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America's Pet-Pampering Obsession Hits Tiniest Critters: Guinea Pig Spa Days, Sofas For Lizards

Sept. 26, 2023 8:00 am ET

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Zelda loves her couch by celebrity designers Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent. She crawls onto the faux leather sofa and basks under the warmth of her heat lamp, cracking her mouth open.

Reptiles Vulnerable To Unscrupulous Pet Trading: Study

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Derry Show Features A Variety Of Exotic Pets

DERRY — There was an exotic pet for just about everyone Sunday at the New England Sports Center.

The center featured reptile sellers from near and far. Hundreds of people gazed at the various snakes, frogs, lizards, geckos, fish, rats, turtles, spiders and other exotic animals for sale.

Children squealed with delight as they held a spotted gecko or a wriggling ball python.

More than just reptiles were on display and available to purchase at the Show Me Reptiles Expo on Sunday. Creatures such as arachnids, frogs, rats and even quail were on display.

"Lots come in with fear of a certain animal and by the end, they're super interested in it," said Cory Gonsalves, a Show Me Reptiles representative who organized the event. "People always fear what they don't understand."

The purpose of events such as this, Gonsalves said, is not only bringing together enthusiasts, but also educating the public.

"The biggest thing is getting people to know how to handle [reptiles] and care for them," Gonsalves said. "They can be just as loving as a dog or a cat. Get a bearded dragon and it'll be your best friend for all time."

While many at the expo were there to sell pets to new homes, some such as Niki Tracchia focused more on showing that these animals aren't something to be feared.

"In terms of fear, they're misunderstood," Tracchia said. "It's like there's either no legs or too many legs."

Tracchia owns Scales, Feathers & Fur, an exotic pet rescue based in Peabody, Massachusetts. She said it operates as a place to surrender exotic pets that are no longer wanted. They then use those animals to educate people at events like this.

Tracchia said these animals are not the ones humans should be scared of – humans are far more dangerous than snakes, tarantulas and lizards any day.

"I'm more afraid of going to a stranger's house in the middle of a bad neighborhood than I am handling these animals," Tracchia said.

Jon and Melissa Simmons, who own Little Shed Quail Farms in Windham, brought a large crate with several jumbo coturnix quail and eggs laid by the birds. Melissa held one of the birds and let children pet the quail.

Jon said events such as the expo help to open people's eyes to different animals and what actually make good pets.

"I'm learning a lot of different things and meeting a lot of cool people," he said. "Events like these bring like-minded people together."

At a table set up by CV Exotics, Joe Rogers, a seven-year employee of the Hampstead shop, said almost every person selling reptiles at the show probably grew up watching nature documentaries and became enamored with them.

"My favorite things about these shows are being able to show people things they've never seen before, or kids who get to see these animals for the first time," Rogers said. "Getting to show people animals in general, really."

Nicole Belval, who owns Painted Lady Balls in Keene and breeds ball pythons, brought her pet python Khaleesi, who curled around her arms and took in all the surrounding odors.

Belval, who owns more than 80 snakes and breeds many of them for different patterns and colorations, said these animals can be as warm and friendly as dogs, depending on the breed. To her, ball pythons are a great snake to start with, not just because of how common they are but also because they are more laid-back than others.

Belval said she will invite friends over who may feel nervous around reptiles to introduce them to the animals.

"I actually love it when someone is afraid or nervous with snakes because then I can help them get over their fears," Belval said. "[Snakes] are smarter than we give them credit for. For the most part, they aren't aggressive and they don't want to cause harm. They just live off of survival instincts."

Follow Katelyn Sahagian on Twitter at @KatelynSahagian

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