To get, or not to get? That...is the question..

Hey, I am going to a reptile show this weekend. What should I get? for lizards I have these choices:
Crested Gecko
Fat tail Gecko
Leopard Gecko

For snakes:
Ball Python
Blood Python

I can only get one thing, and the animal has to be 100$ or less. Thanks! Help me choose!

get a crested, low maintenance, easy to handle , doesn't get too big
variety of patterns/colors, does this help you any? lol

vaughn

ah, if you had a female BP, i'd say try to haggle someone into selling you a 100% het albino for 100$ :D

i've seen 100% het males sell for around there before at shows. You could still aquire one and get a female for him later. And then you'll have a fun little albino project going on.

I just have to say you'll be hard pressed to find a blood for less than $100.
If you do though... get it! I'm so in love with blood pythons. lol

If you get one from a GOOD breeder, expect to pay $150+, if they are less than that, just know that the animals are most likely wild-caught and you won't have a good experience.

I say get another Leopard Gecko as a friend for your other one. Cresties are fun too, but do cost more if you don't buy a baby. I really wouldn't recommend a baby crestie anyway as they are very fragile, try a sub-adult if you go that route.

get a crest,they are very good,as described by kavmon

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Originally Posted by SatanicIntention

If you get one from a GOOD breeder, expect to pay $150+, if they are less than that, just know that the animals are most likely wild-caught and you won't have a good experience.

I say get another Leopard Gecko as a friend for your other one. Cresties are fun too, but do cost more if you don't buy a baby. I really wouldn't recommend a baby crestie anyway as they are very fragile, try a sub-adult if you go that route.

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Yeah.. good point on the quality of the bloods. Not getting one from a good breeder risks getting a snake with a nasty temperament as well.

Just don't keep two male leos together, since they will fight.

leos can be very fragile too

Leos aren't all that fragile... I have 2 and handle them all the time. They eat like nobody's business and are nice and fat. I have a juvi male that I got about a month and a half ago, he was about 2.5 inches nose to butt, now he's about 4" nose to but and fat as can be.

Bpkid, anything that is a neonate(baby) is very fragile. You just have to know what your boundaries are with them and have to know what their requirements are.

I'd say get a leo, a fat tail or a ball. Cresties run the range from 40$ to 160$ (that I've seen at shows..we won't mention the green flame at a price of 1500$) That includes subadults. But if you don't have the caging ready to go, the cost in plants, water dish, baby food, CGD, and vitamins and calcium dust (if you dont' have vit and calc dust already) is going to cost you some more money overall (which you may not have factored into your costs). Cresties also need more vertical space, so keep that in mind :)

However, if you think you can get all that stuff and it's not a problem, it's all up to you :) I really don't know anything about fat tails, other than what they look like, generally easy to care for, and they're ground dwellers.

I would also suggest you buy from a good breeder (keep captive bred in mind!). Not to knock the small hobbyists out there, but there are a few out there that are just out to make a buck, or don't keep as good care of the animals as they should...

Anyway, I hope you find something you really want that you can afford at the show :)

I dobn't think I can get another ball python, I already am getting my 2nd, and unless I could keep 2 in a 20gal. (they would be from good breeders) and 1 in a 10gal., I don't think I can get another one.

Could I house two 4-4 1/2 inch leos in a 10 gallon?

So its either, a ball python(from good breeder) house with my BP from mike wilbanks, or a leo housed with my leo from a pet shop.

OH, and jase, I would do that, but, for #1 I have 2 male BPs, another wouldn't do me anygood breeding wise.
#2 Before I breed any morphs, im gonna breed a clutch of normals, I have alot of people who want them. I brought a picture to school, and 4 people were like "if you have babies, I want one of those.". But I guess it wouldn't hurt to have one waiting.
#3 I can't breed till im out of the house, 7 more years!

