Hallo Hallo and a Q

[bloop]

Hello everyone!

I am Ashlee and I live up in Northern California and I am anxiously awaiting the end of September when I hope to add a new few members to the family. I am filling up this time by preparing my vivariums and researching as much information on possible on the three possible critters I am going to get (crossing fingers), corn snake, fat tail geckos, and/or leopard geckos.

I have two, 10 gallon tanks I am setting up. I already have an undertank heater and thermostats for them and am in the process of creating hides. I have also made sure that. I also have access to a vet who specializes in herps.

I am hoping to pick these babies up at the Sacramento Reptile Show and I have NEVER been to a show do I dont know what to expect and how sales and selection works at shows. If anyone can share their experience for a guest and prospective buyer I would appreciate it.

But anyway, it is great to be here and I hope to learn much from this forum and make some great connections.

 

[acpart]

Welcome to GF. It sounds as if you're preparing yourself well. This is the advice I usually give to people going to their first show:

--Before the show, check out the show website if there is one. Often there's a list of vendors. See if you can find their websites because there may be pictures of their available geckos and you can get a preview. If you want, go to FaunaClassifieds Home Page and check out the "BOard of Inquiry" (BOI) where people post their good and bad experiences with different breeders. That can give you an idea of anyone you should particularly seek out or avoid
--bring a notebook. Go through the whole show and write down what you like, which table it's at and how much it costs. That way you can find the best prices on supplies and things
--Look for the types of reptiles you want and take notes. If you fall in love with one but you're not ready to buy yet, ask the seller if s/he is willing to hold it for half an hour. Be responsible and come back in that time frame either way to let them know whether or not you want to buy it
--Avoid the following situations (in my opinion): tables that have a huge number of species and only 1 or 2 of what you're looking for. In many cases, the vendor has gotten these animals in trade, is moving them on and not only doesn't know much about them, but also doesn't know much about the species in general. This isn't always the case, but it's a good bet when you don't have time or resources to research them. Also avoid vendors that have bins of tiny babies for a very low price (you're more likely to find this with leopard geckos). I worry with these that they're selling babies too small and not taking care of them adequately.
--ask questions and be wary of vendors who don't know the answers to basic questions, don't know the reptile's genetics and don't appear willing to answer questions
--Have fun. It's a great experience.

Aliza

 

[bloop]

Thank you very much for your input, Aliza!
This is a great start for me, I want to go to the show feeling a buzz of excitement, not a buzz of anxiety.