Reptile Expo

[mandymg86]

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.

Bogertophis won't steer you wrong!

I also saw that you previously had a snake with RI...make sure all of your equipment is disinfected before you bring home a new snake.

[JRLongton]

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.

Happened to me as well! Missed a beautiful female super pastel ivory. She had a little black streak over each eye, looked like she was wearing eye makeup. I really wanted her, but decided to circle back after seeing the whole expo. I came back not 15 minutes later and she was gone....

[Bogertophis]

... She had a little black streak over each eye, looked like she was wearing eye makeup. I really wanted her, but decided to circle back after seeing the whole expo. I came back not 15 minutes later and she was gone....

Probably for the best ...you don't want to be stuck with some cheap floozie wearing eye make-up! It just wears off anyway...

[Bogertophis]

...I also saw that you previously had a snake with RI...make sure all of your equipment is disinfected before you bring home a new snake.

Extremely good point!

[DR2M]

I did the day it returned it to the store. Didnt want to risk it. Soaked everything in hot water. And scrubbed the tank. ��

[Bogertophis]

I did the day it returned it to the store. Didnt want to risk it. Soaked everything in hot water. And scrubbed the tank. ��

Scrubbing with a bit of soap (for debris removal) & hot water are good, but I'd recommend serious disinfection as well...dilute bleach (& rinse until NO scent of it),
&/or F10 &/or chlorhexidine (not mixed together, of course!). It might have been a simple R.I. but then again, "it coulda been more"...as the song goes.

Just a reminder...what appears to be a respiratory infection can be the "tip of an iceberg" illness...& the chance of it being that increases dramatically when
you source a pet from the commercial pet trade where so many animals are exposed to one another, plus the stress they suffer increases their vulnerability.

[larryd23]

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 would emphasize what I believe is assumed in your advice and that is, GET THERE EARLY.

You would be surprised how many people are waiting outside for the doors to open just so they can have first pick.

I would also suggest researching the vendors who will be at the show. Not all breeders are equal. We were fortunate to buy a beautiful Ultramel Jungle from Vin Russo (Cutting Edge Herpetological) at our first show. We didn't know who he was when we bought our first girl. We just thought that he was a really nice guy with beautiful sneks.