What should I know about buy a snake at a show?

[stkkts]

Im going to a reptile show august 9th, and im looking for a an IJC or a Spotted python. Preferrably the IJC though. Is there anything I should know, or concerns I should have?

My only problem is that you dont know what the parents look like for the snakes, so you dont have an idea of the coloration the offspring will have. Do breeders generally bring the parents?

Also, are they trustworthy? If they say its CB, is it possible they are lying and its WC? Is there anyway I could find out if its eating?

What types of things should I be concerned about, and how can I prepare so I have the best possible experience by buying from a show?

[Katt]

Fortunately for you, there are no such things as WC spotteds and carpets outside of Irian Jaya and Australia.

As for trustworthiness, well that's your call, you can ask other people if they've dealt with a certain individual and take it from there.

[Big Mike]

Shop around. After you have looked at most of the tables at the show, you will have a better idea about who really knows their stuff and who is just trying to make a quick sale. If you see something that is a lot less expensive than what others are selling similar items for...be cautious.

Most of all...look around and meet people...have fun

[gonesnakee]

I would follow the above advice & futhermore I would be there when the doors open if possible & have a quick look at the vendors who are selling what you are looking for & then go from there. Most serious buyers are there first thing & all the good deals usually happen in the first couple hours of any show. Mark

P.S. do you have access to a vendor list for the show? If you do you can inquire about people & their animals prior to the show, to give you a better advantage when shopping at it.

[Lisa]

Ask questions on eating, shed, poop, etc. if you can get a juvenile/subadult over a hatchling.