buying at Reptile shows

I am going to the Intl Reptile Show in Tampa, Fl this weekend. Is there any reason for or against buying a snake at these shows?

It's a great place to buy a herp; what you want is right in front of your eyes, unlike the internet. You'll get to see some of the bigger breeders as well as some of the up and comers :*). A lot of times a particular show will have a web page listing vendors; that makes it easy to "do your homework" in as far as who you may end up buying from. Shows are fun just to go and see some critters you may only have heard about...I had a great embarrasing moment at a show when I asked a guy about his obviously dyed blue emperor scorpions...both him and the wife replied at the same time..." they're under a black light and they floresce(sp), dummy"...They didnt say dummy but the look they both gave me did . Have fun!

I bought mine at a reptile show. The prices are great, and as cka said, the product is right there. I was able to handle my snake first so that I could get an idea of her personality. Of the 2 Amels I looked at, she was the calmest. I haven't regretted the choice. She's awesome!

Buying from a show is probably one of the best ways to purchase a new snake. As long as you are buying from a breeder who knows a lot about the snakes they breed. You get to check out your snake(s) before buying them, which means you can look for health, personality, and possibly genetics if the owners have the parents on site or pictures of the parents with them. The only thing I'd say to look out for is an inexperienced herper who is selling snakes and might not know a great deal about genetics. I bought a charcoal last year that ended up being an Anery A (an honest mistake) would have been nice to know this was a possiblity though. All in all I'd trust buying from a show or from a trusted breeder off the internet a great deal more than I would any pet store! Good luck!!! :cheers:

So, Did ya get any thing there??? I ended up getting a Jungle Carpet Python, and a Timor Monitor.

I have to agree with everyone else. A show is probably the best place to get one. I ot mine there and that way you can check out the snakes and meet the breeder. Also, you save a lot on shipping.