Millenia Anniversary Post!

I have been doing this blog for so long, I know I have touched on every possible thing I could think of without repeating myself, and even a few that I have.

So with that in mind, I may start again from the beginning!

This is my 1000th blog post, folks, with many more to come.

I am FLOORED by how much it has grown and changed, and how many people actually come back and read after all this time.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for sticking with me during all these rants, raves, highs and lows..


Yes, I am not the only Ball Python breeder out there. I don't know everything, and I never will. But my intent with this blog was to put it all out there with my experiences for those learning, those who wanna know things, and those that just wanna enjoy some awesome Ball Pythons.

I hope it has been helpful to you, and that you utilize it well and ask questions when you can't find exactly what you are looking for. It helps me help you, and that is what this blog is about.

On to the questions:


"1st: Where do you get your acrylic displays for shows? I seem to remember one breaking on you. Is there a model that doesn't break as easily? What model would you recommend?"

I get my acrylics from Reptile Emporium, and I absolutely love their quality. They can and will break, as they are acrylic, but if you take good care of not knocking them around or dropping them from high places, they can and will last you forever.

For the record, yes, one of mine broke due to being mishandled. Acrylic is a sensitive material, so just be aware. 


"2nd: If you have a male that is breeding more than one girl, how often do you rotate him? Do you ever give him a break? How often does the girl really need to be with a boy to progress towards ovulation?"

Ahhh yes. This is a question that does not have a definitive answer that I can provide. (I'm sure there is an exact answer, but I am not sure of it)

I rotate my male thru several females giving him three days on, two days off (aka break time), and another female three days, and so on. How often does the girl really need to be with the male? Depends on where she is in her cycle.... So if you don't have a good way of telling (aka no ultrasound machine or amazing palpating skills), I would say go with twice to three times a month. This is more than likely overkill, but if you don't have a surefire way of assuring that the male is in with the female at the right time, more time is better than less time.

A female will progress towards ovulation as long as she has been exposed to a breeding male, and has been at least receptive to the point of developing. I say this because I have gotten complete clutches of slugs, which is a possibility even after ovulation. BUT!!! A female will not ovulate unless the process has begun.. AKA she has had time with a mature male.

I hope this helps, keep asking questions, keep being awesome, and have a great day, my friends!

YAY 1000!

Questions and Answers!

I love the Q and A portions of the blog, cause I can not blindly try and figure out what to write about, I can actually answer specific questions.

YAY!



Do you have any website recommendations for making business cards (and/or any other business card-related advice)? 

I use VistaPrint right now, and they have a fast turn around time and decent prices. The quality is not outstanding (not heavy cards, matte printing -although I'm sure they offer Glossy) They save my card as I had it before, so it's just a click for more cards, and a week turn around.

For those that want more quality card stock and the sorts, I would look into a local printing shop for that. Designing the card will take more time than finding a printer to print it, but once you have it down, it should be no problem.

Make sure you love your logo and your business name... Once it sticks, that's it.

People will remember you forever for that, logos, catch phrases, etc...
Make sure it is something you want them to remember. 


My breeding business is just me--I don't have anyone to help during reptile shows and such--so I'm a little worried about when I have to leave my table for a short period of time (bathroom breaks, etc.). Are people usually pretty friendly when it comes to watching someone else's table briefly? Anything else that might be a little difficult with only one person at a table?

That's a tough one, as I usually have plenty of help. Make sure that who ever watches your table is someone you can trust absolutely, and someone who has knowledge of what you are selling.

Don't ask Joe Shmoe over there selling Bearded Dragons to help you out with your table while you go get a Hot Dog, as they could be the one telling a potential customer that Ball Pythons are venomous. (This is not a knock on Beardie Breeders, and I know most reptile hobbyists know about Ball Pythons, but it is a possibility just in the sense that misinformation can be easily spread under the guise of your reputation)

People are helpful, and most can and will watch over your table, but if you can, ask the show promoter to be next to someone you know and trust. THAT is the best way to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Being one person at a show is tough. If you have a crowd, it is very difficult to provide customer service to more than one person at a time. Also, watching the table to make sure there are no sticky fingers or mistreatment of the animals is a trying task. You have to be several people at once, always watching, always aware.

Smaller shows don't bode as much of a problem as larger ones, but the issues are still the same.