By the way, BPBabe, there will be a vendor at the Atlanta show (that's the one you're going to, right?) selling glass tanks for $1 a gallon, so you could possibly get an animal for $50 or less and buy everything for its home too, and still come out around $100.

thanks for $1 gal ok I have made up my mind :-) im going

Make sure you clean out the vehicle to make space before you come. ;)

so if I were to get a 20gal. tank, it would be 20$, then lets say a 20$ BP, it would be 40$ total? Ok, I might get a leo and a 10gal. tank, or a BP. Help me choose!

Ummm...just remember a $20 BP is likely to be a CH import. Don't make the animal fit into your budget just because it's a species you want - buy the best setup & healthiest animal you can afford, or if you can't get exactly what you want, just save up your money until you can!

K

Yea, thats the hard part. But I got a CB baby for free from a reputable breeder, so just because they are cheap doesn't mean they are always ch or wc. Thats what i am going to do, look around at the animals i like, see the cost, and look at setup cost. But its either tomorrow, or never, because this is the only herp show here this year! I am guessing GA isn't big on reptiles....unfortunately. I am most likely going to end up with a crested gecko. I was told by another forum I can have a sub-adult in a 20 high, and that the whole setup would cost me around 30$ and then the gecko would be more. How much do normal cresties go for at shows?

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Originally Posted by BallPythonBabe448

I dobn't think I can get another ball python, I already am getting my 2nd, and unless I could keep 2 in a 20gal. (they would be from good breeders) and 1 in a 10gal., I don't think I can get another one.

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Doesn't matter how good the breeders are. You should never be housing 2 ball pythons together except for short periods when you're breeding.

keyword *unless*. I was asking a question, not making a statement. I have never housed two animals together in my life, except for rats and mice.

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Originally Posted by BallPythonBabe448

Yea, thats the hard part. But I got a CB baby for free from a reputable breeder, so just because they are cheap doesn't mean they are always ch or wc. Thats what i am going to do, look around at the animals i like, see the cost, and look at setup cost. But its either tomorrow, or never, because this is the only herp show here this year! I am guessing GA isn't big on reptiles....unfortunately. I am most likely going to end up with a crested gecko. I was told by another forum I can have a sub-adult in a 20 high, and that the whole setup would cost me around 30$ and then the gecko would be more. How much do normal cresties go for at shows?

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Yes, I know all about your BP from Mike. But that was an act of kindness on his part - don't take it to mean that all cheap balls are necessarily going to be quality animals from reputable breeders.

Crested geckos are GREAT animals - very easy to keep & a lot of fun. I've seen babies go for as little as $35 at shows, so you could probably find a well established animal for a reasonable price.

Also keep in mind that it's NOT "tomorrow or never" as you put it. There is nothing wrong with waiting for the right animal & then having it shipped to you. Don't feel like you have to come home with something from this show because it's a one-shot deal...it is exceedingly easy to buy reptiles online, and quite often you'll find a wider variety & higher quality.

Trust me - this is coming from someone who STILL wants to bring an animal home from every herp show we attend. ;) Even with dozens & dozens of crazy, beautiful bloods at my fingertips I find myself eyeing the little import babies @ shows and thinking "one more woudn't hurt," until I remind myself that the $$ would be better spent on new caging or equipment, or saved for that one of a kind animal down the road that I just HAVE to have. ;)

K

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Yes, I know all about your BP from Mike. But that was an act of kindness on his part - don't take it to mean that all cheap balls are necessarily going to be quality animals from reputable breeders.

Crested geckos are GREAT animals - very easy to keep & a lot of fun. I've seen babies go for as little as $35 at shows, so you could probably find a well established animal for a reasonable price.

Also keep in mind that it's NOT "tomorrow or never" as you put it. There is nothing wrong with waiting for the right animal & then having it shipped to you. Don't feel like you have to come home with something from this show because it's a one-shot deal...it is exceedingly easy to buy reptiles online, and quite often you'll find a wider variety & higher quality.

