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Re: Snakes and Stones
Photo #376
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_wrxwdy.jpg
Nipomo Agate with Marcasite inclusions (from California, USA).
BP: 66% Het Clown/50% Het Lavender Albino.
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Re: Snakes and Stones
I wasn't expecting this...these half-size eggs look terrible and are hatching 2 weeks early...I'm not certain if this is a good thing...or bad thing...:confusd:
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ted_bbsgma.jpg
I'm not getting my hopes up: if these snakes are underdeveloped inside the eggs-you are looking at a prelude to a sad story.
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Fingers crossed here for them. I'd imagine they're crowded, that's why they're emerging early?
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Re: Snakes and Stones
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bogertophis
Fingers crossed here for them. I'd imagine they're crowded, that's why they're emerging early?
I hope so...I hope they are emerging early because it took less cell divisions to make a super smaller intact hatchling-I can work with that.
I've had some pretty nightmarish eggs hatch in the past where only the head and the first 50% of the body is developed and the rest does not exist. Sure, they pip, but, that is the end of the road...even a long term ball python breeder like myself feels a lot of pain when I see it.
I will post an update on how they turn out in the next few days.
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Re: Snakes and Stones
In another post I made in the BP Morphs and Genetics forum: I mentioned that I recently proved my Pastel/Blade/Het Clown ball python as not having the Blade gene at all (DOH!). I plan my breeding schemes out by at least 3-4 years and I had really expected on producing offspring with the Blade Gene this year...this really fouls things up for me. Luckily, I have my trusty credit card and an internet connection. :)
This Thursday I will be driving to my nearest Live Animal FedEx Hub (1 hr away) to pick up a Super Blade/Het Clown/Het Lavender Albino I bought online today. I have never purchased a ball python online, however, Super Blade *Het Clowns* seem incredibly scarce and I can't guarantee I will find one at my local expos (let alone one that is breed age). This proven guy is going to be 4 years old when I get him... The breeder I purchased him from is very small, but, highly reputable. $85 for shipping=ouch! I hope this all works out and he successfully passes my quarantine standards or this will have all been an expensive learning experience for me...
I will post a picture of him on Thursday when I get back from my 2hr round trip.
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Re: Snakes and Stones
Clutch #21 is looking like it is going to be a full successful hatch.
They are going to be small instead of underdeveloped...great news for a 47 day incubation time. :)
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ted_gkpnpj.jpg
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Re: Snakes and Stones
Photo #377
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_ewl3zr.jpg
Brazilian Agate Nodule tumbled whole, and a 66% Het Clown/50% Het Lavender Albino Ball python.
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Re: Snakes and Stones
Picked up my snake from the FedEx Hub. My Cell Phone had no reception in the area and they insisted I have the tracking number for pickup, and I was like 'Hey, how many snakes do you have back there anyway?' Turns out: only one. :)
When I got back home I didn't want to stress my new arrival too much with photos.
I did a little video of me unpacking him. Added action music to compliment the shaky video as I was holding the camera lol.
https://youtu.be/n67VRfdgr8k
Now I just need some aggressive scene cuts, lots of explosions with CGI and I can be the next Michael Bay...;)
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Is that something new, packing snakes in cotton? Snake looks great! :D And I love the decal.
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Re: Snakes and Stones
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bogertophis
Is that something new, packing snakes in cotton? Snake looks great! :D And I love the decal.
I don't know if putting them in a snake bag and then surrounding them by polyester filling is normal.
I suppose I would need to buy more snakes to find out. ;)
I feel bad for the guy though, I think I can read ball pythons pretty good and I've never seen one so bewildered in his new enclosure.
Not this one though below, he is totally going to bite me...I was ready for it...
Photo #378
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_e7u3h0.jpg
66% Het Lavender Albino/50% Het Piebald with some agatized pieces of...something...
Those deep pits in the stones look like they may have housed organic material at one point...but, I couldn't say for sure...
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Re: Snakes and Stones
Photo #379
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_zjnlfh.jpg
A low expression Orange Dream/100% Het Piebald (in first shed) with a piece of local granite I tumbled/polished.
