Reptile Expo

[DR2M]

Heading to a reptile expo in a few weeks looking for a ball python. I’d like a pretty morph but I would honestly settle for anything. About how much money do you guys think I should bring? Never been to a show before.

[gunkle]

If you go on morph market you can get a good idea of what morphs are going for. I've been looking for a few weeks I'm heading to an expo at the end of the month. Planning to buy 2 ball pythons and appropriately sized hides as I'm not sure what size I'm getting

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[Bogertophis]

Don't worry, no matter how much $ you bring, there will be plenty trying to help you part with it, lol. Is this your first snake?

You really should check out prices for snakes that you like ahead of time...just to have a "ball-park" idea. "Pretty" is rather vague & if you don't have some
goals in mind, a well-attended expo can feel overwhelming with all the choices. Psst! do watch out for snakes with mites! they get "shared" at expos!
Personally, I'd not buy a snake with mites...they can carry diseases among snakes, so it's a health risk.

More importantly, you want to bring with you a thick styro-foam box (or "cooler") to safely transport a new snake safely home. (+cloth bag & twist-tie to secure)

Also...top priority...set up the cage for the snake ahead of time, & test it for a week to make sure the temps. & humidity are right. You want to minimize stress
for an newly-bought snake that may come home with you.

Many here look thru Morph Market, if you aren't already familiar with it. Lot's of high-end BPs for sale there, but you'll also be able to see what appeals to you.

[DR2M]

Don't worry, no matter how much $ you bring, there will be plenty trying to help you part with it, lol. Is this your first snake?

You really should check out prices for snakes that you like ahead of time...just to have a "ball-park" idea. "Pretty" is rather vague & if you don't have some
goals in mind, a well-attended expo can feel overwhelming with all the choices. Psst! do watch out for snakes with mites! they get "shared" at expos!
Personally, I'd not buy a snake with mites...they can carry diseases among snakes, so it's a health risk.

More importantly, you want to bring with you a thick styro-foam box (or "cooler") to safely transport a new snake safely home. (+cloth bag & twist-tie to secure)

Also...top priority...set up the cage for the snake ahead of time, & test it for a week to make sure the temps. & humidity are right. You want to minimize stress
for an newly-bought snake that may come home with you.

Many here look thru Morph Market, if you aren't already familiar with it. Lot's of high-end BPs for sale there, but you'll also be able to see what appeals to you.

Yes it is. My mother bought me one from a pet store ( I know. Bad idea. She didn’t know.) which I had to take back due to it having ri. Was alittle sad but wasn’t surprised. I frequent morphmarket a lot actually. And yes. Pretty was vague. I’m thinking of having a budget around 120-150 (hopefully not exceed it) I know pastels, Enchis, and Mojave’s (I really like Mojave) are I that range. Thanks for the advice tho.

[Dianne]

Yes it is. My mother bought me one from a pet store ( I know. Bad idea. She didn’t know.) which I had to take back due to it having ri. Was alittle sad but wasn’t surprised. I frequent morphmarket a lot actually. And yes. Pretty was vague. I’m thinking of having a budget around 120-150 (hopefully not exceed it) I know pastels, Enchis, and Mojave’s (I really like Mojave) are I that range. Thanks for the advice tho.

In that price range you can find some pretty nice morphs. My lemon blast girl was $100...I’m partial to lighter colors and striping, though my collection is pretty varied. I am also a huge fan of bananas and have 3 banana combos, but a single gene banana would also be in that range...I know, I’ve looked. As you mentioned, pastels and mojave are in that range. I’ve not priced enchi, so not as familiar with them. Sometimes you can also get really good deals, especially towards the end of the show. Unless you find “THE” snake, I highly recommend making at least one lap around the show before making your purchase...there will be lots to choose from.

Having your setup ready several days in advance is the best plan, though I have cobbled together temporary housing for unplanned purchases. You also really want to get a good general look around the table if you think you’ve found the one you want. You’re checking to see if the other animals look healthy, basically clean. You’ll occasionally see urates/stool in a cup, but it should be fresh (just gone, not left in cup without cleaning, most breeders clean as soon as they see it). Ask questions about age, feeding schedule, prey size and type, live or f/t. When handling, really look over for mites and any signs of disease or injury. And if you already know all this, my apologies for preaching to the choir.