Trust me - this is coming from someone who STILL wants to bring an animal home from every herp show we attend. Even with dozens & dozens of crazy, beautiful bloods at my fingertips I find myself eyeing the little import babies @ shows and thinking "one more woudn't hurt," until I remind myself that the $$ would be better spent on new caging or equipment, or saved for that one of a kind animal down the road that I just HAVE to have.

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Yea, thats true. So, you think I should go with a crested? I heard their tails fall of easily, is that true? What kinds of baby foods d ot hey like?

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Originally Posted by BallPythonBabe448

I dobn't think I can get another ball python, I already am getting my 2nd, and unless I could keep 2 in a 20gal. (they would be from good breeders) and 1 in a 10gal., I don't think I can get another one.

Could I house two 4-4 1/2 inch leos in a 10 gallon?

So its either, a ball python(from good breeder) house with my BP from mike wilbanks, or a leo housed with my leo from a pet shop.

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I don't mean to offend... but it doesn't look like you have enough caging to even be thinking about getting another animal at this point. Do you only have a 20 gallon and a 10 gallon for your BPs? I'm sure you also know you should never house animals together without a good long quarantine period. I don't know if you have a future plan for caging... just thought I'd bring it up. I apologize in advance if you already have something worked out :)

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Originally Posted by BallPythonBabe448

Yea, thats true. So, you think I should go with a crested? I heard their tails fall of easily, is that true? What kinds of baby foods d ot hey like?

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I think that if you don't already know the answer to those questions you shouldn't be buying one in the near future. Proper care & husbandry info takes thorough research PRIOR to obtaining an animal, regardless of species.

My original point was that a $20 Crestie is probably a better purchase, quality-wise, than a $20 BP.

At this point I honestly think you should wait. ***Granted, what I'm about to say may come across as condescending, but it is not intended that way.*** When you're first starting out in this hobby, it's very easy to want to buy new animals just for the sake of getting something new to add to the collection - impulse buys are even more frequent among people who already have one or two animals under their belts. A lot of the time these purchases are made without thorough preparation or research. These animals require proper care & proper setups - something you're eventually going to have to provide, and it's better to have the enclosure set up prior to getting whatever critter you're putting in it. Do not suddenly start buying more animals than you're able to provide for down the road. New cages, feeding, equipment, potential vet bills, etc. all cost money, and you shouldn't sacrifice any of the above for the sake of buying an animal simply because there's a show tomorrow.

I know being patient can be difficult, but it is SO MUCH MORE REWARDING to take your time, save your money & set up a nice enclosure, then purchase a really SMOKIN', screamer specimen of whatever species you choose to go with. Anyone can get a little brown or grey crestie for $35, but think of how much more you may enjoy the animal if you save up another $35 and purchase a bright flaming orange or yellow one for $70.

I think a lot of us have been at the point where you are now & there are folks here just trying to look out for you.

K

Well, in the caresheets I have read it says nothing about their tails falling off, but someone told me they did easily. And I was just asking what types of baby foods yours prefer, I know they like Banana, Peach, and Apricot, but I was wondering if yours prefered any other kinds.

I have researched prior to this, I was going to get one instead of a leo, but then they had a cute leo at a petshop, and I already had an enclosure, hides, etc, so i got it.

KLG, I hear you on the waiting part. I waited for my baby, Amani for a few years and I finally have her. I am looking forward to growing her up and seeing how beautiful she can become. I love waiting for things, as painful as it may seem, waiting makes whatever you want seem even better once you get it. I got my BP online and she came in perfect condition and is the sweetest snake I have ever known. I didn't get to hold her or personally pick her out, but I trusted Don Hamper to pick a good baby out for me, and he obviously did.

I have also been to a good few shows and just went to look to see what everyone was selling. The only thing I bought at the first show was a little kitty figurine for my teacher. At the second show, my boyfriend bought me a baby White's Tree Frog, Murphy, who is now 3.5-4 months old now and fat as can be. I got him in August.