I originally thought this snake was strictly a 100% Het Piebald, but, I do barely see the OD. (Parents: Piebald x Orange Dream)
Still going to vend this one as a Het only. :)
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Re: Snakes and Stones
Someone asked me if I wasn't producing visible piebalds this year.
Lololol That wasn't the plan...but, both my piebald and axanthic crosses were using females on the young side-I cannot fault them for taking an extra year to mature.
As it is...I did get 7 piebald orientated clutches:
-1 of them was a 50% Het that failed to prove
-2 of them were 50% Hets that did not have enough eggs to prove
-1 is another 50% Possible Het proof clutch that has not hatched
-2 of them were only bred to produce 100% Hets
-1 will have visible offspring-in the process of hatching now (Clutch #19).
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ted_sbu6xb.jpg
Also, I noticed there have been a lot of guests, but, not a lot of members.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ers_i9bphq.jpg
Being a member does not cost anything.
Sign up and feel free to say Hello, or go one step further and be a hero and take a picture of your ball python with neat stone(s) and post it here. :)
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Re: Snakes and Stones
Photo #380
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_v3xftb.jpg
I was told this is epidote in matrix that was collected off the coast of Lake Superior...I'm not sure, but, I can tell you that is very difficult to photograph as the green crystals scatter light.
Ball python is a Spider/66% Het Orange Ghost/66% Het VPI Axanthic.
Breeders Note: Trying to figure out my breeding schemes for next year. Things were a lot simpler when I didn't have to factor in 2 or 3 levels of possible recessive genes...:)
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Re: Snakes and Stones
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lord Sorril
Breeders Note: Trying to figure out my breeding schemes for next year. Things were a lot simpler when I didn't have to factor in 2 or 3 levels of possible recessive genes...:)
If anybody can do it, you can.
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Re: Snakes and Stones
Quote:
Originally Posted by Homebody
If anybody can do it, you can.
No pressure now! ;)
Someone in the rock forums had asked me to show my clutch #20 when it hatched. I figured I would share the photo here too. Parental cross was Clown x Enchi/66% Het Albino:
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_eksmwc.jpg
While I'm delivering random news: My clutch #11 just started hatching after 85 days @88F. Pretty crazy eh? I thought they were goners. Just imagine if I tried to cut them at Day 60...:evileye:
While some of my clutches deteriorated badly: all have hatched and I've lost none in entirety so far (regardless of my expectations).
My Clutch #17 has fared the worst though and is down to one egg--given the type of yellow mold that is invading, and how the consumed eggs completely collapsed flat like they were hollow-I think they were nonviable.
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Re: Snakes and Stones
Photo #381
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_ptom7y.jpg
GHI/Lesser Ball Python with a Granitey-Quartzey type stone I find in my area, difficult to polish-even in a vibe tumbler.
Update: My new male Super Blade ball python I received on Thursday 29AUG2024 is eating already--I thought it would take at least a month or two.
I've got him scheduled for breeding with 9 females for the 2025 season...so he better rest up while he has the chance!
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Sounds like the new guy's doing great already...hope it bodes well for the future projects.
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Re: Snakes and Stones
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bogertophis
Sounds like the new guy's doing great already...hope it bodes well for the future projects.
Yes, we'll see.
I have my breeding schemes for 2025 adjusted for the possibility that he does not care to breed for the first year. 9 females is on the low end of what I would like to use from my collection.
In the past I've had success pushing the number of female ball pythons mating to one male to much higher numbers, but, I've seen diminishing returns with regards to a sharp increase in non-viable eggs (duds/slugs).
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_yczrmq.jpg
As mentioned previously: Super Blade/Het Clown/Het Lavender Albino :)
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Re: Snakes and Stones
Photo #382
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_gcdjxq.jpg
A good sized piece of Blue Chalcedony from Idaho, USA, with a 66% Het Lavender Albino/50% Het Piebald ball python (in shed).
You will notice I'm doing a lot of snake photos with one or two stones...this is partly because I want a more detailed image of the snake/stone, and this is partly because I am hard pressed for time.