If you are doing your first show, I would suggest maybe splitting a table with a friend. You can get a feel for vending, you have someone to help you and someone you trust there with you, and you can better gauge how you can handle an entire weekend of "work".

Then, when the time comes, break off and do it yourself.

It's not too hard, but there is a lot to remember to plan for and a lot to do.

I will revisit the "How to Vend" topic on another day.

I hope this helps, and please, keep the questions coming!

Have a great day, my friends!

Reality TV Shows

Yes, this is not a snake related topic at all really, but something that came up in my life recently has made me want to talk about this.

Back in the early days of Joel and I planning our wedding, we attended a Bridal Show in Los Angeles. Most of you know, Los Angeles is right next to Hollywood. With this being said, there were a TON of casting places that were looking for people to be on their shows.

We got approached for several shows.

One of these was Bridezillas.

I will be honest, I've watched the show a few times. When I saw them at the show, I walked by... But my friend egged me on, so I signed up, they took my picture, and we went on our way. This was July, 2010.

I didn't expect anything of it, and after a few months, I forgot all about it.

Until Yesterday...

I get a call that I missed, so I go to check my voice-mail a bit later..

"Hi, my name is XXX and I wanted to get in touch with you about the show Bridezillas. You signed up with us back in 2010, and now we are finally casting for our May brides, and we would love to talk to you! Please call me back at 123-456-7891"

REALLY???????????????????????

First off, I am conflicted about the entire thing to begin with. It is a show that makes you look like a horrid bitch no matter what you do. And to put my family on the spot like that... I don't think I want to do it.

BUT... they pay pretty damn well.

But at the cost of my sanity and public image? I'm not sure any price is worth that.

And of course, this is only one of many reality TV shows...

Let's go to the Reptile Related ones...

Most of them are the Fear Factor types, the ones that have people afraid of snakes, or those people who go out into the wilderness to find snakes.

The educational ones I can appreciate (which are few and far between).
It's the ones where people are screaming or running away that I can't stand.

These shows are based on the baser natures of people; Fear, anger, envy, lust, etc..

I don't know if its worth it to be a part of it unless its for the greater good.

Is being a Bridezilla for the greater good?

I think not.

We shall see. I will speak to her today and see what she has to say. It's at least worth a discussion, I suppose.

The Reptile Super Show and Breedings

Well, we finally got it done, my friends. The photos exist! 

It was not, however, very outstandingly amazing. There were only a few photos, and honestly, they are all Ball Pythons for the most part.

Let us begin.

Here we have one of my wants in life. The Killer Clown Male.

He doesn't look like the one in my dreams, but if someone gave him to me for free, I wouldn't say No. 

RAWR!

 Here we have a new creation, so new, in fact, that it isn't even outlined as to what it is! 

This isn't to say someone out there doesn't know what it is... It is just that they won't tell anyone that isn't paying for it. 

All I can say is, it looks viciously awesome.

RAWR indeed. 

I want one.

And although I am not quite sure where I stand with the Desert stuff, I have to say that this Pastel Lesser Tiger female right here is amazing. 

AMAZING.

This photo was done without flash, and she still looks awesome. The colors in person are to die for, and I have to say that I wouldn't mind one of these in the collection as well.

 And of course, my new found respect for the Champagnes has garnered a photo of a Pastel Champagne male. I am still trying to decide what Champagne male I should incorporate into the arsenal, but until then, I can stare at this photo at least.

The Buttery Nipple, created by my friend Josh Marki, is the Butter Hypo Champagne. It looks pretty sweet if you ask me...

And of course, what would the show be like without some kind of weirdness?

Apparently, someone brought an Opossum.

It was super cute, and a rescue from a local vet hospital drop off.

Lewie immediately wanted one. I have to say I kinda did too. 

If you have met me before, know that I do not like to leave my table for much of anything. I just like to work when needed. So of course, I was behind the table, hanging with my friend Bob the Albino.

Bob the Albino is my "go-to" educational snake that I bring out for the children to touch and handle.

He is the tamest ball, most kicked back snake ever.

I am honored to work with him as a Snakey Ambassador for our hobby.

The problem, however, was as I was having him around my shoulders, he decided that my braid would be a great place to delve into. 

Yes. 

