Rank novice needs advice before making mistakes!

Thanks the insightful and experienced advice I received here, I've placed my order for a T8 from Animal Plastics.

I wanted to get a T10 for the additional headroom, reasoning that it would be easier for me to clean. The nice lady at Animal Plastics told me that it would take between 10 and 12 weeks to receive a T10, but I could get a T8 in about a month. That sold me. I'm sure a T8 will be just fine anyway. I got the sliding door version with a lock and heat tape. Apparently they can install dimmable LED lighting as well, though it isn't on their website.

As soon as my boss steps out, I'm going to call Pro-Products and get the run down on an RHP.

I also ordered a Redline Herpstat 2, as it was on sale. I won't use it for a while but I'll need it anyway, so why not save a few bucks.

Once everything arrives and I figure out how to work it properly, I can start looking to get the noodle.

There is a reptile expo here in Mass on May 7. Are such events good opportunities or would I be better off visiting local (local in the broad sense) breeders? I understand that BPs can be bought over the internet and shipped via FedEx, but it is still really cold here. Besides, I think I would be happier if I picked out my BP from among many, rather than getting what shows on.

I'm extremely excited, as is my daughter.

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Originally Posted by JRLongton

There is a reptile expo here in Mass on May 7. Are such events good opportunities or would I be better off visiting local (local in the broad sense) breeders? I understand that BPs can be bought over the internet and shipped via FedEx, but it is still really cold here. Besides, I think I would be happier if I picked out my BP from among many, rather than getting what shows on.

I'm extremely excited, as is my daughter.

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an expo is a great place to consider buying your first beep! you'll have the opportunity to see morphs with your own eyes; many of us complain that photos do not do our babies justice to how they look in person. you can also zero in on a particular morph and compare individual snakes to see which one looks best to you. also most vendors at expos lower their prices i believe, so it's always nice to save a few bucks!

i'm excited for you both as well! :D

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Originally Posted by JRLongton

I'm extremely excited, as is my daughter.

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That's what it's all about right there. The best part? There's ALWAYS something new to be excited about when it comes to BPs!

I may be particularly lucky. My wife is not exactly excited, she is very interested and open to the idea of harboring snakes. She likes holding them and thinks they are absolutely beautiful. So it seems this will be a whole family affair.

I'll do my best to hold out to the expo to select the BP. It'll give me more time to read up and be as prepared as is possible for a novice to be.