Repticon queston!

Hello,
Sorry if I am not suppose to post this in this forum. Didn't know where it belongs.

I am planning on my repticon visit next month to get my first ball python. I have some questions before I head there so I can be successful!
First, I was wondering if it is little cheaper to buy in repticon. Might sound cheap but I have set budget and if the price is little cheaper, I can probably look into wider range of morphs. Is it rude to ask to get 5~10 dollars off? I just saw some people saying you can talk and get some deal at repticon so I was wondering. This might all sound like I am trying to be cheap, but as college student, it would be great to save some money honestly.

What should I look for when buying my ball python? I am going to buy a baby male. I know basic stuff like dehydration, mites or stuck skin but since it is my first time, I don't know if I can look at the right stuff. Could I ask to show if it is male, to check if there's no mites kind of stuff?

Do they get sold out pretty fast? I might be there couple hours before it closes.

I am probably over thinking but first time is always a concern.
Thank you!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gusanr14

Hello,
Sorry if I am not suppose to post this in this forum. Didn't know where it belongs.

I am planning on my repticon visit next month to get my first ball python. I have some questions before I head there so I can be successful!
First, I was wondering if it is little cheaper to buy in repticon. Might sound cheap but I have set budget and if the price is little cheaper, I can probably look into wider range of morphs. Is it rude to ask to get 5~10 dollars off? I just saw some people saying you can talk and get some deal at repticon so I was wondering. This might all sound like I am trying to be cheap, but as college student, it would be great to save some money honestly.

What should I look for when buying my ball python? I am going to buy a baby male. I know basic stuff like dehydration, mites or stuck skin but since it is my first time, I don't know if I can look at the right stuff. Could I ask to show if it is male, to check if there's no mites kind of stuff?

Do they get sold out pretty fast? I might be there couple hours before it closes.

I am probably over thinking but first time is always a concern.
Thank you!

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The most important part to me is to research the venders. There are some you may NOT want to buy from period. Google them and also check Fauna BOI ect...
http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/foru...splay.php?f=13
As far as getting a % off price.. Depending on what your looking for and the prices they go for is how to go about this. A $600 snake i don't mind trying to get for no less than $50-$100 off depending on how many days are left of the function, how many people might want that specific snake etc...
A Normal Ball thats $59.99 you cant expect to get for much less. A $2500 Ball try and get for $2000....& so on.
I would also only buy a snake the vender produced himself and knows how old it is etc...

This is only my personal feeling and I don't want you to feel you have to think the same...

As this pertains to ball pythons... there are many great breeders out there and most likely a few will be at that show. I would research them like was mentioned before hand. Gravitate toward them and avoid anyone just reselling or flipping ball pythons for a quick profit. Sometimes this happens with breeders but at these shows, most of the time, the flippers have no idea about the health of the snake they are flipping and could care less once it gets sold to you. You run the risk of getting a snake that is either a problem feeder, sick, or just not a thriving snake. It ends up in cases like this discouraging a first time owner because now you have a snake that won't feed or worse yet is sick and you end up with expensive vet bills or worse. You also by buying from these people support what to me is an unwanted side industry of this hobby. I would rather see you own a healthy and well taken care of snake from a breedeer that is going ot care about making sure you get something that will make you enjoy this hobby.

If you have to spend more for it, it is worth it as you support someone passionate about this hobby and you end up with a healthy snake and not a hardship on you and the snake.

In short, avoid flippers, buy from and support an actual breeder.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CALM Pythons

The most important part to me is to research the venders. There are some you may NOT want to buy from period. Google them and also check Fauna BOI ect...

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Exactly this. Repticon does not vet vendors; anyone with the money to get a table can get one. Here are some more ideas for doing research before the day of the event:
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...g-Herps-Online

As for the actual purchase once you've found a snake you want: asking for 5-10% off is negotiating. Asking for 50% or more off is insulting to the vendor and the animal.

Don't ask to hold an animal unless you fully intend on buying it unless you find some flaw on closer inspection; expos are not petting zoos.

Bring cash.

Have the enclosure set up and running for several days before bringing home the snake. Pre-treat it with PAM or another permethrin-based mite treatment - just in case.

About cash... I would say if a vendor is so cheap they won't use at least square to process card transactions, I would question their sincerity to be there.

Your experience will vary a lot based on location. I've been attending Orlando Repticon for quite a few years now and it's usually a fairly large event, but I've heard some areas have fewer vendors.

The Repticon site should have a list of vendors available prior to the show. Research some of the vendors to see who you might want to buy from (or avoid).

Last year before the Daytona show, I saw that one of the vendors had some of his stock listed on MorphMarket. Luckily he had the exact snake I had been searching for, a female super specter. I pre-purchased the snake and picked her up at the show.

Many of the larger vendors will accept a card, but some will only take cash. I know it's easy to set up a Square but some of the vendors are just too old-school to bother with that. Plus the vendor has to pay a fee to accept a card. I always bring cash, just in case.