I had an Albino Ball in my hair.

Can many other people say that? 

I kinda doubt it. 

But that's alright. 

I still love you, Bob.

So that was all of the interesting show photos of the weekend. It was a good time, good friends, and I had a great time seeing people and meeting new ones.

YAY

Anyway, I took these shots last night of the breedings that are happening.

Things are heating up here, finally... It's cooling down again in Southern California, so breedings are actually happening.

 Here we have the Pastel Super Mojave with a Cinnamon female.

And here we have a Vanilla het Hypo male with a Mojave het Hypo female. Fingers crossed for some Hypo Vanilla Mojaves. That would be SWEEEEEEET!

So on we trudge thru the first month of the year. Here's to more breedings and more photos to share.

Have a great day, my friends.

Reptile Super Show

This weekend is the Reptile Super Show at the Fairplex in Pomona.

I can honestly say that although Setup is today, I am not ready. At all.

You have to be in the right mindset to vend at a show.

You have to be ready to meet and greet, hang out with people that you know, stand and talk for hours, and it can be very tiring.

And I'm already tired.

But I wouldn't miss it. It would be nice to sleep in, of course, but I wouldn't miss it.

Of course, as often as I vend now a days, it is 100% harder to get any reasonable sort of photography going.

I will try my hardest to make it happen, and maybe even send Joel out on a quest for photos. The problem with that is that he will take pictures of what HE likes, which tends not to be the Ball Pythons so much. Is it that big of a deal? Nah...

We will see what we can do.

So off I go to get things prepped... See you there if I do, and wish you could be there if you can't!

Have a great weekend, my friends!

Show Season and SALE!

Show season is almost over, but there is one last show of the season before it turns around again...

January has the Reptile Super Show, and I will be there vending.

I have to say that I haven't done as many shows as I thought I would this year, but this year has had a bunch of rollercoasters, much of which was not snake related.

And when real life that is not snake related gets in the way, it really gets in the way.

I feel kinda bad for not having enough time, but something has got to give.

But, I have time for this, and I am going to be there!


www.reptilesupershow.com 

It is January 7th and 8th, and at the Pomona Fairplex.

It should be a great show, and I have plenty of critters left to sell.

And actually, I am going to be having a special sale to assist in funding my real life endavours, specifically my wedding that is coming up.

For you blog readers, when inquiring about an animal, mention the word "Wedding" in the e-mail/inquiry, and you will receive free shipping off on your animal! This is a large savings for those animals under $300, and for those animals over $500, take an additional 10% off, including free shipping!

This sale is thru the month of December, ending Jan 1st, 2012, and only referenced here on the blog. Tell your friends!

I hope this helps those of you that are short due to the holidays, and are in desperate need of that one extra animal...

So with that, enjoy your weekend, and have a great day, my friends.

Weekend and Plans

Albino

This weekend, I promised myself I would sit down and get a few things hammered out, as well as get the last few trades and critters complete for the next seasons plans.

I will have a bunch of new photos to share, but until then, we get to admire the babies that I have hatched out this season.

I also get to do a massive clean, which I tend to do after a show. It's hard to bring all those animals back and put them in dirty tubs, and while cleaning those, I always feel bad for the others that I didn't clean as completely.

So massive clean is on the schedule.

What is a massive clean, you ask?

Well, I spot clean and pick things out of sani-chip substrate, and of course change out the paper bedding for the babies... But massive clean means going in, bleaching all of the water bowls, bleaching the tubs, completely new fresh bedding and possibly new tub sizes (this tends to be the reorganization time, as many snakes are displaced by the cleaning anyway).

It is an all day affair, and I need to get it done. This way, I can look at all of the possible breeders of the seasons and get things hammered out, while cleaning and admiring animals as well (and possibly cursing the fact that so many of them are not keeping their tubs spotless).

Spider

It would be great to get it done as well as head over to the Pasadena Reptile Show this weekend. I plan on attending at some point this weekend just to check it out. I have to say I am somewhat relieved not to have to be vending this weekend as well. I already have a ton to do, no point in adding to it right now.

So hopefully plenty of new photos and animals and stories to share very soon.

I am going to get down and dirty this weekend.

How bout you?

Have a great one, my friends!

