I'm having no luck finding reptiles around here and have decided to go to the Reptile Expo next weekend to find Sean's Christmas surprise. Is there anything I should take with me? The Expo is about 1 1/2 hours away. Will the critters be in some kind of container or do I need to provide something to transport them in? I had kind of hoped that I would be able to find something and have it's new home ready before it got here, but it looks like I'm going to have to do it the opposite way. Any suggestions.

No problems buying at a show or expo. Any herps that you purchase will be put in either a reptile bag or container for transportation.There will actually be only two things for you to worry about. Money and heat in your vehicle.

__________________
Fran
January 9, 1940 - June 1, 2006 (R.I.P)

when you buy herps at a show make sure you ask questions like what do they feed them and if they have any diss likes and if it is a snake do they eat frozen or f/k fresh killed and what size. you could get a cheep baby snake but if they are not already eating and you are new to snakes they may not be the best thing. one that is a little bigger and is already eating is your best bet and last make sure that you check to see if there are any herps on the list of things you can't have in your state.
best of luck to you.

Yeah the money is ALWAYS an issue, at least when buying for youself so a gift for Sean might be different. Only thing that I used to be guilty of was not thoroughly examing the animal. Ask if you can take it out to examine it, if you get a no answer, move on. Even if it is the only specimen of a species at the whole show that examination could be the difference. and above all...Have fun!

__________________
~Jason Richardson

AND TAKE HAND SANITIZER!!!! I can't stress this enough. Not all vendors are good dealers. Some may have sick reptiles and if you handle one and it's carrying something contagious...you will just pass it down the line to each consecutive herp you handle. Reputable dealers will already have that available...but some do not.

__________________
Veronica
,,
/_^.)///////////,,,,,
...\\\_#_#_#_//_#_#_#_#_#_£_£_&_&_
..._//......_\\
Exotic Animal Rescue of Henry Co.
~~Rescue - Rehab - Rehome~~

I think I'm going to pack a backpack on wheels that can be pulled around (the Monday after the show I'm having shoulder surgery so carrying stuff could be an issue also). I'll pack a notebook and hand sanitizer. What about for the trip, if I put some of the hand warmers in an insulated cooler would that help keep them warm.

As long as the inside of your car doesn't get below 70 the reptile should be fine. Take some just in case and make sure you cover it with a thin hand towel. These hot packs get up to 110 degrees.

__________________
Veronica
,,
/_^.)///////////,,,,,
...\\\_#_#_#_//_#_#_#_#_#_£_£_&_&_
..._//......_\\
Exotic Animal Rescue of Henry Co.
~~Rescue - Rehab - Rehome~~

I hope I can get the car to 70 degrees, we might hit 30 by Saturday.

What I use for transporting in cold weather is one of those cheap styrofoam ice chests with a heated 2 liter softdrink bottle full of water. If the availability of hot water is an issue I would go with the handwarmers wrapped in a towel. And as stated if the seller won't let you examine the animal prior to purchase, look elsewhere. The same goes if they will not take the time to talk to you and answer your questions. Serious keepers and breeders LOVE to talk about their animals.

__________________
Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

And about the backpach comment, I would bring one if I were you. Back in October I was at a show and I bought A LOT. The car was hot and not everything was going to fit in my hands so that backback came in good use. Also came in good use to store the 73 business cards I picked up

__________________
~Jason Richardson