If you want to haggle, many vendors are open to that, just don't be insulting about it. Some are willing to give a discount if you're buying multiple animals, or a return customer. You'll definitely have better luck haggling on the last day of the show, especially late in the day.

Good luck and have fun!

Edit: Forgot to add that you'll almost certainly get a better quality animal from a smaller/specialty breeder versus a wholesaler who flips animals for profit. The wholesalers (LLLReptile, as an example) will usually have cheaper prices, but it's worth a little more to get the reptile directly from the breeder. The animal will be less stressed out and less likely to have any health problems.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SDA

This is only my personal feeling and I don't want you to feel you have to think the same...

As this pertains to ball pythons... there are many great breeders out there and most likely a few will be at that show. I would research them like was mentioned before hand. Gravitate toward them and avoid anyone just reselling or flipping ball pythons for a quick profit. Sometimes this happens with breeders but at these shows, most of the time, the flippers have no idea about the health of the snake they are flipping and could care less once it gets sold to you. You run the risk of getting a snake that is either a problem feeder, sick, or just not a thriving snake. It ends up in cases like this discouraging a first time owner because now you have a snake that won't feed or worse yet is sick and you end up with expensive vet bills or worse. You also by buying from these people support what to me is an unwanted side industry of this hobby. I would rather see you own a healthy and well taken care of snake from a breedeer that is going ot care about making sure you get something that will make you enjoy this hobby.

If you have to spend more for it, it is worth it as you support someone passionate about this hobby and you end up with a healthy snake and not a hardship on you and the snake.

In short, avoid flippers, buy from and support an actual breeder.

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Just to add to this.... I myself would much rather look at the breeders on our site as Id trust that more than someone set up at Repticon. Besides this Forum there are several excellent breeders out there that ship.
I do not believe as you mentioned in your question that you get a better deal.. Id much rather order online from some of the best breeders around.. Its not hard to find out who we all use [emoji6]
Dont forget the Business section Trade/Sell on here. Ive seen Great deals this year already.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CALM Pythons

Just to add to this.... I myself would much rather look at the breeders on our site as Id trust that more than someone set up at Repticon. Besides this Forum there are several excellent breeders out there that ship.
I do not believe as you mentioned in your question that you get a better deal.. Id much rather order online from some of the best breeders around.. Its not hard to find out who we all use [emoji6]
Dont forget the Business section Trade/Sell on here. Ive seen Great deals this year already.

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Honestly, I had misconception that repticon will have all reputable breeders or business. That is the reason I am waiting for it.
However, after hearing all these stuff, I understand that there could be bad breeders there trying to get some money.
I have two shops near me, one 15 min away and one 30 min away. They have good reviews in the town but I think they have some breeder that they get snakes from.
I might just get from them if you guys think it is better idea since I can at least get in touch easily or get help if there is problem.
And is 72 hour health policy thing w/e enough?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gusanr14

Honestly, I had misconception that repticon will have all reputable breeders or business. That is the reason I am waiting for it.
However, after hearing all these stuff, I understand that there could be bad breeders there trying to get some money.
I have two shops near me, one 15 min away and one 30 min away. They have good reviews in the town but I think they have some breeder that they get snakes from.
I might just get from them if you guys think it is better idea since I can at least get in touch easily or get help if there is problem.

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I couldn't comment on that because I dont know them except for the fact i don't like Pet shops. Not even family owned. They seem to be in the money business as where a True Ball Python breeder loves his snakes and what he does only producing his best and healthiest.
I know of breeders on here that sold some for $150-$250 and they were not just normals. Also $180-$250 gets some really cool morphs shipped and from reputable breeders online. Before you do anything look into it. Maybe if you give us a idea of what your leaning towards someone might have or know of a breeder that has what you would like at a good price.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CALM Pythons

I couldn't comment on that because I dont know them except for the fact i don't like Pet shops. Not even family owned. They seem to be in the money business as where a True Ball Python breeder loves his snakes and what he does only producing his best and healthiest.
I know of breeders on here that sold some for $150-$250 and they were not just normals. Also $180-$250 gets some really cool morphs shipped and from reputable breeders online. Before you do anything look into it. Maybe if you give us a idea of what your leaning towards someone might have or know of a breeder that has what you would like at a good price.

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Yea, I visit there often to just look and they seem to give good care. I remember them telling me the breeder they get from but can't remember the name. I am probably going to ask again and look it up.
This is their website by the way, probably can't tell from just looking at the website lol. Anyways, do you know any good breeders? so I can maybe look into it and consider buying online.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gusanr14

Yea, I visit there often to just look and they seem to give good care. I remember them telling me the breeder they get from but can't remember the name. I am probably going to ask again and look it up.
This is their website by the way, probably can't tell from just looking at the website lol. Anyways, do you know any good breeders? so I can maybe look into it and consider buying online.

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Yes i can PM you. Not sure what Deb "Stewart Reptiles" has left but there are several breeders. I know she had some posted on here.