Sacramento

So yeah, a day late and a dollar short, but here it is!
(Happy November, by the way)

I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised as to how well organized the Sacramento show was, and how well attended. It was a good weekend, although like most shows, Sunday was slower than Saturday.

There was a large convention hallway, and it was full with large walkways and many tables with many different vendors. There was a predominant presence of Leopard Gecko breeders, with many other multiple species breeders there as well.

I didn't get a large amount of time to take individual photos of animals I saw, but I did take some cool photos of booths (and so did Joel).

Hey look, it's mine!

Hey look, It's Joel at the Heather's Herps table!

Here I got a very far away from the location photo of the Phoenix Herpetological Society's setup. It was apparently a zoo/setup to educate the public about reptiles. They had a few venomous, and it looked pretty interesting, but I only walked by briefly, so couldn't tell you more than it was there.

What was interesting is that there were a lot of people completely ignorant about reptiles that stopped by. A frequent question at the show was "Are your snakes poisonous?"

I of course had to correct them.

"Nothing at this show that is for sale would be venomous. Venomous reptiles are illegal in California.. Venomous is the proper term. Poisonous is something you eat that can harm you, while venomous is something that injects venom into you."

A Bunch of People in front of my booth

Another question was "That Albino one gets huge, doesn't it?"

"...No, Ball Pythons max out at 6 feet long. You must be thinking of a different species, like Burmese Pythons or Reticulated Pythons."

One of the "Zoo" setups with things to see

Yeah. It was a lot of talking kind of weekend. It was fun, with lots of excited kids, lots of people wanting to touch the snakes, and a lot of cute kids in costume too.

I LOVED THIS LITTLE GIRL.

What an Angry Little Bird!

It was a great time, and I got to meet a bunch of new people and reconnect with a bunch of new friends. It was worth the trip, and I have to say, I am glad we did it. It was fun to be at a show for my birthday, and although it was "work", I would do it again in a heart beat.

So there you go, my friends.

Have a great day!

Short and Sweet

I am actually packing up right now as you read this, more than likely, so I am keeping it short and sweet.

I PROMISE ON MY ENTIRE COLLECTION that I will have Sacramento Show Photos.

I know I've been slacking over the past few shows for lack of getting out there and taking photos of the newest and coolest.

This time, I am DOING IT, folks. And if I don't do it, my aspiring photographer Father will be going around with his fancy camera. And then we will do a photo competition... If I can get the files after all is said and done.

I'm charging the camera, packing the boxes, and getting ready to go.

Wish me luck!

It's going to be a good one :)

Plus, it's my Birthday tomorrow... That means people need to buy snakes, right?

Have a Fantastic Fantabulous Heather's Birthday weekend, my friends!

How I prepare

Last night was a rollercoaster, as is usually the case for days before a show. Joel and I are trying to plan out the trip up to Sacramento, with not enough time in the day to do so.

Tonight is pre-packing night, and there are plenty of things to go over.

I seem to recall doing a checklist for shows, and here it is, for your review and for mine!

How I prepare for a Show

And, for my friend Rex, here is how I prep an egg box!

How I prepare an Egg Box

That one is two years old, and although I haven't changed my technique much, I will get on it to redo another one that is more modern and hip!

And just for those of you that are ahead of me, how I plan my breedings and mark my tubs!

How I prepare to Breed... kinda

I hope to have some cool stuff to share in the next few days, absolutely from Sacramento, and hopefully things to hatch as well.

Have a great day, my friends!

The Cost of Doing Business

I see frequently that people that are new to the industry are coming in with champagne wishes and caviar dreams... "I am going to buy a few female morphs, a male morph and I will make a TON of money in this, because look at the prices of those combinations out there!"

And the most glaring thing I see is that people do NOT account for the cost of doing business with animals as your "stock" item.
So let's go over it, shall we?

First off:

Housing: Rack Systems are a valuable resource, but recall that they need Thermostats to control temperature, they need electricity to run said temperatures, as well as the need for tubs, a source of bedding, be it wood or paper, as well as hides, water bowls, and cleaning supplies for the housing. I am adding Incubators here because that is housing of the eggs...