Not to offend, but it just seems like you've been doing alot of impulse purchasing without thinking about the financial costs to your parents and the future costs of taking care of all of those animals. It seems as though you are buying those just because it is either "cool" at the moment, or just because you can. I mean, you are in what, 8th grade, can't have a job because of your age, but have purchased all of these animals without thinking of how it infringes on your parent's finances. It costs alot to feed that many animals, and you are considering buying more just because you have a chance to go to your first reptile expo. Why not just enjoy the expo for what it is, hold alot of animals, see what you like best, then when you get home, look up info, find breeders online or close to you, and check out their animals. Find a GOOD breeder, not just a Joe Blow who thinks he's a good breeder just because he bred one batch of normal balls.

If you are thinking of getting a crestie, talk to everyone who has them, get all of the right equipment, not just stuff you find laying around the house that "might" work, and know what you are getting into. They may seem easy from what others have said, but it's getting everything set-up correctly and running when it begins to get easy.

Just think about what others have said, and what I said. Being an impulse buyer isn't a good place to start in life. Think about your current animals and how it affects their lives.

Hopefully I didn't offend anyone, but impulse buying really gets my goat, and I felt as if something needed to be said.

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Originally Posted by invadertoast

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Originally Posted by BallPythonBabe448

I dobn't think I can get another ball python, I already am getting my 2nd, and unless I could keep 2 in a 20gal. (they would be from good breeders) and 1 in a 10gal., I don't think I can get another one.

Could I house two 4-4 1/2 inch leos in a 10 gallon?

So its either, a ball python(from good breeder) house with my BP from mike wilbanks, or a leo housed with my leo from a pet shop.

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I don't mean to offend... but it doesn't look like you have enough caging to even be thinking about getting another animal at this point. Do you only have a 20 gallon and a 10 gallon for your BPs? I'm sure you also know you should never house animals together without a good long quarantine period. I don't know if you have a future plan for caging... just thought I'd bring it up. I apologize in advance if you already have something worked out :)

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I am getting a 20 gal. high at the reptile show. I have all the excessories, egg crates, paper towels, water mister, fake greenery.

You already have the vitamin dust and the calcium dust? What do your parents think about you getting another animal btw?

Im in the 6th grade. And we can only have caged animals at this new house we moved to, when i used to have horses, 13 cats, 6 dogs, etc. So, last march my mom decided since we couldn't have all the animals we had before, she would get me reptiles, since they are caged. And I haven't done any impulse buying, I bought my 1st BP after 3 months of researching, then 2 months later a BP is being given to me, and I got a leopard gecko after 2 months of researching, and now I want another lizard, and I have been researching fat tails, and cresteds for 2 weeks.

I am actually buying reptiles to be any but *cool*. Everyone that I know thinks reptiles are disgusting, so it makes me anything but col from buying them. I am buying them because I want to open a reptile rescue when I am older, and I want to breed ball python, and i am getting a degree in biology to be herpetologist

It costs 40$ for 4 months of snake food, and 2$ a month for lizards mealies. And depending on how much baby food cost, it cost that much. It doesn't cost that much.

I would just go to the reptile expo, and just look, but I won't have a chance to go to another expo for a while, and I want to make the best of it, and my mom doesn't want me to buy online again, because its taken like 2 weeks for Mike Wilbanks to receive the money, and she thinks the money is gonna get lost, and she doesnt like that.

yea, I have it for my leo.

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Originally Posted by BallPythonBabe448

I am getting a 20 gal. high at the reptile show. I have all the excessories, egg crates, paper towels, water mister, fake greenery.

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Sooo... what happens when your two ball pythons grow into 4 foot adults that need, at the absolute least, 30 gallons each?? I understand that you've done your research but you don't really seem to be planning for the long run...

well, I don't know what the post you quoted has to do with ball pythons.

I have an 80 gallon, and can get a 30 gal. My BP is 12 inches, I don't have to plan 2 years ahead.

