Thanks guys, and sorry about the delayed reply! I had been checking this thread constantly but I think my tablet was having a hard time updating because I didn't see any replies until just now. The whole family is so excited for the show. I can't imagine any reptile I would be tempted to call ugly, so we are good there. I don't plan on buying any animals, I just feel like I owe it to my baby (and first ever) ball python to give him plenty of time with my undivided attention before bringing any new "distractions" home, but I will be stocking up on feeder rodents and possibly some substrate or better hides.

I would love to handle some snakes while I am there, but I sort of hate to waste the vendors' time since I know I won't be purchasing. The two that I hope to get to handle would be a hognose and a carpet python if any are available because these two are on the list for future acquisitions and it would be nice to get some first hand experience with them to finalize that plan. That way I have a whole year to research and prepare before even considering bringing one home. The Phoenix show has a "no venomous" rule so there may not be any hoggies there, but fingers crossed, maybe they squeaked by.

I can't even imagine having an animal leap or otherwise do anything risky during handling, I would be so worried it would get hurt. I did get to handle a pied ball python today at Petsmart of all places. I was only there to return an incomplete product, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity when I noticed they had him. He was quite timid and actually struck in the direction of my son's head as he walked past lol. Couldn't have done any damage to him, but I was thrilled that I didn't flinch or drop him or anything. I had been pretty confident that I wouldn't panic if one struck while I was holding him/her, but you can never really know until it happens. It gives me more confidence that I could remain calm if my little guy ever did anything like that. I was lucky to get a very very sweet pastel who will even let me gently pet him on his head down to the back of his neck without any flinching. In fact, usually he just looks up and me slowly and flicks his tongue. Seriously can't imagine a more curious and tolerant snake. He is one reason I am not too worried about impulse buys at the show, I just don't know what could compete with him lol.