Rack System: $100 (homemade) up to $2-3k+
Thermostats: $25 (cheap) to $300+
Electricity: $Variable dependant on the amount used, monthly expense
Tubs: $1-$15+ each, dependant
Bedding: $0-$30+, dependant, monthly expense
Hides: $1-$5+ each, dependant
Cleaning Supplies: $5-$50+, dependant (Chlorhexidine is cheap to expensive depending on the % purity)
Incubators: $50-$300+, dependant

Food: Rats are not cheap, and although mice are cheaper, an adult animal can eat more than one at one feeding, so the costs tend to be equivalent. If you intend to breed your own rodents, the cost also needs to be factored in.

Rats: $1-$5+ each, per week per animal (possibly more)

Mice: $0.50-$2+ each, per week per animal (possibly more)
Rodent Food: $10-$20+ a bag, dependant, monthly expense
Rodent Racks: $75-$200, dependant
Water/Utilities: $10-$50+, (air conditioning for seasonal changes) dependant monthly expense

Space: This is rather arbitrary, but if you are doing business, this is an important thing to think about. Where are you keeping these animals? Renting a location is one thing, but most people do it out of their homes or a facility on their property. This means that you have to consider the utilities again for the location in which you are keeping your animals.

Water: $10-$50+, monthly expense
Electricity: $10-$50+, monthly expense

Space Cost: $TBD dependant on your location
Environmental Controls: $20-$100+ dependant on your location, monthly expense
(NOTE: Seasonal changes will make things more expensive)

Miscellaneous: This falls under Vet visits, Reptile Vending costs, etc... These can vary depending on your animal number, and your intent for your business, but keep in mind that these are all costs to pay attention to.

These include but is not limited to: Website design and upkeep, internet costs, advertising costs on forums and otherwise, reptile shows and vending costs, veterinarian costs and medications, shipping costs including boxes and heating/cooling packs, and other items.

And last but not least....

Animal Cost: This should be the final factor in your decisions to purchase an animal. This cost should be dependant upon your ability to cover the costs that were addressed previous to this point.

IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY MORE THAN JUST FOR THE ANIMAL, YOU SHOULD RE-EVALUATE YOUR PLANS.
And note, the more animals you have, the more expensive the overhead to keep them.
 
So keep a cool head, calm and collected.. Look over everything you WANT to do, and then look over what you CAN.
 
Then, I say "Go for it!"
 
Have a great day, my friends!

I got Bitten!

It's been a LONG time since I've had this kind of mishap, and honestly, it was my fault.

It's been a few weeks since my rodent provider has had mediums, so I have been feeding the adults rather small meals, and I only get a delivery every week. 

One small rodent a week for some is not enough.

So last night, I finally got some mediums, went thru the adult rack holding medium live rats by the tail. 

I had a rat in one hand, and was opening the tub with the other. Apparently, my hand was more appealing than a medium white and black rat.

 

The snake flew out of the tub, mouth agape. 

Imagine my hand, thumb and pointer finger holding the tail of a rat, facing this mouth.

I couldn't move fast enough. 

She got my hand right at the meat, and started to STRANGLE MY HAND.

Anyway, she would not let go. 

This is a FULL GROWN ADULT female Ball Python, granted a bit skinny from laying eggs, but still. She enveloped my entire hand, and did not let go.

At first, I grabbed the Chlorhexidine and sprayed her face. I heard that Alcohol does the trick, and that was as close as I had at the moment. It didn't work. And no, Alcohol is not Chlorhexidine or vice versa.

But at the time, it seemed like a good idea.

Anyway, I then realized after a few spritzes that it wasn't working, so I walked to the sink, turned on the water, and put her face under it.

It took a good 30 seconds for her to let go, even under a constant flow of water.

She let go, I put her back in the tub and fed her immediately, and she subsequently ate two medium rats.

My hand has the marks to prove it, but it didn't hurt too bad, nor did it bruise or bleed too much.

It does have the mark of a mouth, however.

Cool story for the Office, eh?

This has only happened once before, when I went to rescue a Normal from a home that wasn't feeding their animal properly. Same story, pretty much.

The snake was smaller in that case, and we pried her off with a pencil instead of water (this was over 6 years ago, and at a strangers house). It worked, although the pain was worse in that case due to more manipulation of the jaws on my hand.

And what's funny is, Bitey (the name of the critter who I rescued) is still with me!

Ahh, the good ole days.