Well, since everyone is against me, im not going to get another pet. Infact, im never getting another reptile again, and im not talking here ever again. What does me having an adulthood cage for my 15 inch BP have to do with this post? buh bye. You guys are just trying to pick fights, bye. It's too bad, I really enjoy this forum. But I guess no one here enjoys me being a part of this forum. Bye. :cry: :? :( You really hurt my feelings, you don't have to go jumping on me for no reason, im just a kid, I didn't say anything about ball pythons....... :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you. You were just talking about putting two ball pythons in a 20 gallon and another in a 10 gallon in an earlier post, that raised some red flags for me. I apologize, I guess I should have quoted that... I hope you realize the people here aren't against you, we're all here to help.

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Originally Posted by hhw

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Originally Posted by BallPythonBabe448

I dobn't think I can get another ball python, I already am getting my 2nd, and unless I could keep 2 in a 20gal. (they would be from good breeders) and 1 in a 10gal., I don't think I can get another one.

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Doesn't matter how good the breeders are. You should never be housing 2 ball pythons together except for short periods when you're breeding.

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keyword *unless*. I was asking a question, not making a statement. I have never housed two animals together in my life, except for rats and mice.

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Nobody is picking on you - it's like I said in a previous post, many of us have been at the same spot where you are now, and perhaps some folks are just trying to keep you from making the same mistakes several of us have made by being in the same situation.

Don't take it so personally - try to look at the big picture.

K

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Originally Posted by BallPythonBabe448

Well, since everyone is against me, im not going to get another pet. Infact, im never getting another reptile again, and im not talking here ever again. What does me having an adulthood cage for my 15 inch BP have to do with this post? buh bye. You guys are just trying to pick fights, bye. It's too bad, I really enjoy this forum. But I guess no one here enjoys me being a part of this forum. Bye. :cry: :? :( You really hurt my feelings, you don't have to go jumping on me for no reason, im just a kid, I didn't say anything about ball pythons....... :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

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cmon,dont leave!we need you!

evedentally not. give me ten good reasons why I should stay.

I'm not picking on you either. I just want to be sure you know what you're getting into with a crested gecko. These guys are a lot more work than my snakes.

And since you asked, if a crested gecko is very stressed, or with an handling accident, the tail can come off. The tail won't grow back. Adults in the wild do not have tails.

I haven't tried any other kinds of baby food yet, other than peach. My guys are currently working through some of that and smashed banana. (with a bit of crested gecko diet, and then they get crickets).

Also, if you decide that you want to get a crested gecko at the show, or even if you want to think about it for a while longer, I recommend you pick up Robbie Hamper's book. It should be about 10$.

hey bp babe, take your time and think about everything. people have made some good points here. the proper care of the animal must come first. make sure whatever you choose you can properly care for it ( it is your responsibility). caging doesn't have to cost alot. i keep my cresteds in 70 quart rubbermaids, the setup is well regulated in my herp room and i keep them really,really clean. i know of some very big breeders that do the same. if you get a crested and need advice just ask. i think they are really cool and hardy animals. try to write out a pros and cons list for what you want to get.

i know i'm biased towards cresteds lol

people will do what they want to do when they want to, it is our nature. let's make sure the animals are looked out for!


thanks
vaughn

1.if a kid needs help with a leo,you can help them.
2.if someone wants to know what first reptile they should get,you can help them
3.this is not only a place about reptiles,its about having fun too.we need to stand together,everysingle one of us,and stand up for reptiles.
4.You joined my site ;)
5.you are one of the great artists on the site
6.Cupid is cute!(i dont want him to go either,sniff)
7.youll be one of the first people ill go to when i get my rtb,to help me with him.
8.you are one of the nicest people here!
9.I beleive you were one of the people who helped me decide on my bp.
10.people wont get to see your clay models and painting and drawings of reptiles,(which from what ive seen(the clay model)looks good

Go, stay, whatever. Just make sure you get the information you need to take proper care of your current and furture animals. They're what really matter.

