Buying a Snake @ a Show

[ALTownsend1]

So...Tampa Repticon is this Saturday, and if the right price/snake/breeder is there, I will likely be bringing home a new addition, a buddy for Wyatt. Before I make the trip to the show, I have a few questions for the wise BP.netters:

1) Has anyone made it to previous Tampa Repticons? What can I expect? How are the vendors/prices/atmosphere?

2) I went ahead and bought the VIP ticket on the Repticon website. What does this get me? I read that I can pick up tickets that morning, and enter at 9 rather than 10..any other perks? Does this cover only one day or both? Did I waste a whopping $2?

3) I will have the truck packed so if I do make a purchase, I can head back up to Gainesville straight from the show to get the possible purchase right into it's new home.If I do find something before the show starts for non-vip's, or early in the show, will the seller hold the snake for me until I'm ready to leave, or will I have to hold the snake as I make my rounds?

4) Once I get the snake and leave the show, any tips for transporting the snake in the car? It will be a 2 hour ride from Tampa-Gainesville.

5) (This may get me some flack, but I'd rather ask it and get a proper response then not ask and make a mistake). I have a 3 tub rack where my one BP Wyatt is in the top tub, and the other two are unused. The temps and humidity are perfect and all that good stuff. Here's the controversial question: with a snake from a reputable breeder at the show, how necessary is the quarantine process (be gentle...at least I'm asking...)? Would putting the snake in the rack be a huge no-no?

6) Any show wisdom? Just want to hear everyones experiences, what they do, or wish they had done, and anything I need to know before I go to make sure I make smart decisions, and make the most of the show that will likely be the only one I go to this year, or for a long time. Are there ATM's? Do breeders take plastic (sorry if this is a silly question)? I've heard random info such as "sunday sales" or deals during the 9-10 "VIP" time...

You guys, as always, ROCK! Thanks!

[redstormlax12]

I cant answer the first two, so ill start at three. Vendors will usually hold the snake at the table for you so you wont have to carry around the snake and possibly harm it or cause any more stress.

Next the fourth question. I made a 5 hour trip home from the expo with two boas, and bci and an argentine. I kept them in their containters under some blankets and made sure the car wasnt ridiculously cold. A two hour ride will be no problem.

Five, quarantining is always highly recommended. Ive put new additions in racks with previous tennants. I know i may catch some flak from this, but i have never had any problems with my collection and all are healthy, and i dont ever skimp on what my herps need. If your going to do the rack thing you need to really wash your hands anytime after you handle, clean, or touch the tub, snake.

My expo experience was amazing. You'll be psyched when you get there and you see all of the reptiles everywhere. You'll be a kid in a candy shop. Just ask questions about the snake, care, hatch date, what its eating, how well its eating, just stuff to ask the breeder. If they are a reputable breeder they will have no problem answering the questions and will enjoy talking to you. There should be an ATM somewhere in the building. Some of the breeders will take plastic, some wont be able to. If you only pay in cash you avoid all tax though too.

Hope this helps. And have a blast!

[Raverthug]

1 No im in colorado But i will give my info based on what I have seen.

2 no clue

3 It depends on each vendor. Some will some wont. IF you have them hold it make sure you bought it. I have seen snakes put on hold then get sold to the next person with money. Personally I would carry it. If nothing else take a back pack to carry the snake in just make sure it doesnt get to hot and has enough air.

4 If you can deal with the teps try to keep your car about 87ish. They should give you a plastic cup or a bag to hold the snake in. It should be ok in there.

5 Personally I like to keep em in a seperate tub on the other end of the room or in a diff room. Just to make sure.

6 the biggest thing I can reccomend is HAVE FUN. Try to be there towards the end of the show as the sellers will alot of times drop the prices some. The show should have a website. Check out what breeders are going to be there, check out the vendors ect. WEAR SHOES YOU CAN WALK IN.

[redstormlax12]

Try to be there towards the end of the show as the sellers will alot of times drop the prices some.

Deffinetly. I stayed to the absolute end and I ended up getting a albino BCI male for 175. Cant beat that!

[ALTownsend1]

Not sure if I'll be able to stay till Sunday...so I may miss the last minute deals...

Anyone else?

[Vypyrz]

Take a pen, notepad, camera. Make notes of which vendors have the snakes you are interested inand take pics. It's no fun when you walk around and see a few specimens you are interested in, then cant remember who had what. Go sit down somewhere or grab some lunch, look over your notes and pics and decide what you want...

[MattU]

From my experience with shows (which is limited) one thing I'd make sure to do is check very, very closely for mites before you decide not to quarantine. In that atmosphere, with so many people and animals so close together mites seem to spread quickly.

Shows are fun though and sometimes you can find a deal!

[ALTownsend1]

I love the notepad and camera idea...will do for sure

[ALTownsend1]

Any other experiences? possibly anyone who has been to the Tampa show? I'm practically counting down the hours

[Kaorte]

If you feel safe enough not to quarantine, that is your call. I would quarantine at least for a few weeks though. It is the smart thing to do. You never know what that snake could be carrying.

People have had their entire collections wiped out by some crazy virus. Why? because they rushed and did not quarantine. :/