Reptile & Amphibian Forums

The big show continues a downward spiral, with tables spaced far apart to provide the illusion of a full convention center floor. "Big" names are all but absent, as was the case last year. There were several sayi morphs on sale scattered about the aisles, as one would always expect. Three groups of Black pine hatchlings were on the floor, two of which were fairly dark while a third was more obviously blotched, and to be fair priced accordingly ($50). Lineaticollis and normal as well as albino cape Gophers were on hand, as could be said for three people selling ruthveni hatchlings or yearlings, all of which appeared to be legitimate. Hatchling northern Pines were well represented, and a couple of leucistic southerns could be had. Not to forget a well started hypo deppei hatchling which I included in my little take home bag... Crowds are modest but enthusiastic. For a mere $17,500 a baby albino alligator awaits you if a pituophis is not your cup of tea.

I always enjoyed attending and being a vendor but the numbers didn't add up for me the past few years. I expected 80% Ball Pythons.... just not the same.

Tom Stevens
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TomsSnakes.com
twitter.com/TomsSnakes

smaller and smaller each year. shame. picked up an animal though. WS bull het albino. priced too good to pass up.

What do you think the problem is? The reptile market is dead....the economy is causing people to not buy snakes....Lack of "new" interest in reptiles?

If the big name breeders are not at Daytona, what are they doing?
I go to local shows outside Philadelphia, and they are always packed with people.

Are all the sales of interesting reptiles now online?

I would love to hear what people think. In what direction is this all going?

Thanks,

Jay Jacoby

The downturn in the economy has to play a part, as less "discretionary" ie; throwaway money is available for tragvel, let alone buying pets. It is fair to say that a lot of fad buying by people who otherwise have no interest in nature or the intrinsic value of each creature has ceased to some large degree. Prime example would be the baby Burmese Python that quickly outgrows it's "usefulness". Historically the pet store industry relies on such impulse buying, making their real profit on accessory items like cages, heat pads, lamps, and food items! A third area of activity involves those who are profit motivated over all else. Not to say that supporting one self doing "what you love" is not admirable at some level... but high priced animals are a pyramid scheme that breaths. The people in early can command high prices if demand is high (!) but all too quickly the market is flooded with offspring and the price must drop... think Emu's. Sizable crowds are nice, but often these venues become simple entertainment for local people to bring their kids. Long faced Ball Python breeders don't pay for their table with funds from people who exit carrying a snake made from beads from the craft store.

So true....

I do see a lot of "families" walking around like it is a freak show/reptile zoo for the day.

I also see lots of people walking out with boxes of crickets, and frozen rodents....NOT live snakes.

I guess the reptile show has it's place, and provides a place for people to get supplies, and now online sites provide a spot for people to purchase that special snake they were searching for. The last 2 purchases I did myself were online, where I would ONLY purchase snakes I could actually hold, and inspect in person.

I guess fourms like this will play a huge part in bringing people together, and making contacts for animals we see posted here with pictures.

Jay

" What do you think the problem is? The reptile market is dead....the economy is causing people to not buy snakes....Lack of "new" interest in reptiles? "

It may be all 3 reasons there. That, and maybe a possibility that too many people are breeding snakes, causing congestion. I know of some colubrid breeders that did quite well in Daytona, although.

" I go to local shows outside Philadelphia, and they are always packed with people. "

I know some breeders that do quite well down here at the shows in Texas, as well.
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Genesis 1:1

I know I have spoken with a lot of people who are cutting back on what and how much they breed. I'm one of them. I intentionally didn't breed anything last year due to a mild case of burn out that was induced by not being able to move babies at the end of the season. I don't regret my choice one bit. I have enjoyed my animals more this year than I have in years. The year off has allowed them to put on some excellent weight and, should I choose to breed them this year, could make for some nice clutches. I haven't made up my mind on that yet though.

I didn't make it to Daytona last year, but talked to plenty who had. Honestly, this years show was better than I anticipated, but definitely smaller than the show I went to two years prior. The number of ball pythons and boas was astounding. I thought there was a serious shortage of colubrid breeders. I kind of expected that though. Last year, in talking with several prominent wholesalers, colubrids just didn't sell well overall. The wholesalers were offering next to nothing for clutches if they'd even buy them.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that while the ball industry is going strong, those of us who love the colubrids (with the exception of maybe the hognose breeders) are seeing tough times. I picked up six animals this year, so I was pleased. I got to see my good friends John and Ruth Meltzer whom I haven't seen in WAY too long, and met lots of other folks whom I feel priviledged to have met. Who knows what the coming years will bring. In the mean time, I'm going to enjoy my animals more and worry about everything else less.

Take care!
Jeremy

Jeremy,
Way too long since I've heard/seen anything of you!!!!! I am currently on a spousal imposed hiatus. Don't have a single snake!!!!! Still poor as ever but I will be getting back into it come next May. Hope you decide to breed something although the pair or two I would buy would hardly cover your food bill!!!!!LOL I do miss your web site--it was always a treat to visit. I appreciate anyone with a shared love of Gophers!!!!! Don't remain a stranger--you have too much valuable knowledge that needs to be heard!!!!

Shalom,

Pat G-C

Hey there Pat! It's great to see/hear from you as well! Bummer about not having any snakes, but I'll bet it makes you love them that much more when you get some more.

I'm sure I'll breed a few things this year. The food bill to feed the 75 or so adults that I have without producing any babies this year has definitely pinched, but well worth it to me.

I'm hoping to get the website back up and running this fall. I appreciate the kind words and am glad that someone found it informative and entertaining. I'll try to get it back up soon.

Take care, my friend. Best wishes.

Jeremy

I'll be looking for it!!!! Let me know when you get the site back on!!!! And keep me in mind for a pair of those San Diego Gophers and White-sided Bulls If youy breed those!!!!! They were so hot!!!!

Pat

pat has no snakes? what? my heart goes out to you!

When you start to get the urge to have a pit or two again let me know!

John,
I'll be ready to get a couple pairs about the same time they are ready next season.I will track you down. Boy, that Red brings back memories. First snakes I ever got from you were Kingsville Reds. I had to have them after seeing that awesome picture in Reptiles Magazine. They were some of the first casualties in the wifey wars!!!!! Should have been more pro-active back then. Pits were always her first target!!!! O well, what is past is past!!!!

Pat

Me too! I want one, too, just like the one in your photo!
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Bob
Pyromaniac AKA Greatballzofire
Keeping cats allows man to cohabitate with tigers. Keeping reptiles allows man to cohabitate with dinosaurs.