Once I sell the majority of my hatchlings to distributors then I will have more time to take more intricate photos of my remaining holdbacks. :)
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Re: Snakes and Stones
Someone asked how I can be certain if my eggs are dead or not...I think it becomes pretty obvious at some point.
Ideally you would detach the dead eggs from the viable ones.
It is not the mold you have to be concerned about...it is the excess fluid being wicked from a dying egg into a living one (eggs are semi-permeable).
Some breeders separate connected eggs as soon as they are laid for this very reason, however, historically I have had little issue-so I do not add the risk of damaging dozens of healthy eggs to proactively prevent a rare occurrence.
Before you start separating connected eggs though: Do take into account the relative age and amount of time until hatch.
In my Clutch#17 I lost one egg early on and removed it, then I lost the last three (shown below) fairly recently.
Since the remaining egg is due to hatch any day now--there is a greater risk of manipulating it then leaving it as-is.
If I was at an earlier point in incubation: I would use scalpel or razor blade and then slice through the dead eggs to disconnect them while using paper towels to wick away any leakage.
Yes, it is gross and a dirty job, but, how badly did you want that hatchling? :)
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ain_t6ofsj.jpg
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I'm one that ALWAYS separated snake eggs, & never lost any as a result. But sooner is better- I'd separate them as soon as possible after they were laid. The longer you wait, the harder they stick together. It was a slow task- gently rocking each pair of stuck eggs back & forth until the connection let loose- usually helped by one or several drops of water just on the connection, & while keeping the eggs in their original positions. I can't imagine using a razor...only on clearly dead ones.
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Re: Snakes and Stones
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bogertophis
I'm one that ALWAYS separated snake eggs, & never lost any as a result. But sooner is better- I'd separate them as soon as possible after they were laid. The longer you wait, the harder they stick together. It was a slow task- gently rocking each pair of stuck eggs back & forth until the connection let loose- usually helped by one or several drops of water just on the connection, & while keeping the eggs in their original positions. I can't imagine using a razor...only on clearly dead ones.
Whatever works for you! :)
My ball python eggs are pretty well solidified when I get to them 12-24 hours after they have been laid. I kinda prefer when they are stuck together because it keeps them immobile while they incubate.
I do not have the skill level to guarantee they will not have their shells 'thinned' during separation-damaging a single egg would immediately negate any benefit.
As I said: I only use a razor to cut away the deteriorating egg(s) by slicing *through them*. My blade never touches the good egg. I am just dividing them enough to prevent moisture exchange between the two.
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Yes, I know what you meant about using the razor. The time it takes is the drawback to separating the eggs my way- it's a bit slow, so anyone with multiple clutches might not have the time.
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That sucks about loosing the three so close to hatching. I hope the remaining little one does well!
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Re: Snakes and Stones
Quote:
Originally Posted by Armiyana
That sucks about loosing the three so close to hatching. I hope the remaining little one does well!
Thanks! Yeah, the ups and downs of breeding...:rolleyes:
All the eggs looked good originally, and I did not record any abnormalities in the incubation process .
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_eopi8r.jpg
The first egg on the top left failed around 36 days, and the next 3 around 52 days.
Based on the advanced rate of decomposition of the two eggs on the left and right: I think they were duds.
The egg in the center looks like it definitely had a chance, but, failed. Could it have been poisoned by the two adjacent eggs failing simultaneously? Hmmm...Maybe.
I did note that all three eggs were looking bad at the same time, and two just deteriorated much faster than the third...I'm not ruling out interference by the two decaying eggs, but, it seems unlikely.
The cross was Gravel/Yellowbelly (Highway) x Leopard.
I only need 1 Leopard to work with, and I've got a 50/50 chance on that last egg. *fingers crossed*
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Re: Snakes and Stones
Photo #383
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_uu1t74.jpg
GHI/Lesser with some pieces of agate from the Mid-West USA.
I thought this photo of my Clutch #19 was kinda nice, so here ya go too! :)
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_nscgfa.jpg
Also, found this little one below in my garage (super itchy to hold):
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...r-1_svdbxk.jpg
To those of you who live in New England: An all black wooly bear. Does this mean an epically brutal winter?...
