Thinking about it... a few questions.

[Lolo76]

Sooooooo... I've officially got the breeding itch, after reading this site & other resources for DAYS (I've been bored, okay? ). My female normal BP is only about 240g right now, so obviously it will be a while before she's ready - but I'm planning ahead, and also thinking I could start with a different female. However, assuming I decide to breed Delilah, I am trying to figure out what would go well with her. Correct me if I'm wrong, but my research suggests that I should breed her with a dominant/co-dominant morph? If that's true I'd lean towards Pastel or Mojave, since they are affordable yet beautiful, and can produce interesting combos down the road. I REALLY love the Ghosts and Albinos, but it seems that would be much pricier and/or a longer process.

Another idea I have is to start with a new breeding pair, and go with two het Albinos or Ghosts... since if I bred two hets together, I'd get something visual in the first generation. Am I understanding all of this? I must admit, science was always my WORST subject in school, so this is really a stretch for me. Does anyone have better suggestions, or input on how I should get started? Oh, and how do I know if my girl is even capable of breeding? Bottom line - I'm going to get another BP, whether or not I decide to breed, but would like to get something with potential. There are just so many beautiful morphs!!

P.S. The Herp World Expo in Daly City (http://www.herpworldexpo.com/) is the weekend after next, so I plan to hit that up... can you actually buy snakes at the show? If I can't get anything there, I'll probably just go through East Bay Vivarium again.

[Turbo Serpent]

Yes you can buy BPs at the show.

And the 'rule' is to wait until the snakes 3rd winter and at least 1200 - 1500g before attempting to breed her. But some snakes get bigger faster and its possible to hit that mark on the 2nd winter.

As for the co-dom vs recessive, its personal choice. Obviously with co-dom you have odds of getting the visual the first year breeding. But the recessives you could pick up a pair of hets for fairly cheap and have a chance at getting a visual first shot from them too.

It's all up to your preference and experience as to what you decide to do. But good luck with whatever path you choose, and remember its addicting.

[Lolo76]

Thanks for the info! Guess I'll see what they have to offer at the show, in terms of snakes and information/advice. And I can see how they're addictive, just like with "collecting" tattoos... I got my first at age 16, and now at age 32 I've lost count of how many I have.

[Lolo76]

I just talked to my roommate, who is a former BP owner (sorta - his ex-boyfriend had one), and he said reptile shows are a great place to get snakes. He might actually go with me, or I'll drag my other roommate along... I can't wait to see what they have! I'm definitely leaning towards getting one dominant/codom male, rather than going for the breeding het pair. Then if I decide not to breed, at least I have a beautiful morph to enjoy. I'll probably go for a pastel, but will see what's available at the show or vivarium. Thanks again!

P.S. Is there any advantage or difference between getting the male morph, and breeding with a normal female - versus breeding a female morph with a male normal/morph? I ask because the females are more expensive, which makes me wonder if they're more "valuable" in terms of genetics. Or is it just because they produce the eggs?

[Kenchap]

it's like this, You breed a male codom morph to 3-4 normals. Your getting a few more morphs. You breed a male morph to your female morph, Your getting a Gold mine! You breed a normal male to a morph female, Your a fool!! LOL...

[kc261]

LOL at Kenchap.

Another way of putting it is that females are more expensive because there is more demand. A breeder can put one male with several females, so people who are buying for breeding will buy maybe 5 times as many females as males, and/or people who are breeding, won't even sell their females, because they will hold them back to use themselves.

My advice is to find a snake that you find to be beautiful. Wait until you find one that excites you. If you end up using him for breeding, he'll make beautiful babies. If you end up just keeping him as a pet, it is even more important, because BPs live for a long time, and you don't want a pet you don't like.

[Lolo76]

LOL at Kenchap.

Another way of putting it is that females are more expensive because there is more demand. A breeder can put one male with several females, so people who are buying for breeding will buy maybe 5 times as many females as males, and/or people who are breeding, won't even sell their females, because they will hold them back to use themselves.

Ah, makes sense... thanks!

My advice is to find a snake that you find to be beautiful. Wait until you find one that excites you. If you end up using him for breeding, he'll make beautiful babies. If you end up just keeping him as a pet, it is even more important, because BPs live for a long time, and you don't want a pet you don't like.

Very true, since this snake will be a pet first & foremost... I guess you can really breed anything to anything (right?), so it's more important to get something I like. Also need to keep budget in mind, since as much as I'd love - for example - a blue-eyed Lucy, it just ain't happening right now! I'm really excited to attend that herp show, and hopefully I'll fall in love with a BP I can afford.

[Lolo76]

Btw, I didn't notice until after posting that we have a "morph/genetics" forum too... so moderators, feel free to move this thread if it's better over there.