Mites and RIs at Expos?

[Luvyna]

I'm planning to go to a reptile expo some time just to have a look and hopefully get some new enclosure furniture and frozen rats for my BP. I kind of want to try handling some of the snakes and other reptiles there but I've read it's better to not do that unless planning to buy. Wondering what precautions to take to avoid bringing any mites home to my BP or pass on RI germs or anything like that. Also if I do buy anything like a branch or a bowl do these need any special treatment for mites besides the usual baking or washing?

I'm not planning on getting any animals but I'm curious in general about how people get healthy animals home from shows because it seems like it's so easy for mites and reptile germs to spread there! Also do people negotiate prices at expos?

[Lord Sorril]

I've bought dozens of snakes at expos-never brought back mites or RI's. Take a good look at the vendors before you touch the animals...how clean do they look? That guy with the black eye, ripped jeans, and greasy dreadlocks selling snakes in used poorly cleaned ramen noodle bowls (you know the guy I'm talking about)-maybe not your best bet...

Also:
I recommend hand sanitizer before/after you touch any reptile and ditching your clothes in the wash as soon as you get home...I've has fleas jump on me from some of the more...'interesting' reptile expo attendees-nevermind the breeders...

Edit: And for negotiating price-definitely. Anything over $100 is fair game. Anything under $100 is just being annoying.

[Bogertophis]

The informal 'hands-off rule unless buying' isn't really about you & your snakes...it's really to minimize the stress of the animals being sold, and the risks to THEM
from you & every other person that wants to get their hands on them. Pretend mentally that you're a seller: would YOU want ppl that just handled other snakes
on the table across the room whose vendor you don't know & that may have mites or other diseases to be handling YOUR clean & healthy animals. I wouldn't.

Pet stores aren't the best place to buy snakes, but it's also where they are not so particular about this: they hope you handle & fall in love with & buy the animal.

Mites cannot hide on bowls, but germs can: wash thoroughly. Branches, yeah, I'd both spray (w/ diluted disinfectant as used on cage wipe downs) & bake 'em.

Some do negotiate prices...better to try late in the day & especially on the last day of expo (if a multiple day event). Depends on the seller- better chance if buying
more than one.

[WhompingWillow]

I love (good) expos, but mites are present even at the best shows. Look over the animals, talk to the breeder, try to get a feel for how well the animals are cared for. Are they selling one or two species or a ton? Are there any imported animals or are they all CBB? If you're able, search the name through the FBI/Feedback and Inquiry Reptile group on FB to see if there are any reviews.

There are no guarantees when it comes to animals being mite-free at expos, though. Even if the breeder is impeccable, there may be cross-contamination between animals from one breeder to another due to people handling lots of animals. This is why I only handle if I'm seriously interested. I also don't like to feel like I'm wasting someone's time, but that may just be me. If you do handle, use hand sanitizer before and after. Hold the animal away from your body and don't wear long sleeves. Shower and change clothes when you get home. If you purchase anything, follow a quarantine procedure.

As an example, of the 4 snakes I handled at Tinley this weekend (one of the biggest shows in the country), 2 definitely had mites and another one may have. One was a vendor with good reviews. Another was my mistake because I didn't look at the vendor name before handling. If I had I would have avoided. The other seller I wasn't super familiar with.

Go and have fun, just take precautions.

[bcr229]

Expos are not petting zoos. If you are not 99.999% sure that you are going to purchase a particular animal, barring a closer inspection for mites, RI, deformities, etc., then do not ask to hold it.

[Luvyna]

Thank you everyone for the advice! I understand that the "hands off" rule is to protect the animals being sold and prevent cross contamination and unnecessary stress so I'll just be looking as I don't plan on bringing anything besides enclosure furniture and F/T food home.

[pbenner]

90% of breeders at shows will also get you a better deal if you pay cash as opposed to credit card... cause Gov't. ^_^

[Alter-Echo]

I assume every snake I see or buy has mites, and treat them accordingly. When I get home, clothes go right in washer, and any new snakes are wiped down with reptile spray before they go into quarantine enclosures.

[Sunnieskys]

Wait....you can negotiate price?

[WhompingWillow]

Wait....you can negotiate price?

Many breeders are willing to negotiate, especially if you make a reasonable cash offer. It's advised to wait until towards the end of the expo when vendors are trying to make final sales before they have to pack up. Some even post signs saying they're willing to negotiate.