Or does it mean that I have a Giant Leopard Moth caterpillar overwintering?
No worries, either way I will make sure it makes it to the Spring. ;)
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Wow, you're amazing! Teaching your snakes to drink from straws- & you really start them early too. :rofl:;)
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Re: Snakes and Stones
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bogertophis
Wow, you're amazing! Teaching your snakes to drink from straws- & you really start them early too. :rofl:;)
Sure do! :absolut: I'd rather teacher them about it myself than have them learn it on the streets...:D
Which reminds me: There was a guy who posted a funny comment on one of my YouTube Videos and he was like 'BRUH!!!!!!!!!!! WHY YOU USE DEM STRAWS ON THOSE EGGS?????????????' hahaha...
I know most of you reading this already know why the straws are there: to stabilize the eggs so they don't shift. Unlike bird eggs: snake eggs are not designed to be rotated, they sit stationary in the mothers coils. In my time lapse videos you can see the ball python eggs rock back and forth over time...if they manage to flip over-then there is a chance that the developing embryo will drown...
Photo #384
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_ecnbvh.jpg
Blue brazilian agate nodule: Tumbled/Polished Whole, with a Pastel/Spider/66% Het VPI Axanthic/66% Het Orange Ghost.
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Congrats on getting OVER 3 MILLION views on this thread! :O :gj:
Amazing photos! Keep them coming! :D
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Re: Snakes and Stones
Quote:
Originally Posted by mlededee
Congrats on getting OVER 3 MILLION views on this thread! :O :gj:
Amazing photos! Keep them coming! :D
Thanks Emily!
Happy Birthday to you! Hope you have a good one!
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_s2nja8.jpg
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Thanks, grilling up some steaks for the birthday dinner! :party:
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Re: Snakes and Stones
Quote:
Originally Posted by mlededee
Thanks, grilling up some steaks for the birthday dinner! :party:
Steaks are great. Misteaks, not so great. ;)
Photo #385
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_um3srb.jpg
Amazonite and Hematite with a 100% Het Piebald ball python.
The hematite is porous so I could not get a liquid shine, it is still glittery though... :)
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Re: Snakes and Stones
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Re: Snakes and Stones
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lord Sorril
I also noticed some rocks in our adventures...check out the prices on these-below...Brutal!
Brutal if you're buying. Maybe, you should consider selling. You must have a stone or twenty lyin' around that you wouldn't mind parting with.
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Re: Snakes and Stones
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Re: Snakes and Stones
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lord Sorril
......
What did we buy? Only a set of 4 spooky porcelain Halloween dishes (dishwasher/microwave safe).
The set has 4 designs, but, only one with a snake. :snake: $11 USD after tax, not bad.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...13a_c8u4z4.jpg
Most of you proper homemakers will probably be horrified to learn that my gf and I will use these plates year round. ;)
I'd be horrified if you DIDN'T use them. :cool: Obviously not even close to being a "proper homemaker" here either, :rofl:
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Re: Snakes and Stones
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bogertophis
I'd be horrified if you DIDN'T use them. :cool: Obviously not even close to being a "proper homemaker" here either, :rofl:
Lol :)
Photo #386
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_bmq64i.jpg
A rock that looks like granite, but, actually took a high polish. The rough stone was collected from the Snake River in Idaho.
Ball python is a Spider/66% Het VPI Axanthic/66% Het Orange Ghost.
Breeders Note:
I ran into a new issue. I noticed a hatchling having difficulty a few days after pipping: so I cut a small section of the egg to free the snake and it immediately exited the egg on its own, however, the body has a constriction mark where it got pinched by the egg shell near the original attachment point of the yolk stalk. I'm fairly certain I can spot internal bleeding now that the constriction is removed--I think I will be measuring its lifespan in minutes. I am not aware of anything I can do about that. It is too bad, this was the only one of its morph I produced this year.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...417_ngdfcu.jpg
It may still survive, but, I give it really bad odds.
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OH, so sorry. What a shame. Rest in peace, little one. :snake: I've never seen one like that before either.