So that is my story to lead up to the weekend, my friends.

Be careful, feed well, and love your snakes.

Have a great weekend.




SIDE NOTE: We will be vending at Sacramento on October 29th and 30th. It is my birthday that weekend, and I decided to "work"! Hope to see you there!

ACK!

After a show, there is always chaos, and I have had not enough time to delve into it completely.

I am admitting that the available page is not up to date, the snakes are not organizing, and there is a bunch to still do.

ACK!

And of course, I am working on a few other life things right now, so it's rather hard to shove organizing anything into that time.

Oh well.

Hopefully this weekend I will have time to get things done, as well as get those sexing pics less blurry.

Fingers crossed for some good shots... cause last time I got complaints.

And to get my available page up to date would be great, since I am referencing it with customers that can't see photos. It is a chore in itself to get pictures and things updated... Some people forget that. I don't, cause I am reminded of it every time I look and think that the page is not right. Cause it's not.

I need a clone.

Anyway, I hope to get down to business during the weekend (Sunday night) to get things finally solidified.

AND... Joel and I are trying to plan out vending at Sacramento for my Birthday.
Crossing fingers that it works out.

October 29th and 30th... Should be a good time.

Anyway, I'm off to study.

Have a great weekend, my friends! Mine will be full of Chemistry.

Getting Ready for NARBC

Alrighty...

Here we are, a day before NARBC Anahiem and I am getting things prepped.

My acrylics are down and getting cleaned, the show box is being checked and restocked, and supplies have been purchased and packed.

Shows are a difficult time for most, because it takes a lot of effort and time to get things just right.

I have to premake all of my paperwork for the Het animals not only for the customers, but for myself so that I can remember who is who if there is any mix up.

I am gearing up with my crew to get things 100% sparkling and ready to go for Saturday morning.

And cupping up all of those critters? Yeah... that is an endeavor on its own.

But it is always a good time, always fun to meet new people, and although I will not be there the entire time (only on Sunday), I will be overjoyed to meet anyone who stops by to say Hi.

So if you are in town, please stop by my booth. Take a picture, enjoy the sites, maybe even pick up a snake.

Look for either of these fine people and say Hi!

We look forward to meeting you and/or seeing you again!

Bring it on, Weekend!

Have a great one, my friends.

San Diego Reptile Super Show

I had a great time visiting at the San Diego Super Show this weekend. We only went on Saturday, and it was great to see the people that we did!

Of course, I wasn't vending, it was just a social call. I wasn't even there to do any business other than to make an appearance and see some old friends, so it was a great and relaxing time. 

Spent a lot of time talking, but I did bring my camera, and I did take some pictures. 

Here are a few morphs that were at the show that you don't normally see.

 

I really thought this would be more dramatic, but maybe its just not this one. This is a Mojave Calico. 

This one you may have seen around, the Bumblebee Calico. I really like this combination, and I'm pretty sure a lot of other people do too. 

This here is a bad picture of a Pastel Banana. I really love the Banana stuff, but I can't get into the projects just yet. Maybe soon. I can absolutely drool, however. 

This gal was a Killer Queen Bee. I really love how the colors looked on this one. 

Genetics are Pastel x Pastel x Lesser x Spider.

Some Phantom Potions, perhaps?

And the Killer Clown. I LOVE this guy... Really. One of these days soon.

My Clown needs to man up...

The True Ghost, the Hypo Axanthic. Cool idea for a morph, great looking animal. 

And of course, the Tri-Stripe. 

I like it.

Newest Recessive project in the morph world, so far. Would be cool mixed in with stuff... I hope to see some of that stuff soon. 

So there it is. Again, most of my time was spent blah-blah-blah-ing, so unfortunately, this is all I really took pictures of. 

I had a great time, and the next local show is coming up in August, which I may be vending at if the eggs hatch in time.

So there you go. Happy belated Father's Day to all you fathers out there!

Have a great day, my friends!

A Show Brief

Well, I didn't get to take pictures of the PVC Piping because Joel was the one who set it up for me on Friday.

I didn't get a chance to do any of that, so that will have to wait until tomorrow so that I can explain it.

As for the show, I had a great time, it was a fantastic turn out with more people than ever before showing up to a Reptile Super Show!

