Lone star DFW reptile expo

[Kittycatpenut]

How much would a normal captive bred ball python cost at the DFW lone star reptile expo? I have 240 in my bank account. Would that be enough? I don't care about the sex of it.
Also, how much would a female leopard gecko cost? My sister wants to get her's a tankmate.
I'll be going to the show in July.

[Kittycatpenut]

I have my eye on a male ball python at a local petco. He seems healthy- no signs of a respiratory infection, no mites, good muscle mass, friendly, and the lady that cares for the reptiles there says he eats, but if I get him I'll ask to see him eat. Should I get him instead of one at the show? He's 55 dollars on sale.

[Dabonus]

I would at least wait and check out the animals at the show. The BP selection wasn't huge at the last one, but almost everyone I talked to had several clutches in the incubator. You should be able to find what you're looking for at a better price, and from a respectable breeder.

[Kittycatpenut]

Thanks. I think I will. I hope I find a good one.

[cdavidson9]

I would highly recommend waiting until the expo. Also if you are able to find out before hand what breeders will be attending you can call them ahead a time, tell them what ur budget is, and you may be able to get something even "cooler" then a normal.. perhaps a nice pastel, pinstripe, mojave, etc. If you still want a normal then the breeder(s) can bring their best looking animals to show you also.

In my honest opinion I would shy away from a chain store like petco or petsmart. Reason being is their animals are almost ALWAYS wild caught BPs from Africa and a lot of times can have mites, or other parasites that may not look unhealthy with the naked eye, but under the skin can have something going on. Don't get me wrong, a lot of folks get snakes from these stores and have no prob at all, but if you are patient I think you will be A LOT happier with something from a reputable breeder.

After all, it's all about supporting people that have the same passion as you and I about reptiles. Do you think the person purchasing the reptiles at Petco or Petsmart has the same passion we do? Something tells me I bet not. HELP OUT THE HOBBY and HELP OUT OUR FELLOW REPTILE LOVERS!!

Whatever you decide to do, I hope you get something you are happy with and I wish you the very best. Good luck!!

[Kittycatpenut]

I've heard all the horror stories. I don't trust pet stores too much and I don't want to get an animal that dies right after the warranty ends. If I can't find one at the expo I'll watch him for a few weeks to make sure he's healthy.