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Re: Snakes and Stones
Photo #387
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_ke1hcl.jpg
Some local granite with a 66% Het Lavender Albino/50% Het Pied.
(I don't see any clues of either gene being present in this one)
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Re: Snakes and Stones
Photo #388
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_nsppgr.jpg
A piece of banded obsidian with a Pastel/100% Het VPI Axanthic/50% Het Orange Ghost.
Obsidian is always difficult for my flash photography...:)
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Re: Snakes and Stones
Photo #389
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_ctz0g7.jpg
Some Jasper from the west coast USA, and a Het Piebald BP (in shed).
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Re: Snakes and Stones
I normally throw empty snake egg shells in the trash, but, last year I threw one clutch of empties in my garden (to see how long they would last).
Apparently they last a long time...nothing wants to eat them...:)
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ors_jv0dy1.jpg
I also spend too much time puzzling on why there are 6 eggs and 7 snakes in a clutch...it takes me too long every time to figure this out. :)
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...024_ugteff.jpg
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Well, when I throw frozen (to make sure) slug eggs into my garden, even when I bury them, they get dug up & EATEN by local wildlife. Apparently they're quite yummy. I'm guessing it's skunks, raccoons &-or possums that share this opinion. They even return to dig up the spot again after I fill the hole, just to be sure there's no more to be had. :D
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Re: Snakes and Stones
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bogertophis
Well, when I throw frozen (to make sure) slug eggs into my garden, even when I bury them, they get dug up & EATEN by local wildlife. Apparently they're quite yummy. I'm guessing it's skunks, raccoons &-or possums that share this opinion. They even return to dig up the spot again after I fill the hole, just to be sure there's no more to be had. :D
My wildlife must be more picky than yours! :)
Side story: I put a wildlife block out for a while, and I have about 100 hours of footage of a giant raccoon sitting on it and scaring away all the other animals.
Before he showed up though there was some variation.
https://youtu.be/M8iI5pXkbo4
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Re: Snakes and Stones
Photo #390
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_qoh9my.jpg
Thunderegg with a Pastel/Spider/66% Het VPI Axanthic/66% Het Orange Ghost BP.
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Re: Snakes and Stones
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lord Sorril
Side story: I put a wildlife block out for a while, and I have about 100 hours of footage of a giant raccoon sitting on it and scaring away all the other animals.
Before he showed up though there was some variation.
This was really cool. Thanks for sharing.
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Re: Snakes and Stones
Quote:
Originally Posted by Homebody
This was really cool. Thanks for sharing.
Sure, you bet!
I don't make as many videos as I used to. Video editing is very time consuming and I spend my time on my other hobbies. :)
Photo #391
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_mfvwkx.jpg
BP: Orange Ghost/100% Het VPI Axanthic
These stones don't look fancy-and they are not. Grey Basalt with quartz inclusions I collected from Maine (shown *dry*).
Basalt does not take a polish. Well...basalt does not take a polish for most people...been working on it for a few years now. ;)
The original stone was collected from Maine (last stone shown at end of video below).
https://youtu.be/ImcwcUl3fvo?si=05hX7V7xc26Oa5dm
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Sir, you win the persistence award for the lovely basalt! :D
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Re: Snakes and Stones
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bogertophis
Sir, you win the persistence award for the lovely basalt! :D
Hahaha. Yay! Persistence award!
I also won a lot of passive aggressive comments by 'tumbling experts' in other online forums for polishing Basalt. Boo-hoo....;)
Photo #392
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_pgvfp4.jpg
A larger piece of granite I polished from the Mad River in NH, and a Pastel/Orange Ghost/66% Het VPI Axanthic Ball Python in 'Blue'.
Here is an alternate view of the stone in 'more normal' lighting:
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_rcbc1a.jpg
Fun fact: I was in the Mad River region of NH again today and my gf and I attended a 'Pagan Fair'.
There were more vendors than attendees at the Fair...many of them had an assortment of crystals and stones (mostly low-mid range quality).
Due to severe ragweed allergies and unseasonable heat we were unable to stay long, but, I was able to talk to some of the vendors-and I did pick up a stone for my collection. :)
(Pictures to follow-when I get the chance)
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