Should I bring my BP to Repticon?

[GpBp]

Hi! So Repticon is coming to my area this weekend, and your able to bring your personal animals. I would like to bring Geno! He's been with us for a month, already shed and is eating good. He's great with handling, very curious and has never bitten/acted defensive towards anyone (Well that's not entirely true, he did get me once, but I scared him and it was completely my fault). The longest I've had him out was maybe 1-2 hours, while I brought him to introduce to my other family members. He was great then, not minding it at all I don't think My question is, would it be ok if I brought him? He's very chill, I think he'd do great, but what do you think? Thanks!

[EL-Ziggy]

It's your snake and your choice but I'd advise against it. No point in exposing a solitary critter to such a public setting. I'm pretty sure he'd prefer to be in his own space too . I'd also also be concerned about him picking up those icky mites.

[SDA]

I would not. It's stressful and increased risk of contamination of things like mites.

[Jhill001]

Not advised, even more so for a newer animal.

[GpBp]

Thank you! I didn't think about mites, that's a great point . Looks like your staying home Geno!

[Craiga 01453]

I would definitely NOT bring any of my snakes to an expo. Nothing to gain, not worth the risk in my opinion. Especially with a young snake, you're just adding unnecessary stress and risking a feeding strike. Also, I would be concerned with bringing mites home. Another thing to remember is to wash thoroughly and change clothes after the show before handling your snake.

[bcr229]

Repticon doesn't vet vendors so even if I were inclined to bring a snake to an expo I wouldn't take one there.

[slseals1969]

After the last repticon where I was checking out a very large monitor and it crapped all over the owners shirt, I have decided against bringing any animals I might have to carry around

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[cletus]

I wouldn't ever take mine out of the house unless it was a vet trip or selling them. Or to take pics in good light. I don't really show them off.

[zina10]

I second (third, fourth) everyone's opinion to NOT bring your snake to an expo.

I wouldn't even take mine to pet stores to "show off". For all the reasons that were given. The stress is immense. The temps are way to cold (for a long time). Even if you carry it "on you".

Then there are not only the mites, but a possibility of some very nasty viruses you can bring home. The people at the expo touch all kinds of other reptiles before they will touch yours. Not everyone asks people to sanitize their hands before handling their animals. As a matter of fact, if I went to a Expo I would immediately put all my clothes in the wash and take a shower before coming anywhere near my own animals.

I have a very small but "dear to me" collection and I'm very particular and paranoid when it comes to keeping them safe and healthy.