your new pet heathly you should be able to find at the show.

Hope you enjoy it.

I think that it depends; if you want a display tank, you might be able to find a deal on a used one. Most pet stores really highball the prices on tanks compared to their at-cost cost.
Shows can be fun. It could be a great opportunity to buy from a reputable breeder and at the same time, get to see and hold the exact snake you will buy. Personally, I see nothing wrong with buying from photos online (and have with great results) but if I had the choice and lived near the breeders I bought from or their shows, I would have loved to do that!
The only show I have personally been to was in Buffalo, and there were not many breeders there BP-wise. But I did pick up my normal female advertised as, and thinking she was, male.. for a dirt-cheap price.
If you're looking to buy cage accessories cheaply though, nothing beats the internet IMO.

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Originally Posted by Phreak

Just curious are you refering to the Ontario reptile expo tommorow? I'm hoping to go to that one. :D

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yeaa that one!! maybe ill see u there!

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Originally Posted by lord jackel

I have never been to the Ontario show...but based on other shows I have been to I would say yes you can get everything. If you want a really "pretty" display tank you might still have to get some parts elsewhere....but all the basics to keep your new pet heathly you should be able to find at the show.

Hope you enjoy it.

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thanks man... and yea i just want all the basics right now... ill buy more acessories for my snake later when i get the money haha

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ginevive

I think that it depends; if you want a display tank, you might be able to find a deal on a used one. Most pet stores really highball the prices on tanks compared to their at-cost cost.
Shows can be fun. It could be a great opportunity to buy from a reputable breeder and at the same time, get to see and hold the exact snake you will buy. Personally, I see nothing wrong with buying from photos online (and have with great results) but if I had the choice and lived near the breeders I bought from or their shows, I would have loved to do that!
The only show I have personally been to was in Buffalo, and there were not many breeders there BP-wise. But I did pick up my normal female advertised as, and thinking she was, male.. for a dirt-cheap price.
If you're looking to buy cage accessories cheaply though, nothing beats the internet IMO.

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the thing is... i dont know any breeders near me :( and i dont know how to find them but i know there are because there is a pet store near me that specializes in snakes and theyre always getting new ones