[DR2M]

[QUOTE=Dianne;2682962]In that price range you can find some pretty nice morphs. My lemon blast girl was $100...I’m partial to lighter colors and striping, though my collection is pretty varied. I am also a huge fan of bananas and have 3 banana combos, but a single gene banana would also be in that range...I know, I’ve looked. As you mentioned, pastels and mojave are in that range. I’ve not priced enchi, so not as familiar with them. Sometimes you can also get really good deals, especially towards the end of the show. Unless you find “THE” snake, I highly recommend making at least one lap around the show before making your purchase...there will be lots to choose from.

Having your setup ready several days in advance is the best plan, though I have cobbled together temporary housing for unplanned purchases. You also really want to get a good general look around the table if you think you’ve found the one you want. You’re checking to see if the other animals look healthy, basically clean. You’ll occasionally see urates/stool in a cup, but it should be fresh (just gone, not left in cup without cleaning, most breeders clean as soon as they see it). Ask questions about age, feeding schedule, prey size and type, live or f/t. When handling, really look over for mites and any signs of disease or injury. And if you already know all this, my apologies for preaching to the choir

I don’t mind lol. I knew but I appreciate when someone gives solid advice. And I have a setup that’ll be ready. I need a few more things but I think I’ll be prepared. I’ve alrwady located a guy who sells rodents not to far from me and keeps them in fresh supply. I’m super excited for this expo. I don’t plan to pick until I’ve seen everything. As for morphs. Bananas are gorgeous. The man who sells rodents I mentioned also has a few snakes. Among them a young banana with freckle she. Absolutely gorgeous. I going for something that looks like a lesser Mojave’s or similar is pattern/color. I love the light colors.

[Dianne]

I don’t mind lol. I knew but I appreciate when someone gives solid advice. And I have a setup that’ll be ready. I need a few more things but I think I’ll be prepared. I’ve alrwady located a guy who sells rodents not to far from me and keeps them in fresh supply. I’m super excited for this expo. I don’t plan to pick until I’ve seen everything. As for morphs. Bananas are gorgeous. The man who sells rodents I mentioned also has a few snakes. Among them a young banana with freckle she. Absolutely gorgeous. I going for something that looks like a lesser Mojave’s or similar is pattern/color. I love the light colors.

I figure it never hurts to give too much info.

I also have a mojave and recently purchased a lesser. What sold me on my mojave Sabrina is the darker outline around her pattern and the partial dorsal striping. I’m biased, but she’s a very pretty girl.

For my lesser (as yet unnamed), the seller was offering her with an albino pastel spider that caught my eye at a price too good to pass up. When I saw her and handled her, I was hooked. She’s so bold and curious. She shed the day after I bought her and is even prettier than before. I really like the softer color and pattern.

[Bogertophis]

Yes it is. My mother bought me one from a pet store ( I know. Bad idea. She didn’t know.) which I had to take back due to it having ri. Was alittle sad but wasn’t surprised. I frequent morphmarket a lot actually. And yes. Pretty was vague. I’m thinking of having a budget around 120-150 (hopefully not exceed it) I know pastels, Enchis, and Mojave’s (I really like Mojave) are I that range. Thanks for the advice tho.

I'm sorry your first experience was rather sad...and no, your mother meant well & didn't know. Besides that, not all pet stores are bad, & neither are all their animals.

You should be able to find a beautiful & healthy snake to fit your budget...if I had to guess, you'll have plenty to choose from there. Do show us what you bring home-

[Danger noodles]

I know u already said ur budget but for those that haven’t been to an expo before. U can find some really good deal! If u bring $300-$500 you can get into 90% of snakes there. Yes there are special ones that go for 5k+, but for the most part if u look around u can find a snake that takes your breath away. I went for a banana morph and came home with the most amazing purple passion for $300. So I was happy, saw an amazing ultramel for $200 and it was the best looking one there! So there are some good deals!

[Roux]

I second walking the show first (quickly!) To see whats there, then pick. I say quickly because I've missed a snake i really liked because i didn't go round fast enough lol.
I'd say take $200 and you'll have a lot of options i that range. Its always worth trying to negotiate too.
I had a vendor do a good deal for 2 snakes because they liked that i asked questions about the snake, how well it ate, and the parents and for pics ect... a good breeder appreciates a knowledgeable buyer.

Post pics with what snake you get!

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