Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have never been to a reptile show, but I want to go.

Is there anything I should know about buying snakes at a show?

How do prices compair to in stores and on line, higher, lower, or the same?

Anything I should watch out for?

All advice is welcome.

Thanks,
AR
-----
Love snakes, the morph the merrier.

1.0 normal ball python Nicodemus
0.2 albino banana kings Dora and Queen
1.0 lavender albino king Ace
and more to come...

I go to the Ohio show almost every month. In general, I think that you get better variety, value and quality at shows than you could ever hope to find in a pet store. Ask here and on the forums pertaining to the types of snakes you like about the show you are thinking of. Who are the most reputable dealers there? Anyone to watch out for? The only ones I would usually steer clear of are the sellers of imports. I would always suggest captive born & bred animals. Good luck & enjoy! Duffy

Wow! You guys gave a show every month in Ohio? Dang, I'd never have any money. Duffy's right on about the variety. I've found prices to be great @ shows, comparable w/ online pricing, but w/out the shipping costs.

reako45

I live half an hour away from a show that happens every month of the year. I buy all my frozen rodents there, too. Been going to the All Ohio Reptile Show now for years, and lovin' it! Always something "tempting" in terms of a snake I want at a good price. It's amazing that I've had the self-control to keep my collection as modest as I have over the years.

There is nothing like a killer reptile show.
You will find that prices are usually at the best in terms of good deals and low prices. Also, you don't have to pay shipping prices as well. The selection is a million times more vast that any petstore you could find.
I am not against having wild caught snakes, but usually, from my experience, the vendors selling wild caughts are the ones I steer clear of. No telling what exactly they could be bringing to the show, in terms of mites, etc..
Buying CB is the best way to go IMO. I think also that you may find so many awesome snakes there, that it will be hard to pick and make decisions.

Take care!
Billy

-----
Genesis 1:1

.....
-----
Love snakes, the morph the merrier.

1.0 normal ball python Nicodemus
0.2 albino banana kings Dora and Queen
1.0 albino banded king Ace
and more to come...

Buying a critter from a show is the best experience. Generally the best folks to purchase from are the guys who sell the snake they bred themselves. More often then not they put a great deal of pride into what they breeding and dont want to get a bad rep for selling something that wont eat. Once you go to one you'll be hooked. There is something inspiring about seeing what people can produce from selective breeding and recessive genes.