I am very pleased with how many new faces I met over the past two days, as well as some very nice blog readers that introduced themselves to me over the weekend, including at the auction.

Again, I thank each and every one of you for reading this blog and making it known that you appreciate it. I love knowing I am not doing this in vain.


Anyway, here are the photos I managed to take over the weekend, not much, but stuff I had never seen before or had seen and not known much about.

This is a Pewter het Red male, and he looks awesome! I like how he turned out, but I hope my boy doesn't lose his pattern as much as this guy did.

Of course, one of the morphs yet to be in my collection, the Champagne. I like them... just not enough yet.

 And a Pastel Champagne..

This was very interesting, something I didn't know had been produced... This is a Crystal Fire.

It has way more color than a regular Crystal in terms of the peaches and oranges, and as I was told, this guy came out of the egg solid WHITE.

How cool is that?? This is something to be done for sure.. I am on the books for this one next year...

An absolutely awesome Calider. Calico Spiders would have never been something I would have thought of doing, but if they turn out like this one, I am all for it.. 

And a Pastel Jigsaw. I love this morph, and hope to make a few in the future. I think I may do the pairing tomorrow. I never decided what to do with my Pin female this year...

Anyway, I am going to get some rest. I sold out a LOT of stuff, so I am due to update the available page today or tonight. There is very little left to be had this season, and that works for me, as the new season is gearing up!

Have a fantastic day, my friends. To those new and old, you know I love yah...

How I prep for a show

As you may or may not know, I will be vending at the Pomona Super Show this weekend.

This is a first for me, as I usually sell out before this show. Thing is, I hatched out more than before, and I am ready to do this!

I like this show as a spectator, as it is pretty well attended and has a good general following of people in the area. Los Angeles has a large population, and with that, a large group of hobbiests in the area!

I love it.

Anyway, I prep for a show by doing several things, which I have yet to do, but for my sake and for the sake of writing things down, I will outline for you.

1) CHECK SUPPLIES

- I make sure all of my acrylics are functional and clean, that my ink pens are not dried out, that my hand sanitizer and business cards are all in quantity.

- I check the "Show Box" for all the supplies.

They are as follows:

• Paper Towels
• Pens
• Paper
• Power Cord
• Hand Sanitizer (to put out) 
• Business Cards
• Ink Pens
• Chlorhexidine Spray bottle
• Table Cover
• Show Banner
• (If the Show does not provide drapes) Banner holder (PVC Piping)
• Zip Ties
• Snake Bags
• Snake Cups
• Receipt Book
• Stamps (Sold, etc)
• and More....

I have collected plenty of stuff over the years of things I never thought I would need at a show, including scissors, hair ties, and even candy. So, there are a lot of things to plan for, and that is just some of it.

2) CHECK INVENTORY

Make sure that everything you intend on bringing is presentable enough to bring to show to the public. Is it too small? Is it in shed? Is it a bad feeder? All of these things you have to think about before packing up your snakes to bring to a show.

Make an inventory and price list before you go, just to have some semblance of organization when you set up, as depending on how much time you have and how much help you have, it may take WAYYYY longer than you think.

I use an excel spreadsheet with counts of animals, as well as prices. This helps in remembering what was sold, as well as keeping tabs if something gets stolen.


3) PREPARE TO SIT AROUND

I bring things that keep me comfortable. We have a cushy chair that I bring, as well as my laptop and my phone. Entertainment when things get a little slow... I brought a few magazines once as well, but that didn't end up being necessary, as I didn't get any time to read. Also, a sweater. Sometimes these places get COLD (or too hot), so bring things appropriately to account for the temperatures.

We always bring a cooler as well, as there is not often time to go and get food in an 8-10 hour period of time. Sodas, water, snacks.. All good things to prepare for. Beer works too, depending on the show promoter.


4) DON'T FORGET YOUR PAPERWORK

I don't know about you, but I provide paperwork when I can, and that includes at a show. If I sell a Het, it will come with paperwork. So, I bring it!

This also includes the paperwork that doesn't have to do with genetics, including your receipt book, your vendor license, your permits for sale of whatever particular animal you sell (depending on the area). You never know when something comes up...


5) GET READY TO HAVE FUN!!!

