If you've been reading you know to look at the eyes, look at and around the mouth and nostrils. Handle the animal and listen that it is breathing well. (No clicking or wheezing). If the animal doesn't check out this stuff run from the vendor and don't let them convince you it's ok. (And Purell your hands as you run)
Pick what kind of vendors you will talk with;
- Proffessional looking banner(s)
- Decent display(s) with all animals on heat. (Unless you are someplace hot)
- Look them up (displayed name) on your smart phone? (Anything bad...move on)
- Did they show up with bussiness cards to display? I would stay away from those tables with 4 friends that have 6 animals each and group together to split the cost.
These kinds of things tell me they take pride in what they are doing. When all the animals are on heat I can assume the vendor likely takes good care of the animals in his collection, quarantines properly,etc.
Have listened to too many stories about people getting a screaming deal from someone who is "perpetually thinning out the collection" only to find they bought an animal with mites or R.I. Be picky in picking your vendor.
Next, go in with a budget in mind and a goal animal. Do you want a medium white visual male pied (a nice one here is 450-500), do you a want pastel lepoard pied male (almost double the cost) or are you going to hold out for a female medium white with a happy face on her back and "chocolate chip" spots on her tail? (Have been offered 2200 for mine). Make a plan. It will probably go out the window but at least the plan will help you steer a little.
Breeders ask more $ for girls, ask them to pop the animal to prove gender.
Ask about the animals feeding prefferance and how aggressively it feeds. Has it been assist fed as a hatchling, if yes how many times? If you want to feed F/T, ask if it normally takes F/T without hesitation.
If it's a hatchling how many meals has it had. (Should be 5 min).
If it's claimed to have multiple genes cooked in, ask about the gaurentee on genetics, always ask about health gaurentee.
I've sold plain pied males that we could have easily sold as pastel pied. (We supply a full color cert for combo morphs.)
Often at expos, certs are not provided. If you are buying something with multiple genes. (Eg. Pastel Enchi Pied) Ask for a gaurentee written on the sales receipt. IE, Animal being sold is a XYZ-pied and they will give you money back if that is found to be incorrect.
In the end, you'll know right away. You will see a snake and you'll know that is the one.
Hmmm....what else? Think about the most you can spend and take that in cash and leave your cards at home. The ATM at expos are evil.
I know I'm probably forgetting lots, but it's 1:30am here and it's been many, many hours since my last coffee.
Hope that helps a little.
Chris
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