» Site Navigation
1 members and 533 guests
Most users ever online was 47,180, 07-16-2025 at 05:30 PM.
» Today's Birthdays
» Stats
Members: 76,054
Threads: 249,211
Posts: 2,572,725
Top Poster: JLC (31,651)
|
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
Photo #533
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_bt9zmn.jpg
BP = Pastel/Het Gravel or Yellowbelly
The stone is a piece of Chalcedony from the West Coast, USA (with a piece of local quartzite gravel trapped in it during tumbling).
Because the stone is so gnarly-I considered breaking it up and tumbling the smaller pieces to get a 'cleaner' end result. I find larger rocks more interesting-so I decided not to...:)
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
For my clutch #10: I had a 38% chance/egg for Pastel/Orange Dream (+Het VPI Ax/+Het OG) and I missed on 5/6 eggs.
My last egg in that clutch is hatching:
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_zvpqxy.jpg
I see an OD head stamp, I have my fingers crossed it will be Pastel. :evileye:
-
C'mon, you can do it! :gj:
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bogertophis
C'mon, you can do it! :gj:
Awwww no luck! :taz:
It is an Orange Dream (+Hets interfering with color/patterning)
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...025_vt3umc.jpg
Breeding scheme: Pastel/Axanthic/Orange Ghost x Pastel/Orange Dream...(13% Chance of Super Pastel OD + 25% Chance of Pastel OD/each egg)
My Clutch #13 is from the same breeding scheme but a different female Pastel OD, only 4 eggs in that group though...
I would have liked to have seen at least 1 Pastel OD in my first 6 eggs from Clutch #10.
-
Frustrating for sure, but hey, that's why you breed snakes, isn't it? :D
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bogertophis
Frustrating for sure, but hey, that's why you breed snakes, isn't it? :D
Definitely! :)
Photo #534
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_oydgrs.jpg
BP = Banana/Pos. Het Hypo.
Stones are assorted, off-hand I see: Petrified Wood, Brazilian Agate, Iron-Stained Quartz, and Carnelian. :)
-
Beautiful BP, stones & overall arrangement.
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bogertophis
Beautiful BP, stones & overall arrangement.
Thanks! :)
Photo #535
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_z0mqpk.jpg
BP= Hidden Gene Woma/Lesser/50% Het Hypo (aka Soul Sucker/50% Het Hypo)
The stone is a larger piece of Salmon Feldspar-heavy granite from my area.
For some reason my digital camera has issues taking photos of Soul Suckers-I think it tries to do some sort of internal correction and makes it blurry.
Here is a closeup of the head I managed to take.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_xwgbt3.jpg
Breeders Notes:
-My Clutch #11 is next up to hatch, this is the one where half of the eggs died early on (2 out of 4). The remaining two eggs look fine, but it is very possible they could be duds.
The two remaining eggs are also adjoined to the decaying eggs, but they are not directly below them (liquid drips down)-so I did not bother to cut them loose.
-I have established my breeding scheme for 2026: 15 males and 55 females.
-For 2026 I have sixteen fully mature females breeding 1:1 with my Super Blade/Het Clown/Het Lavender Albino male that failed to produce any offspring this year (x12 1:1's).
I hope I get *something* from him next year...:rolleyes:
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
Photo #536
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_gts6ye.jpg
Ball Python = Pastel/Het VPI Axanthic/Het Orange Ghost
Stones = Jasp-Agate from Oregon, USA--they actually have a pink hue that the camera did not see.
Side Note: The two eggs in my Clutch #11 are starting to hatch. I have included a pic below.
As I mentioned previously: 2 eggs died early on and they are angled so that any excess fluid would drip down--so I had no need to separate them.
I realize it is not very aesthetic, but I prefer effectiveness over aesthetics.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_fprx0i.jpg
My cross for Clutch #11 was Leopard/Pastel/Het VPI Axanthic/Het Orange Ghost x Spider/Orange Ghost/Het VPI Axanthic.
First snake hatching out is definitely a winner! :)
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
Photo #537
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_ncw2i1.jpg
BP = Pastel/Het VPI Axanthic/Het Orange Ghost, assorted stones.
