Source of New Ball

[Charles8088]

There's a reptile show coming up in March. I was at the last one this month, here in NY. Saw some beautiful snakes and morphs.

Question, as I ready myself to bring home my first...

Is it better to pick one up at the show, where you can see, feel, and get to know your new ball before picking him out? Or, are people getting better specimens from mail-order breeders? I would think the former.

[zina10]

I would say that depends.

You can get a great one at a show, you can look at it, check it over for mites (although they can hide very well) for disease and temperament.

If you buy from a reputable breeder, you can get a great one as well. At a show you always risk cross contamination. Most people are good about using handsanitzer or making sure anyone that handles their snakes uses it. But mites can hitch a ride on shirts, etc.
Of course you could also receive one in the mail with mites.

All mine arrived through FedEx, but I carefully chose who I bought from and I'm happy with every single one. I think the most important part is that you choose carefully WHO you buy from, not just where.

Good luck and looking forward to pictures of your new snake

[Stewart_Reptiles]

95% of my collection was purchased online, I am picky and rarely have I found an animal that I wanted to buy at the show, buying online offers me a wider variety of choices.

It's all about whom you are buying from, there are great breeders selling both online ad at shows, great breeders only selling online and great breeders only selling at shows just like there are shady people as well online or at shows or people with animals I would not come within 10 feet.

Bottom line doing research on the breeder before the purchase is really a must and you can do so here http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/foru...splay.php?f=13

[Craiga 01453]

I personally like to see an animal before I buy, but that's just me. I've never had one shipped from a breeder, but know of plenty of people who have received amazing animals that way. If the breeder is a known, reputable breeder/distributor, I would imagine you'll get a great animal. You'll probably save money at the show. I don't think you can go wrong either way if you know what you want and what to look for health-wise. Maybe check out the show, see if there's a snake there that's for you. You may see one and say to yourself "yup, that's the one". If not, maybe start the online breeder search.

[Sonny1318]

I'm with Deborah on this. Almost all my snakes, came from "mail order". I've been a hobbyist since 86, probably had over 35 misc boas and pythons over the years. Just got to do a little research before you buy.

[chakup]

Mine have been shipped but also don't have too many shows here and I'm impulsive when I see something that's just right.

[Charles8088]

My biggest issue, being new to the hobby, is that I don't really know much about the breeders.... whether at the shows or mail order. So, will see if I can find reliable references on each. And, will check out that site, FaunaClassifieds.com.

Thanks.

[zina10]

Are you looking for a hatchling, juvie or adult ? Does that matter to you ?
Are you looking for a particular morph ?

[Gsxr1100]

I'm in the same boat as you , looking for my first also , went to the ny show last week to get ideas .

going to Hamburg pa show next weekend , if you want to share a ride . I'm in Rockaway nj FYI

[Charles8088]

Are you looking for a hatchling, juvie or adult ? Does that matter to you ?
Are you looking for a particular morph ?

Definitely not an adult. More than likely a juvie. Though, what's considered a hatchling...1 day? 1 week? Hatchling would be cool too, cause you know you have the snake from its very beginning... feels a little more personal. But, again, what's a hatchling considered?

going to Hamburg pa show next weekend , if you want to share a ride . I'm in Rockaway nj FYI

I didn't know there was a show in Hamburg. Just looked it up, and put all the dates on my calendar. But, that's a slightly OVER 2-hour ride each way, so probably won't work for me. PLUS... the snake tank isn't ready yet. Goal is to have it ready for the March Long Island show (unless I do mail order of course). Good to know about the PA show though, cause on occasion I veture out that way. Not I can plan the venture around future Hamburg dates.