Buying at a show

[kc261]

Our family has been seriously considering getting a baby ball python for about a month now. It is something I have wanted for years and the time seems right. We've read quite a few care sheets online and have been browsing this forum and a couple others during the past month, so hopefully we've got the basics down. We plan on going to the MARS show this weekend and may bring home a baby if we see one we like. I do have a few questions about buying at a show and bringing the baby home.

1) - Is it reasonably safe to assume that anybody selling at one of these reptile shows would be safe to buy from? Or are some of the vendors just as bad as many pet stores?

2) - We live more than an hour away from the show. How do we safely transport our new baby home?

3) - How much do normal hatchlings go for at these shows? Will there be a price difference between males and females? Or does everyone just bring their fancy stuff and we might not even see any normals?

4) - Anything else I've forgotten to ask that we should know about or look out for?

Thanks!

[Freakie_frog]

1) - Is it reasonably safe to assume that anybody selling at one of these reptile shows would be safe to buy from? Or are some of the vendors just as bad as many pet stores?

Unfortunately no. Some of the vender's can be as bad as the stores yes.

2) - We live more than an hour away from the show. How do we safely transport our new baby home?

A pillow case should be fine for that period of time.

3) - How much do normal hatchlings go for at these shows? Will there be a price difference between males and females? Or does everyone just bring their fancy stuff and we might not even see any normals?

depends males run 20.00-50.00 females can run 20.00-150.00

4) - Anything else I've forgotten to ask that we should know about or look out for?

Thanks!

Make sure the vendor insists you use a hand sanitizer prior to handling any of his/her animals.

Any vendor that offer paper work even with normals should be a go.

[RegiusCo]

1) - Is it reasonably safe to assume that anybody selling at one of these reptile shows would be safe to buy from? Or are some of the vendors just as bad as many pet stores?

Many can be worst then pet stores, I would judge by how you are received and how knowledgeable the vendor is, don't be afraid to ask questions. The good breeders will spend quality time answering all your questions

2) - We live more than an hour away from the show. How do we safely transport our new baby home?

Most breeders will give you the baby in a deli cup. The baby should then be transported in a second container that is somewhat weather proof, a lunch cooler works great, just make sure to open it up for proper air exchange on the way home.

3) - How much do normal hatchlings go for at these shows? Will there be a price difference between males and females? Or does everyone just bring their fancy stuff and we might not even see any normals

You will see plenty of normals, Co-Dominant and Dominant projects produce their share of normal offspring. As for price, without knowing your budget, try and get the best quality for the buck. Females might be a little more expensive then males.

4) - Anything else I've forgotten to ask that we should know about or look out for?

Look for a baby that is nice and plumpy as opposed to those skinny imported babies. Get a captive bred baby and ask a lot of questions. Get there early before it gets too crowded and breeders will have more time for you.

Good luck

Marc

[rabernet]

What show are you going to? There are several us going to the Dixie Reptile Show this weekend.

[Freakie_frog]

What show are you going to? There are several us going to the Dixie Reptile Show this weekend.

MARS

[rabernet]

MARS

Duh, hit me upside the head, please! Good thing I'm not driving tonight!