Purchasing feeders from expo

Hi, I am attending my first expo next week at the Herp World Expo. I plan on buying some frozen rat pups and was wondering if the seller will provide the cooler/ice for me to take home or do I have to bring one with me? Also, is there an extra cost for it or is it just cheaper to buy one beforehand and bring it along with me? Sorry I'm still a new bp owner. Thanks.

It's always best to bring your own cooler, because some sellers offer them and others don't. Just keep in mind that the expo won't be there forever, so it's worthwhile to look into finding a reptile breeder's store nearby. Many of them also sell feeders, and are also a great place to learn more about your snake.

Every show I go to, I keep a cooler in the car to transport frozen thawed feeders home, and I always bring a large tote bag in with me.

bring your own.
I always put a cooler of ice in the trunk of my car when I go to expos.
I run in, buy the feeders, run out, dump in the cooler, and then go back in to enjoy the show.
I've actually never seen a vendor provide anything other than a plastic bag.

Thanks everyone! I will bring a cooler with me then. Can I use regular ice or do I need dry ice? The expo is really close to me (less than 30 min). I am also having a difficult time finding a local breeder/reptile shop nearby without driving an hour or more. The only breeder I found only had mice, not rats. I'm in California (South Bay) if anybody knows of places. Petsmart is only 10 min away but the prices are way too expensive. Plus they jump from large mice to medium rats and my bp is still a baby. Thanks for all the help! I have so much to learn...

Have you already checked Craigslist? Sometimes suppliers will advertise on there.

Yup, the person that was breeding mice was advertising on craigslist. I did find a small family pet store on google that is nearby but they were already closed when I tried calling. The google listing stated that it had reptiles and feeders so I guess I'll try again tomorrow to see if they really do carry frozen rats. *fingers crossed*

Oh yah and the ice, regular or dry? (Not sure where to buy dry ice either) Thanks again!

i would suggest regular ice. dry ice puts off co2 as an off gas. thats what dry ice is actually is frozen co2. so that being in a confined space such as your car "COULD" lead to issues such as passing out while driving and death. a trunk could be safer but i wont take the chance. also for future info you can usually by dry ice at a welding supply store.
you can get a grocery store cooler bag to go into get the feeders and keep the cooler in the car.
adam jeffery

Thanks Adam! That seems to make sense now about the dry ice. Never thought about it like that! I'll be sure to bring a cooler and fill it up with ice before I go.

When i purchased frozen feeders from LLI at the Pomona Cali show, they provided me with a real cool foil insulated bag/pouch to transport them home. I bought them right before i left the show and 10 minute walk to my car plus 20 minutes to drive home, my rats and hoppers were frozen stiff. I still use the pouch to store my feeders in the freezer which were packaged in thick zip locks. Unfortunately LLI is up in Arroyo Grande Cali so I only purchase from them when i go to a show. I give them props for the cool freezer pouch.

Btw, has anyone here purchased frozen feeders from petsource out of Norco Cali? looking for a local breeder and their name was dropped. wanted to see if you guys could recommend them. thanks

I have a sub question regarding feeders from expos. I'm planning to attend my first expo in October.
Do vendors sell live feeders as well? Or just frozen?

Thanks

Quote:

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Originally Posted by satomi325

I have a sub question regarding feeders from expos. I'm planning to attend my first expo in October.
Do vendors sell live feeders as well? Or just frozen?

Thanks

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Both.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by satomi325

I have a sub question regarding feeders from expos. I'm planning to attend my first expo in October.
Do vendors sell live feeders as well? Or just frozen?

Thanks

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It depends on the show. Hamburg in PA has tons of live feeders including rodents, rabbits, ducks, chickens and I once saw piglets.

The White Plains show in NY may have live pinkies or pups but that's all and it's not every show.

Many of the shows here in FLorida won't allow live furry critters, but frozen feeders are okay. All shows are different so the best idea is to bring prep items for both, just in case.

If you're hoping for live, bring a plastic tote or something secure to carry the rodents home in. Otherwise they might chew out of a typical cardboard box on the drive and end up under your driver's seat, squeeking and driving you crazy the whole hour ride home. Gee... sound like I went through that?

Frozen packs or water bottles work as well as ice and don't lead to a giant container of water when the ice melts. Check your cooler to see if it has a plug and make sure it's stoppered so you don't have it leaking in your car too.