My First Boa....Breeder or Show?

tjhammerhead · #1 (**permalink**) 10-18-2006, 08:34 AM

I got my BP as a present on my 21st B-day in 1990 as a complete suprise. Me and Trykk have been through alot together (I know I need to take some pics). He's really a part of the family. Now I've decided that I really want a Boa for my B-day. Nothing fancy, no color morphs, just a regular one. I'm not cheap but price is an issue. I like the Colombian, Nicaraguans, and the Hog Islands.

I've basically noticed that I have one of two options available to me. Look for a breeder online or wait for the Texas Reptile Expo to come to town on Nov. 11. I'm not an impatient person, nor an impulse buyer so waiting for November isn't a biggie for me. I've never actually been to a Reptile show before which brings me to my first question......

What do I really need to look for before choosing a new family member (Boa) from a show? Please be as detailed as possible. I really want to make a good choice and cause as little stress as possible on the new boa and the current family.

Second question has to do with online breeders. I love the internet but I'm one of those people who likes to touch before I buy.

I'll drive halfway across town to buy my supplements from the health food store when I can get them a little cheaper over the internet. I know Rio Bravo has some really awesome (flat out beautiful) snakes, and he's from Texa$, and fantasyboas.com has some really good prices. Can someone recommend any other reputable breeders?

I've really learned alot from this site and I trust your opinions. Thanks for any help you can give me!

P.S. My kids want me to get a Bearded Dragon but that'll have to wait.

Sleepy_FF · #2 (**permalink**) 10-18-2006, 08:39 AM

go to gus ( http://www.riobravoreptiles.com/ ). his boas are top in quality, health, etc... not to mention i have YET to see an "ugly" boa from him. they really are the best around. you'll get more than your money's worth from him

crush · #3 (**permalink**) 10-18-2006, 09:54 AM

What I have seen a few times is a breeder who wont sell to just anyone. I like breeders like that. If they dont think you can take care of an animal they wont sell it to you. From what I have seen Gus has some very beautiful snakes. Which ever you decide to do just remember keep the new one away from the BP. Put it in a simple tank with just paper and water with a couple of hides. Let it settle and make sure it's healthy.

John_White · #4 (**permalink**) 10-18-2006, 10:18 AM

I would suggest that you ask the reptile show people for a vendor list or at least a list of vendors that are likely to have what you want. When you get a list, run the names by the BOI, Better Business Office and just as around. If you find sellers / breeders you like contact them before the show and tell them what you want. Perhaps they'll even set a snake or two aside for you?

Heidi · #5 (**permalink**) 10-18-2006, 10:26 AM

I definitely like John's idea. Most breeders have an available page that would let your peruse the merchandise and then have them set aside for your to touch and feel in person at the show.

I know a lot of people buy from shows but I personally don't feel comfortable with the set-up. It is a great way for breeders to sell and people to get to see many different animals and such but it seems so stressful on the snakes and there are way too many snakes around for me to feel comfortable with as far as diseases. At least this way they will have your snake on hold somewhere where hopefully people won't be touching all over it after holding 136 other snakes.

Definitely check out the breeders though and search through the BOI. A quarantine is a must but at least you can feel more comfortable that you got a healthy baby from a trusted breeder if you've done your homework first.

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