What is better - buy from expo or buy from breeder who ships to you?

[cueball]

Also, after reading my post again, I wanted to add that after all of the work that goes into vending at a show, please show your support, and spend a little money there if you see something that you like.

Excellent point MBM! In order to keep shows going there must be support. This is becoming more and more critical every single year. Keep it going

[MelissaFlipski]

From what I have gathered here, and thanks to all of you for your input, I get the feeling that 1) an advantage to the buyer is to see the snake in person at the show, 2) but it is more advantageous to the snake to have minimal stress - local pickup or shipped overnight, 3) it's always good to support the vendors that put all that work into it, 4) shows are a great way to connect with other reptile lovers, 5) the kids will love it!

So, the whole family is going to the show; the kids will love it! I hope to get a new pet, but will hold out for the right one and buy from a breeder who ships if I don't find what I want there.

That means I need to have a tank set up in advance. Before I do that, I have to convince my husband that this is OK to do (so soon after we got our 1st)... should I do another post for that?

Thanks, y'all!
-Melissa

[Blu Mongoose]

Depends o WHO you are buying from, not where. The integrity of the person I'm dealing with is far more important to me than location. I have even known petshop owners (rare, but they are out there) who kept excellent care of their stock. One I knew years ago was more trustworthy and cared more for his animals than most people I know.

[Ginevive]

Seriously though - do your homework. There are some people at shows that I would not touch with a 10 foot pole.

When I go to shows, I try to get a list of vendors, and go to Fauna and check out their reputation before the show. How will you get in touch with them after the show if you have a problem, etc.

For local shows, I might have five vendors that I would consider buying from after doing Fauna checks on them.

Same thing for breeders online - do your homework, ask here for feedback, etc.

Great advice! You said what I was planning on saying so I 2nd your post.

[muddoc]

From what I have gathered here, and thanks to all of you for your input, I get the feeling that 1) an advantage to the buyer is to see the snake in person at the show, 2) but it is more advantageous to the snake to have minimal stress - local pickup or shipped overnight, 3) it's always good to support the vendors that put all that work into it, 4) shows are a great way to connect with other reptile lovers, 5) the kids will love it!

So, the whole family is going to the show; the kids will love it! I hope to get a new pet, but will hold out for the right one and buy from a breeder who ships if I don't find what I want there.

That means I need to have a tank set up in advance. Before I do that, I have to convince my husband that this is OK to do (so soon after we got our 1st)... should I do another post for that?

Thanks, y'all!
-Melissa

Melissa,
I would say that you have a very good handle on how to make your next purchase. Now, get on that husband, and get the OK.

[MiloMorai]

No idea on the OP's poll.

Da*n you guys for the fauna classifieds. I've been reading the Arron VS. Charles Schuck thread for over 4 hours now and that's with skipping ahead. I can't stop.

[MelissaFlipski]

Melissa,
I would say that you have a very good handle on how to make your next purchase. Now, get on that husband, and get the OK.

Yeah, I'm having a hard time with that. He says, "You're an adult." Then when I ask what his opinion is REALLY, he gives me 4 reasons NOT to get another snake. 1) $$$, 2) Time and attention to care for another pet, 3) we are still somewhat struggling with husbandry on our BP (humidity - though that would not be an issue with a Rosy Boa), and 4) we don't even have time to clean the fish tank.

My feeling is that a 2nd snake (and even a 3rd probably) is inevitable. It's just WHEN. So I could go the route of, "If I'm going to do it anyway, why wait?" Or I could go the route of, "Do more research, save up money, and learn delayed gratification."

VERY HARD decision.

Deep inside, I hope he loses it at the expo and HE ends up being the one to get a snake of his choice (he loves the emerald tree boa and the green tree python).

[Skiploder]

Yeah, I'm having a hard time with that. He says, "You're an adult." Then when I ask what his opinion is REALLY, he gives me 4 reasons NOT to get another snake. 1) $$$, 2) Time and attention to care for another pet, 3) we are still somewhat struggling with husbandry on our BP (humidity - though that would not be an issue with a Rosy Boa), and 4) we don't even have time to clean the fish tank.

My feeling is that a 2nd snake (and even a 3rd probably) is inevitable. It's just WHEN. So I could go the route of, "If I'm going to do it anyway, why wait?" Or I could go the route of, "Do more research, save up money, and learn delayed gratification."

VERY HARD decision.

Deep inside, I hope he loses it at the expo and HE ends up being the one to get a snake of his choice (he loves the emerald tree boa and the green tree python).

You need to learn to work the trade with your husband. I just picked up another blackheaded python which cost me a new computer armoir with the wife.

The black pastel I brought home this week - a new Dyson vac.

One way or another, I figure she's gonna start to equate snakes with good things.

[Entropy]

Nice plan lol. My husband being in the navy leaves me with much time to happily integrate things while he's gone. When he comes home he either doesn't notice until I point them out OR he can't find good arguments on why we should get rid of them... then again I don't usually keep things from him. I warn him before I buy something.

[MelissaFlipski]

You need to learn to work the trade with your husband. I just picked up another blackheaded python which cost me a new computer armoir with the wife.

The black pastel I brought home this week - a new Dyson vac.

One way or another, I figure she's gonna start to equate snakes with good things.

Wow! Don't our little snake-loving brains work alike? I have already used that argument in arrears - um, what about the teleschope with 8" mirror, the motorcycle (for which he promised to quit smoking but picked up the habit again), and the wide-screen hi-def. tv he brought home one day after work without telling me! I even tried mentioning the 3-4 day long fishing trips he took by himself, leaving me behind with the kids.

But he had one very good point. All those things are not LIVING. And changing your mind about having a snake that lives 15+ years is not as simple as with a tv. Also, tv's don't need constant checking on temperatures and humidity like we end up doing with our BP.

I know I wouldn't change my mind - I am in this for good (anyone have information on snake idolization/worship???). But a snake needs more care than material things. But it also provides so much more:

SNAKE THERAPY!!! See you all at the NARBC show today!!