Thinking about next purchase-which route to go?

[dchapman10]

Hello Everyone

Now that I have had my first ball python for a little bit now, I have been drawn into the addiction. Having a ball and a corn snake, I have realized that I prefer the ball python (not that I don't love my corn). I just like that they are bulkier and much calmer. Very sweet too . So lately I have been thinking about which morph I would get for my next ball python. When thinking about this, I want to keep in mind that maybe in a few years after I have had much time to do research that I would maybe like to try breeding. Right now I have a male pastel, so I would obviously want to get a female. I do really like the pastel morph so I wouldn't mind having a female pastel (maybe get a super pastel from the two in a few years). But some of the other morphs I like are the bumble bee, bumblebelly, Butter, Enchi, Hypo, Lesser, Mojave, Spider, and Pinstripe. In time I might wander into the recessives, but for the time being I would like to focus on the dominants and co-dominants. So my question is if it would be better to get a single, double, or triple gene. Of course a triple gene is going to cost more, but in the end, it would be a few mouths less to feed. So for example, would you get the spider morph or a bumble bee? Since I have a pastel, pastel x spider --> bumble bee, spider, pastel, and normal. If I were to buy the bumble bee though, then I would also have a chance of getting a super pastel, right? It's a lot to take in, so I'm sorry if some of my outcomes are incorrect. So to make it simple, if buying a female, how many genes would you get and if you wanted a multiple gene would you have it be a male or female? Is there anything else to consider?

I've also been thinking about where I would purchase my next one. I do find many different ones at the local reptile show, but some of the breeders there seem like they are just in it for the money. Don't get me wrong, the money can be a plus, but for me since I see it as a hobby for me, I would really be thinking about the animal's care and not about making a quick buck. So I've been looking on-line and some of the breeders that I really have been impressed with are Constrictors Unlimited, Royal Constrictor, and J. Kobylka Reptiles. Have any of you had good experience with any of them?

All comments, thoughts, ideas, opinions welcomed. Thanks in advance!

[el8ch]

When it come to multi gene animals, the more the merrier. In your case it all depends on how much you want to spend and what your breeding goals are. Really consider your breeding goals short and long term before you start buying any animals. That being said, if you are considering breeding there is no need to buy any males for the time being, stock up on your females as they take a minimum of 18 months and 1500g + (I like them big) before they are ready to breed where as males only need about 6 months before they are ready to go. Powerhouse males are good to have in your collection as one male can breed with multiple females, thus increasing your odds across multiple clutches.

And yes, you are correct. If you had a Pastel x Bumble Bee you could produce Super Pastels.

Go to the World Of Ball Pythons Genetic Wizard and play around with all of the combos and potential outcomes!

Living in Canada, I have not dealt with Constrictors Unlimited, Royal Constrictors, or J. Kobylka Reptiles, however they are all very reputable breeders.

[angeluscorpion]

You will also could get a killer bee from your pastel X bumblebee pairing. El8ch hit the nail on the head with everything they said. Garrick, Mike, and Justin all have Youtube channels and Facebooks. Although I haven't bought from them yet each one has gone out of their way to answer any question I have ever asked them. Justin Kobylka spent a good two hours going back and forth me with, answering every question I fired his way. Never once did he blow me off or try to get away. I'm a big fan of Justin and can't wait until I can meet him at a show.