The reptile industry is pretty mediocre in Nova Scotia from what I can tell, but apparently there have been a few small expos over the years. There is talk of having another one this year on one of the herp forums and I'm hoping they continue to grow and get themselves better organized so that I might get to visit one when I'm ready to bring home a new baby.
My question to all of you is, are expos worth it?
My initial thoughts are that it would be a great place to buy a snake since you can examine it and handle it a bit before you make the purchase (as opposed to buying online). But then on the flip side of things, is it a stressful time for the snakes? Are people trying to haggle with you to buy this or buy that? Is it possible in the hustle and bustle of the whole thing that you walk away with a less than healthy snake, or paying way too much because the guy at the table 'convinced' you to? I have no idea what it's really like at one of these.......
Any thoughts?
My question to all of you is, are expos worth it?
My initial thoughts are that it would be a great place to buy a snake since you can examine it and handle it a bit before you make the purchase (as opposed to buying online). But then on the flip side of things, is it a stressful time for the snakes? Are people trying to haggle with you to buy this or buy that? Is it possible in the hustle and bustle of the whole thing that you walk away with a less than healthy snake, or paying way too much because the guy at the table 'convinced' you to? I have no idea what it's really like at one of these.......
Any thoughts?
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Canada
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Re: Expos?
Fri, May 16, 2008 - 6:44 PMI love Expos. It's a great way to see unusual snakes, talk to breeders and see new eqipment.
I've found the prices are generally ~much~ lower then in a pet store, or from someone who bought from a pet store. -
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Re: Expos?
Fri, May 16, 2008 - 8:19 PMWe have several friends who travel to Expos to sell thier snakes and they charge the same as ton hier websites. So I don't know how much lower you can convince them to come down. Many of them have great reputations as breeders and you pay for what you get. Especially if it is a unique morph or a rare specimin of one kind or another. They probably do sell many normals cheaper than pets shops to clear them out.
I would say it would be worth it even to travel to an Expo many from around here do it.
Pet shops usually mark up high, after all it's retail, Higher overhead.
Hopefully I will have hypo and Pastel BCI's this fall to sell.
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Re: Expos?
Fri, May 16, 2008 - 8:28 PMThe snakes could well be stressed from how far they have traveled to be there. Also could be in blue. You never know, al2ways look for mites around the facwe under teh chin, around eyes. Run your hand down teh body and look to see if yo uhave any black specks on your hand. Does it look well hydrated. How old is it? What is it eating? What kind of temprament does it have. Remember many of the breeders do not have time to handle all of thier snakes, they breed, feed, clean and that's it. So any handling will be done by you.
The younger the snake the better, as you can handle it and watch it grow. An older snake with bad temprament is not a good idea unless you are an expert handler. I wouldn't get one. LOL
You might not find one you connect with, but you may find several. Talk to everyone first, go back and ask more questions of the ones you like till you are satisfied.
But there is nothing wrong wit hreputable breeders selling online, I know of several that do and I have met thier snakes and have bought two or three now and they are great snakes.
O.K. I'm done hope this helps.
~~Wiggles~~ -
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Re: Expos?
Sat, May 17, 2008 - 6:51 AMThanks you two that does help!
It gives be a better idea of what to expect at one of them. I imagine that because it's so small here that there's not too much 'action' and stress for the snakes. I'll try to keep in mind those things to look for Darkdove. The one thing that does make me nervous is that I am no expert, so I don't want to feel rude checking over the snake if an experienced breeder tells me it's fine, you know?
I have been in contact with a BP breeder in new brunswick, and I'm pretty sure she was at the last show, so it would be great if she was there again.
OH and just because I can't resist, on the forum for the expo, there was a thread about 'how did you like it/what did you get'.
www.saltwaterreptiles.com/testf...ex.php
Scroll down about 1/4 way down and there are some pics of a baby Iran Jayan carpet python that is SOOO cute OMG lol! I nearly died when I saw it. They get pretty big don't they though? And I bet they are expensive......... AND probably not for beginners........ but god he's adorable! Just try to resist his little face! -
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Re: Expos?
Sat, May 17, 2008 - 2:42 PMIrian Jaya Carpet python only gets about 5'-6'. go for about $100.00-up depending on if it's a nomal or a morph. Sometimes they charge a little more for females. I have Considered getting one in the past but went other directions. I think they would make good dance partners. -
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Re: Expos?
Sun, May 18, 2008 - 6:10 AM:D Your comment made me go research them more and they sound really amazing! I found a great breeder page with lots of info www.acreptiles.com/pythons_...njaya.htm
They sound just as friendly as a ball python but they are more slender which I like and just a tad longer :) I *think* this may be that breed of snake 'for me' that I've been waiting to find :) yay! -
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Re: Expos?
Sun, May 18, 2008 - 7:00 AMThat's a snake thats been on my wish list. They sound really nice.
I have a Jungle Carpet Python, and love his temperament.
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Re: Expos?
Sun, May 18, 2008 - 7:19 AMOur friend Will Bird has this site ectotherms.net/ecto-cms/index.php
He breeds Carpet Pythons as well as Ball Pythons and other snakes. I know I have posted about him before, but he has amazing carpet pythons. -
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Re: Expos?
Sun, May 18, 2008 - 7:24 AMectotherms.net/ecto-cms/index.php
Here is his Irian Jaya page -
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Re: Expos?
Sun, May 18, 2008 - 7:39 AMooo thanks for pointing out that he has them too, I didn't see any Irian Jaya's on his available list but I will keep an eye on him. It makes me feel more comfortable having recommendations from friends, especially ones that know so much about snakes like you! :D -
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Re: Expos?
Sun, May 18, 2008 - 9:25 PMYou might contact him and ask about them. Tell him Selimah sent you (Please) that way he knows you want to possibly dance with them too.
He is really into the carpets. And his are Beautiful. I have held one of the male Jaguars. He was a handful.
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