I always psych myself out before a show, usually because I bog myself down with "Gotta do this, gotta do that." Always remember that these things should be FUN! If you aren't having fun, you are doing something wrong. If anything, its a great few days to get out there and talk to the people about the snakes you love! SMILE, get sleep, get hyped up, and get ready for it!

It's a ton of fun when all is said and done.

It's just exhausting.


So, with that, I think I'm going to go take a power nap. I need to get all I can in before this weekend comes.

Have a fantastic day, my friends!

White Plains, the short version

I have had significant show experience, and I have to say, it is more interesting being a spectator sometimes than being a vendor. I had so much more time to schmooze, and hang out and talk and enjoy the people and the animals at the show than before, and I relished the opportunity.

Of course, being a spectator, I got to take photos of things. I have to say though, I didn't take enough. I did take a few of things I had never seen in person before, and a few other things that picqued my interest, but all in all, it was more about the talking. And I had fun with it!

This here is a Pastel Enchi Ghost. I really like it!!! I had no idea it had been done before, although I shouldn't have been surprised. The thing with the White Plains show is, I had no idea who this vendor was... Signs were at a minimum.

And to continue with the Ghost theme, one of the projects I am hoping to hit, the Black Pastel Ghost. It is a fantastic looking animal.

And why not bring the family along? My little cousin and his experience with a Kingsnake. He was so excited!

And while I was hanging out with my pal, Colin Weaver, I took a few shots of some of his awesome animals. This here was his Axanthic Black Pastel and his Black Pastel het Axanthic. I love Black Pastels, as we all know. These were pretty awesome!

And how could one forget this critter? This here is a creation of George Sampson, the Vanilla Creme. Fire and Vanilla made this bad boy, and I LOVE IT! I need to get me a few Vanilla things into the mix... I was planning to already, but this ups the ante a lot.

And if you know me well enough, you know I love to talk... So while talking, I didn't take many more photos. I'm sorry to have let you down in that department.

But, I'd like to thank EVERYONE who came up to me and introduced themselves. It was an absolute pleasure to meet all of you, and I hope to be able to make it out again soon.

And a special thank you to Colin Weaver. It was a blast!

It was very different being at an East Coast show, and I liked it!
We will have to do it again, New York.

Post Show Report

http://www.kodysexpo.com/ was a success! It happened, people came, snakes were purchased. For a first time show on a weekend that was coinciding with a marathon run in the same area and another competing show a few towns over, it didn't do too badly.

Here I am with The Joel at our table, that was flanked by a Time Share booth (not sure why they were there) and another small time reptile company just starting out.

The Tiger was there again from the exotic animal rescue, but I never got away to get a picture.

But I did get a picture with someone I admire greatly.

The star of Pit Boss, the show on Discovery Network, Shorty Rossi was there.

Of course the camera cut off Hercules's head, but he was a total sweetheart.

I was really pleased to have had a chance to meet him.

And of course, I didn't get to go around much (I tended to my booth for the most part) but I did get to see this guy that was brought on display for a lecture they were giving about venomous reptiles.

As deadly as this snake is, I love the Rhino Vipers. They are GORGEOUS.

I apologize for not having more photos of the show, as it was slower, but I had a lot of talking and hanging out to do, which did not allow for much time for photos. I took the camera, but didn't use it at all.

So, I hope you forgive me. I hope to have my available page up tomorrow, as we are getting service to the house again. I really appreciate those of you out there that have been so patient with me. Thank you.

Lets get this weekend into gear, my friends. Have a fantastic day!

Getting ready for the Show

So I'm getting ready for the show, and I am excited!

It is a new show in Long Beach, and I am pleased to be one of the vendors there.

http://www.kodysexpo.com/

This weekend, I will be shmoozing and enjoying the company of other reptile fanatics such as myself.

I always enjoy that.

There is also a show in Las Vegas that is happening, and I would have vended there as well, had it been another weekend, and not conflicting with the Long Beach show.

The Black Pastel Lesser and I will be also attending the Pasadena show in November.

http://www.herpworldexpo.com/

And then, in January, if there is anything left, I will also be vending in Pomona.

http://www.reptilesupershow.com/

Those are the three shows I will be doing this season, while I am doing the normal prepping for breeding and breeding season things.

Hopefully I will see some of you out there!

It is always stressful fun, so here we go!

Have a fantastic weekend, my friends.