Repticon Columbia Breeder Spotlight

Jay Tacey

Hey everyone, welcome back to Repticon Reptile Shows! I'm Jay Tacey, and today we're gearing up for Repticon Columbia, happening August 2nd and 3rd at the Jamil Temple. If you haven't been, this show is always a highlight—super family-friendly, tons of hands-on learning, and honestly, just a great way to spend a weekend whether you're a die-hard herper or just curious about reptiles.

Lisa Parker

Absolutely, Jay! I mean, Columbia always brings out such a fun crowd. We get families, first-timers, and those folks who know every Latin name for every snake in the building. And the Jamil Temple is such a welcoming venue—plenty of space for the kids to get up close, and for the adults to, you know, nerd out over morphs and setups.

Jay Tacey

Yeah, and you know, I was thinking about what got me into all this. I still remember the first book I ever bought—it was about spiders, actually, not reptiles, but close enough, right? That curiosity just snowballed. Expos like Repticon are so important because they let people see these animals up close, ask questions, and maybe even get over a fear or two. It's about building appreciation, not just for the animals, but for the people who care for them.

Michael Arnold

Jay, that's so true. I mean, I see it all the time—someone walks in thinking, "No way am I touching a snake," and by the end of the day, they're holding a corn snake and grinning ear to ear. There's something about the energy at these shows. It's not just about buying or selling, it's about learning and connecting. And, uh, sometimes getting talked into a new pet you didn't plan on, but that's another story.

a59fe914

I couldn't agree more. For me, what makes a reptile show memorable is that sense of discovery. Whether you're a seasoned keeper or just starting out, there's always something new—a species you haven't seen, a breeder with a unique story, or just a conversation that sticks with you. And, honestly, the educational aspect is huge. You walk away knowing more than when you came in, every single time.

Lisa Parker

And let's not forget the community vibe. I mean, we've talked about this in past episodes—like Jacksonville and Memphis—how these shows are about more than just animals. They're about people coming together, sharing knowledge, and making memories. That's what keeps folks coming back year after year.

Jay Tacey

Alright, let's dive into some of the standout breeders you'll meet at Columbia. First up, MKM Chameleons from Angier, North Carolina. These folks are all about vibrant, healthy, ethically bred chameleons—panther chameleons, Jackson’s, you name it. What I love is their focus on education. They don't just hand you a chameleon and say, "Good luck." They walk you through husbandry, nutrition, even enclosure setups. It's that kind of support that makes a difference, especially for new keepers.

a59fe914

Yeah, and their animals are just stunning. The coloration, the temperament—it's clear they're doing selective breeding right. And, you know, that transparency and willingness to answer questions, that's what sets a reputable breeder apart. You can see the care in every animal they bring.

Lisa Parker

Speaking of care, Endless Scales out of Cumming, Georgia, is another must-see. James Erickson and his team run a tight ship. I remember coordinating with James for their booth setup—he's meticulous, always making sure the animals have what they need, and the display is inviting. Their selection is wild—everything from unique Uromastyx to boas, spiders, geckos, and ball pythons. And their reputation? Five stars on MorphMarket, and they really earn it.

Michael Arnold

Endless Scales is one of those vendors you see at all the big shows. They're active in the community, always posting updates, and you can tell they care about their customers. And, look, buying directly from breeders at expos—there's just no substitute. You get to see the animal in person, ask questions, and get honest answers. Online's convenient, but you can't beat that face-to-face interaction.

Jay Tacey

Exactly. And you can spot the difference in animal health and temperament right away. Plus, you get to meet the people behind the animals, which, honestly, is half the fun. You get stories, advice, sometimes even a little pep talk if you're on the fence about a species.

Lisa Parker

And let's be real, sometimes you get a better deal in person, too. Or at least a free care sheet and a smile! But seriously, the support you get from these breeders—like MKM and Endless Scales—makes a huge difference, especially for folks just starting out.

a59fe914

And for experienced keepers, it's a chance to talk shop, compare notes, and maybe find that one animal you've been searching for. The relationships you build at these expos can last for years.

Lisa Parker

Now, let's talk about some of the unique stories in the breeder community. Palmetto Girls Snakes from Bluffton, South Carolina—this is a mother and her two daughters, all in on breeding high-quality corn snakes. I love seeing family teams like this. It brings a whole new level of passion and care to the table.

Jay Tacey

Yeah, and you can see it in their animals. Family-run operations often have that extra attention to detail. The animals are well-socialized, and the support doesn't stop after the sale. It's more like joining a little reptile family than just making a purchase.

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OBX Exotics is another great example—Karen and Joe Smith out of Manteo, North Carolina. They're all about quality captive-bred reptiles, and you can tell they're committed to doing things the right way. It's not just about numbers, it's about healthy, thriving animals and making sure customers know what they're getting into.

Michael Arnold

You know, that reminds me—first time I met a multi-generation breeder family at a show, I was blown away. It wasn't just the animals, it was the way they talked to people, answered every question, and made you feel like you belonged. That's the community side of these expos. It's not just business, it's about building trust and sharing knowledge.

Jay Tacey

And that's something buyers should look for—reputable breeders who are transparent, who care about where their animals go, and who offer support after the sale. Ask questions, look for clean setups, healthy animals, and breeders who are happy to talk shop. If they're passionate and knowledgeable, that's a good sign.

Lisa Parker

And don't be afraid to ask about their breeding practices, too. Responsible breeders are always happy to share. It's about making sure the animals—and the new owners—are set up for success.

a59fe914

Family-run breeders, like Palmetto Girls and OBX, really set the standard for quality and customer care. They show that this hobby is about more than just animals—it's about people, relationships, and a shared love for these incredible creatures.

Michael Arnold

Well said, Guy. And that's what makes Repticon Columbia—and all these shows—so special. It's the diversity, the stories, and the connections you make. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, there's always something new to learn and someone new to meet.

Jay Tacey

Alright, that's gonna do it for this episode. Thanks for joining us as we spotlighted some of the amazing breeders coming to Repticon Columbia. We hope to see you at the Jamil Temple on August 2nd and 3rd—come say hi, ask questions, and maybe find your next favorite reptile.

Lisa Parker

And if you see me running around with a clipboard or a kazoo, just wave! Thanks for listening, everyone.

a59fe914

Take care, folks. Keep supporting your local breeders and stay curious.

Michael Arnold

See you at the show! And, uh, don't forget to bring a little extra cash—you never know what you'll fall in love with. Bye, everyone!