Re: Hissing/Purchasing Questions
It doesn't really matter where you live, as the breeders are certified for shipping live reptiles all over the place (even internationally). Adam's a wonderful choice and will give you wonderful advice I'm quite sure. We're very blessed at BPNet to have a lot of great breeders both professional breeders as well as hobbyist breeders with varying collections.
Re: Hissing/Purchasing Questions
Quote:
Originally Posted by frankykeno
Just a note Tanya, remember there is a world of difference between indiscriminate inbreeding and line breeding for a desired trait. Any reputable breeder knows what's up that way and stands by the quality of the snakes he or she sells...be they normal or morphs. :)
I'm not comfortable with any inbreeding, whether a person says they do it responsibly or not. Unfortunatly that it a genetic no-no and as of yet we may have not seen to many undisirable effects (though I have noticed an increase), we will see it down the line. Personally if someone is comfortable with buying morphs I have no problem with it, I chose not too, as I disagree with any inbreeding for purely ashetic reasons. As someone interested in genetics who studies it as a passtime it bothers me. I don't intend to preach to others about it, but I do make my feelings known. If a trait is meant to survive it will.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HelloSonya
Thanks for the replies, always helpful!
The problem that I have with buying online is that I don't have much money to spend on the snake itself. I'd probably budget myself to $150 for a young, normal BP. Maybe I'm way off, but from all the pet shops I've visited that seems more than reasonable.
I already have a fully equipped tank set up, so I don't need to worry about those expenses. Are Petco snakes ($89.99 here in Seattle) really frowned upon that much, even with a trip to the vet after purchase? I also have another contact that has a juvenile BP for sale in a locally owned petshop at about $75.00. (I will make sure to ask about captive breeding and about its health!)
I want a great, healthy, young BP for less than $150. Any solutions?
I got my BP from a small petstore which is locally run, and who really understand the husbandry needed to care for thier animals. Also don't rule out adopting a rescued BP (try Petfinder, you may find one in your local area). Most people frown upon Petco and other large chain store purchases as often they are keept in horrible conditions, carry mites, and either come from irresponsible breeder or are wild caught. Also many reptiles bought from these stores are impulse purchaes, where the customer is given incorrect husbandry information, and they end up abandoned. That said, if you feel your particular store is operated the right way, feel free to purchase from them, it is your choice.
The price you pay for your BP depends on your area. There are very few breeders in my area (and no ball python breeders), so the price is higher. Since I don't know where you live, I can't say. Look for your local herp society, they can generally get you great information and where to look (there is a guy in my local society who is a breder of corns, and several other types of snakes, and has been able to get BPs and other snakes that he doesn't breed for a great price for people), as they will have lots of contacts. Also being involved with a herp society is great, as you get to meet a lot of people who own herps and just a great source of information and commradery.
