CRBE Toronto - TOMORROW!

[NH93]

Hey guys!

I'm SO excited. Tomorrow I will be attending my first ever reptile show, which incidentally is Canada's largest reptile expo!
In preparation for the event (and purchasing - hopefully a ball python, which is what I'm now set up for), I am wondering:

Are there any vendors you really like and suggest for me to check out?

Are there any vendors you really DISLIKE, and suggest I stay away from?

What are some questions I should be asking before purchasing, or is there certain "show etiquette" I should know about?

Here is a link to the vendors that will be attending. Some of them are American as well!

http://www.reptilebreedersexpo.ca/

Thanks for reading, and I look forward to your suggestions!

[Skilla6000]

Lucky! Here in Alberta we have like no expos... anyways, some things you may want to ask is hatch date, eating live/ft (if that concerns you) some things you want to look for on the snake is no stuck shed, you can also grab a damp paper tower or something and rub it down the snake to check for mites... Make sure the snake is active and tongue is flickering etc... If you have any other questions let me know and ill do the best to my knowledge.

[NH93]

Thank you Skilla6000!

I'm more concerned about how to tell a good breeder from a "bad" breeder... :/
I guess I wouldn't know which questions to ask, apart from asking for their contact info, and other general questions about a snake I'm interested in. Is it ok to ask to hold a snake if I want to buy it? (I'm going to bring hand sanitizer, too) I've also read that it's a good idea to ask to see the inside of the mouth, but that seems like it'd be too stressful for the snake, especially being out in the open at a show all day...

What do you guys typically ask breeders at shows?

Thanks again!

[Skilla6000]

Thank you Skilla6000!

I'm more concerned about how to tell a good breeder from a "bad" breeder... :/
I guess I wouldn't know which questions to ask, apart from asking for their contact info, and other general questions about a snake I'm interested in. Is it ok to ask to hold a snake if I want to buy it? (I'm going to bring hand sanitizer, too) I've also read that it's a good idea to ask to see the inside of the mouth, but that seems like it'd be too stressful for the snake, especially being out in the open at a show all day...

What do you guys typically ask breeders at shows?

Thanks again!

Yes it's ok to ask to hold the snake, and if you want to you could ask to see in its mouth, and as for hand sanitizer they should have some on their table... Bring some if you would like though. And as for good/bad breeders I would suggest talk to them and just asking anything that pops into your head, if he seems "sketchy" to you then hand him back the snake and move on.

[Raven01]

I haven't run into any "bad" vendors at the Ontario reptile expos yet.
No, really either they are the best bunch of reptile related business owners or I've just been very lucky.
If you need enclosures see Jason at HerpHouses.
I think Ricky said he isn`t vending this year but, I use the small PVC enclosure I picked up from him to transport snakes to schools etc. It works perfectly The snakes always seem to be feeling secure when it is time to bring them out.
There is another guy there (forgive me but I forget his name) with Provent-a-Mite at a very good price, if he returns and, you don`t have any this is almost a `must have`item. May you never ever need it though.

[NH93]

Thanks for the suggestions!! I will be checking those out Raven01. And it makes me feel better that you haven't experienced any "bad" vendors at an Ontario show!

[el8ch]

Hey Hey!

The one thing that I would say about dealing with breeders/vendors is don't be afraid to ask questions. You want to know that someone is willing to answer your questions and that they are willing to take the time and show you their livestock and provide you with any information that you may be looking for.

When purchasing an animal I always like to know what sort of housing they've been in at the breeders as well as what prey items they have been feeding on!

I'm not vending, but I'll be helping out some friends at the show this weekend if anyone wants to drop by and say hi to attach a face to the name!
Will be posted up at the All Reptiles booth... Feel free to just yell out my name.