I haven't seen this mentioned yet, so I will. I think a big part is what you plan on doing with your new ball. If you are looking for a single snake as a "pet" then I believe a show is the better way to find it. All the pictures posted online do not get close to what they actually look like.

I went to Repticon with NO intention of getting anything, but came back with a new pastel. Now I am sure I looked at 50 different versions at the show, (I love that morph), but when I saw this one I was blown away by her colors.

If my intention was to get into a breeding project, I would have cared much more about genes and such, but I am not so beauty was the requirement for me. As it turns out the breeder is local to me as a bonus!.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gusanr14

Hello,
Sorry if I am not suppose to post this in this forum. Didn't know where it belongs.

I am planning on my repticon visit next month to get my first ball python. I have some questions before I head there so I can be successful!
First, I was wondering if it is little cheaper to buy in repticon. Might sound cheap but I have set budget and if the price is little cheaper, I can probably look into wider range of morphs. Is it rude to ask to get 5~10 dollars off? I just saw some people saying you can talk and get some deal at repticon so I was wondering. This might all sound like I am trying to be cheap, but as college student, it would be great to save some money honestly.

What should I look for when buying my ball python? I am going to buy a baby male. I know basic stuff like dehydration, mites or stuck skin but since it is my first time, I don't know if I can look at the right stuff. Could I ask to show if it is male, to check if there's no mites kind of stuff?

Do they get sold out pretty fast? I might be there couple hours before it closes.

I am probably over thinking but first time is always a concern.
Thank you!

---

My personal opinion is this......

1) Consider your plans for the future. If breeding is in your plans, look carefully for a morph that has the traits you are looking for.

2) Read carefully about how the morphs can or might effect the snakes health before you go. I personally stay away from the spider gene (my preference). Also some breeding combos are fatal.
(homozygous spiders, or homozygous womas etc).

3) Either for a pet or breeder, I always spend time talking to them a few min before buying the snake. If they don't know the personality of the snake (aggression level, eating habbits, etc) I move on. IMO a good breeder will have this information.

4) Age/ weight of the animal? I always ask this question. Most good breeders can answer this. Not a hard limit for me if they don't know but will spend more time asking questions or shopping if they cant.

5) The OOOOO and AHHHHHH effect.... Shop around and explore the entire place before you get your heart set on something specific. I went to a local repcon this weekend. Fell in love with the well behaved male reticulated python. I even held him and took a couple of photos. The price was right at 800 and for his morph was not a bad price. I went back and looked at him several times. I know I am not prepared to take care of this 15 foot 80lbs male snake at this time. I took the business card of the breeder and he lives 3 hours away. If I get prepared to house him and educated enough to do so I might go pick him up if he is still available.

6) Have an enclosure set up for your new pet in advance. Having a proper home to go to when you get the reptile home will lessen the stress of the animal until you both get adjusted to caring for each other.

7) Live up to your commitment to care for the reptile. This is the most important to me. You are saying "I know what I am getting into and am able to as well as willing to fulfill your commitment to do so!" when you make the purchase.

I am sure there are those more experienced than me that will say this list if far from complete and I would agree with them. Good luck.

I have purchased BPs and boas from shows like repticon and from online breeders who had the animals shipped. I have had good experiences with both.

I would agree with everything said so far on this thread. Look up repticon's vendor listing online and research the people on Google and on fauna classifieds. We even have a forum here to ask for feedback too. Of the breeders that have good reputations, see if they have FB pages or other sales pages (like morph market) so you can see their available stock.

If you like what you see, you can email the breeder and enquire if they are bringing a certain morph to the show or if they have a sales list for what they are bringing listing prices. You can often arrange to pre-purchase the animal online and pick up at the show this way. I have done this before with good results.

Which repticon are you planning on attending (what city)? If you are going to the ATL repticon, I know some people that vend and can give you the name of a FB group they use. You can ask there who is going and what they will have, etc.

If you are interested in a breeder recommendation, I can PM you the names of 2 breeders I've recently dealt with and had good experiences purchasing online. I know both of them have available animals now (some at very reasonable prices) depending on what you are looking for. You could also start a new thread in our feedback forum asking for recommendations.

I would be hesitant about going the pet shop route. They may take good care of their animals, but pet shops have to make money, which means marking up the the price of their stock... They may buy from the breeder at a normal or slightly reduced price, but often increase it by 200% to make ends meet. This is often why you see BPs at petsmart and petco for well above market price. Unless you can check their price for a morph then double-check online to ensure that it is a fair price, I wouldn't buy from them. It is also always best to buy from the breeder so that you can ask questions about hatch date, genetics, health, how well (and what) it is feeding on, etc.

Shows can be a lot of fun and the best part, IMO, is getting to see different examples of the same morph. It is "buyer beware" territory, but as long as you have done your research online, you should be fine. I would caution to watch for people selling many species of snakes at the same table. This is usually (but not always) a sign of a flipper who buys and re-sells animals. Also, as others noted, try not to handle animals unless you are planning on possibly buying them and always use hand sanitizer in between handling.