I also think nobody is picking on you, if anything all they have been is extremly helpful.
They are just trying to look out for you and the new animal you intend to buy

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Originally Posted by BallPythonBabe448

Well, since everyone is against me, im not going to get another pet. Infact, im never getting another reptile again, and im not talking here ever again.

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Nobody is trying to pick fights, and like several people have said, nobody is against you. Please try not to take things so personally. Again, I'm sorry for my caging comment, just trying to give you some friendly advice. Don't you think it's a bit drastic and rather silly to give up a hobby that you love over a little online dispute??

Oh come on, you can't leave over a little disagreement like that. You're fun anyway, and Cupid is cute, so don't leave.

1. Because the "I'm taking my toys & going home" trick only works until you're about 5 years old.
2. This site is a good source for info...and we can ALL learn something new about our critters every day.
3. Because there are people here who are actually looking out for you & want you to have a good experience with your herps.
4. When you sit back & think about everything that's been said in this thread, there's actually some darn good advice.
5. You may say you're not going to get another pet, but where are you going to post about the ones you already have? ;)
6. Like you said - you're just a kid (LUCKY YOU!!!!) - so learn from some of us "old farts" who have made animal mistakes so you can have a better experience with your critters!
7. Because if you do leave, you're not proving anything.
8. If you stay, that shows a buttload of maturity.
9. Because *hey - here's a thought* maybe some of the "picking on you" things that were said are actually valid points & not really picking on you (even though it feels like it at the time. Been there, done that, got the therapy, burned the t-shirt).
10. Because if someone else came on & said the same things, they'd get asked the same 20 questions & be told that maybe they should wait on getting a critter. It's really not personal.

If you're bent on getting a crestie, get a crestie. No one is holding a gun to your head & saying don't get one...everyone's just saying THINK first & plan for the future. Just think how blah it would be if everyone said - yeah, whatever...do whatever, no one cares.

Another idea - since it looks like you're becoming more & more interested in a variety of herps, have you considered either building or buying some sort of rack system to keep your snakes in? It would save you a lot of $$ in the long run, and then you'll have some empty cages to fill someday. Just food for thought.

Also, when it comes to buying online & sending $$ through the mail - try using Priority mail with delivery confirmation. That way it will get there in 3-4 days, and you can track it online. Plus it only costs about $4.50 to do & gives you all that extra peace of mind.


Just some thoughts - way more than $.02 - take it for what it's worth.

K

I'm staying. But I wasn't mad about anyone telling me stuff about getting a new pet, but its just that everyones like "you haven't researched at all, your impulse buying" And they were jumping to conlcusions, I have researched, and I'm not impules buying. i hate it when people do that, and it hurts my feelings that people would think that I don't care enough about reptiles to go impulse buying, or not to research.

BPBabe, since you are close enough to come to the Atlanta show, you are close enough to get a baby crestie from me. I have 4 eggs incubating and more on the way. This won't be your last chance to get a crestie without buying online. But if one of my cresties was going to go to you, I would want to make sure that you and your mom have read the caresheet I wrote (on this site) and know what's involved in their upkeep. It *does* address their tails falling off, by the way. Maybe you should go to the show and check things out and get a bigger enclosure for your bp and possibly a suitable enclosure for a crestie along with the food and supplements and then wait a bit longer to get the animal.

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Originally Posted by BallPythonBabe448

I'm staying. But I wasn't mad about anyone telling me stuff about getting a new pet, but its just that everyones like "you haven't researched at all, your impulse buying" And they were jumping to conlcusions, I have researched, and I'm not impules buying. i hate it when people do that, and it hurts my feelings that people would think that I don't care enough about reptiles to go impulse buying, or not to research.

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I can understand that. But rest assured, everyone is just making sure you know what you're getting into, since so many people don't do the research. They want to save you, and the animal, the grief.

Glad you decided to stay. :)