I can now come back to this review and give it an update as I am NOW a reptile owner haha!…read more
Being introduced to this hobby and owning a precious cold blooded friend now, I can say that if you own reptiles or are interested in them, live in SoCal, then this bi-yearly reptile show is a MUST.
You can purchase your tickets online or in person. The most recent visit, the tickets were $16, but I heard they're increasing costs to $20, but that makes sense with everything being inflated. Parking at the Fairplex has also increased to $18, by the way...
But I digress!
They scan your tickets at the front and if you're feeling peckish (after washing your hands, you don't want salmonella or anything else), there's food vendors outside and inside too. It's just the standard fair food vendors.
Although there are some of the same vendors that do attend each year, like Geckos Etc., the line up is mixed up too. The last last time I went, there weren't that many bearded dragons and there was an overabundance of ball python vendors.
However, at the most recent show, there was a MUCH wider variety. A good number of leopard geckos and ball pythons, sure, but this show had a good number of crested gecko vendors and I was able to see uromastyx and leachie geckos that I haven't seen as often outside of specialized reptile shops. Much more beardie vendors too.
We even got to see a pig, an Asian water monitor, Rankin's dragon, Sakashima Grass Lizards, and even Vampire Crabs!
If reptiles aren't you're thing (why are you here? Just kidding, lol), there are also lots of plant vendors and if you're looking for an invertebrate pets, this is also a good stop too, especially if you're looking for tarantulas, beetles, or jumping spiders.
There's also a good amount of vendors for enclosures and supplies, supplements, feeder insects (comparable to prices you can get on Dubia which is pretty good!), merchandise like plushies or figurines, shirts, etc. I love the artist vendors who sell their pet themed merchandise too like Cloris Creates and of course, Derptiles. It's also a great way to learn about rescues, reptile health, USARK is always there to promote advocacy, and I love the Galapagos Giant Tortoise Alliance that is there each time to show their research efforts and it's cool to see some Galapagos Tortoises there too!
Now onto the lizard fixation I've had since I've gotten my bearded dragon here. Reptile supplies ARE NOT CHEAP and those who own reptiles, KNOW. After getting my beardie from Bucket List Reptiles from 2 shows ago, I only realized I should have gotten more supplies and decor at the show then defaulting to PetSmart.
A $10 hide or branch that you get at the reptile show can easily be $25-40 at a pet store. I already know that I'll attend future shows not just because I like reptiles and own one, but because I gotta stock up on the decor, supplies (supplements, calcium, feeder tongues, etc.), feeders, etc. when I can!