Are sellers at reptile shows usually reputable breeders?

[ACP123]

I'm just wondering because I got my ball python hatchling from a repticon last week. He seems good so far. No mites, ate yesterday, good temperament etc. But I don't know if I just got a lucky one. Would it be better to spend more money buying online from a for sure reputable breeder or are they pretty much always good breeders at reptile shows? I'm thinking of getting another ball python in a couple months so I just want to know the best place to get one.

[BFE Pets]

I would say for the most part yes. But there are always exceptions to the rule. Also near me there are a good bit of small time hobby breeders that set up at the local shows. So far most of them seem good but they haven't been in it long enough to get a reputation good or bad. There is a breeder that sets up at my local show that pretty much only gets first time buyers. He's there every time in the same place and it has become known as the wall of death to most of the regulars. So be sure to ask around about the people you purchase from at an expo or online. Good luck with your newest addition and future ones.

[Ridinandreptiles]

Most of the time yes.... Not to poor infers but I've had a few large breeders send me a snake with mites and never had that problem from a smaller breeder (well once)

[ewaldrep]

I feel ya on that one, I have been wondering if I should get my next one from a reptile show or order online as well. It seems like haggling would be easier in person but I don't want to bring mites or a sick reptile home! I went to one reptile show and what I saw there was that many of the venders and regulars are willing to talk about the integrity and quality of the other vendors pretty openly. I found out about one to stay away from just by overhearing them talk. I plan to breed one day as a hobby and I will be another one of the newbies but I can assure you I will have quality only (healthy anyways, I probably won't have amazing animals since I don't plan on spending thousands). Best of luck!

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Shows are representative of what you found on line. In both cases there are the good ones and the bad ones.

What I recommend until you become familiar with the vendors at your local show (which generally tend to be the same) is to get the vendors list and look them up on the BOI.

More often than not breeders at shows also have an online presence and reputation.

As for the breeders that only do shows and don't seem to have any online presence or rep, their animals and a 5 to 10 min conversation should allow you to determine if they are someone you want to buy from or not.

[Michelle1221]

When we went to Baltimore Repticon I had plans on researching the boi before I purchased. But my daughter recognized a vendor from another forum and we ended up there first and after walking around I went back and purchased from them. It gave me piece of mind but we also purchased a hognose and it was someone unknown on the boi and name I did not recognize. After talking with him and looking over the snake I felt very comfortable buying from him.

[BHReptiles]

Like others have said, it can be hit and miss. Just make sure you do your homework! For example, near where I live, there's an exotic pet shop that visits the venders. I bought one snake from them (before I knew that this was a well-known no-no) and the baby couldn't digest food. I never found out why. Even the vets were unsure. So now, I always look at the vender list and then google-search their names for websites as well as look for them on the board of inquiry. I can usually get at least 50/50 hits on the BOI. If I can't, then I just make a point to talk to the seller if I know them well enough. I also went to the East Texas Herp Society show where I got my lesser boy. I hadn't heard of the breeder and all that was on the BOI from her was her graphics. But I got to talking to the seller and looking at all her animals. All were in good health and she seemed to know a lot about them and cared a lot about my future breeding plans. I ended up buying my Lesser from her. But he's been perfect in every way and I wouldn't think about getting him from anyone else.

[West Coast Jungle]

I would say it varies just as individuals vary. Just because someone has a table at a show doesn't mean they are good or bad, just means they paid $300 for a spot.

[S.I.R.]

I would say most reptile show breeders are pretty reputable. With that being said, I always look at the vendor list on the show's website and check online for any pros or cons. I also look here on BP.net and check out some of their posts and their reputation. Once at the shows, I always talk to the prospective seller and try and get a sense of their knowledge on BPs. I also look at the overall health and display conditions at their table and I even sometimes ask around to other vendors at the same show about the dealer in question. When we set up at a show, I stay completely honest with each customer because my philosophy is that a happy customer will only add to your rep and bring future business back to you! This hobby/business is only as good as the people selling the animal and the knowledge we give to ensure the health of the animal. Hope this helps!

[Knytemare]

When i lived in illinois, i would always go to scotts all animal expo, and all the breeders seemed great. If there was a problem where people were trying to sell bad reptiles, im pretty sure they wern't allowed back.