Note: Due to the level of interest in my Clutch #11 hatchling...I will upload a photo of them when they are out of the egg. :)
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
My first hatchling from clutch #11 has came out.
Cross: Leopard/Pastel/100% Het VPI Axanthic/100% Het Orange Ghost x Spider/Orange Ghost/100% Het VPI Axanthic
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...l-1_aqzvdn.jpg
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...l-3_sgicmo.jpg
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...l-2_llwkb6.jpg
Wow! This doesn't seem right at all. This looks like an Ivory. Grrrrrr...:irkd:
I checked the egg box and I have confirmed the breed scheme as accurate.
So....this must mean that both of the parents must be Yellowbelly-which is a bit of a surprise to me as both the parents should have a below 25% probability of YB.
Unless of course this is not an Ivory, but, it sure looks like one to me...except for that weird ringer mark.
I know I have a mystery gene floating around in my VPI Axanthic line...It could be I've had Yellowbelly in there for the last 10 years and never proved it out until now. :taz:
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
My second hatchling from Clutch #11 is starting to come out:
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_omggwi.jpg
No No No No No No--This is wrong! :omg:
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_xlrogw.jpg
Even *IF* the two parents were both Het for Yellowbelly, the chances of getting two Ivories in a row are (1/4*1/4) = 1/16.
I know I didn't mislabel the clutch because I took photos when I collected the eggs.
The female was in a 1:1 mating this year and the lone male I used last year was a Pastel/Axanthic/100% Het Orange Ghost.
There has to be something else going on here...I will have to think about this one. :frustrate
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
Photo #538
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_j5dn7f.jpg
BP = Orange Ghost/Het VPI Axanthic
Tiger Eye from South Africa-unlike other batches I've tumbled...my latest batch of rough was very unstable and it has taken a lot more effort than expected.
Fun Fact: Tiger Eye is a type of silicified asbestos in quartz...so don't powder it and breathe it in. :)
Breeders Note: My second hatchling from Clutch #11 is out of the egg. Prior to first shed-it is entirely white with no defining marks anywhere.
The first hatchling had a bit of a yellow Ivory stripe, a light ringer, and slight Spider head marks. The second hatchling has no marks-it is just pure white. :crazy:
I have to assume they are both Ivory. I will use my UV torch on them when they are a bit older and see if any pattern shows. I'm not sure whether to save these two for proof breeding or just vend them.
Since I had to hold back so many adult females that did not breed this season-my snake collection is at 97% housing capacity and I don't need 2 Ivories at 66% Het VPI Axanthic/100% Het Orange Ghost.
-
But clearly you love the frustration or you wouldn't be breeding snakes? :D
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bogertophis
But clearly you love the frustration or you wouldn't be breeding snakes? :D
I wouldn't say I enjoy frustration. I enjoy a pleasant surprise if it is an upgrade to what I expected. I do not enjoy a surprise if it is a downgrade or an error.
The two snakes from Clutch #11: What if one of them is a Pastel/Leopard/Spider/VPI Axanthic/Orange Ghost and its pattern is completely obliterated by two unexpected copies of Yellowbelly-so it looks completely white. I find that pretty annoying! :)
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
Photo #539
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_cezqnf.jpg
BP = Pastel/Het VPI Axanthic/Het Piebald/50% Het Orange Ghost/+Probable Yellowbelly :cool:
Stone is a local piece of granite-y style stone. It took a very high shine, I wish they all did...
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ted_oforgq.jpg
Breeders Note: My Clutch #12 hatched out. The mother was a Super Lesser (solid-white, blue eyes).
I had used a UV light on her previously to try and figure out if she was carrying Hidden Gene Woma, but, I saw no patterning or indication...
She was in-fact carrying the gene and produced several Soul-Suckers from the cross.
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lord Sorril
Breeders Note: My Clutch #12 hatched out. The mother was a Super Lesser (solid-white, blue eyes).
I had used a UV light on her previously to try and figure out if she was carrying Hidden Gene Woma, but, I saw no patterning or indication...
She was in-fact carrying the gene and produced several Soul-Suckers from the cross.
And a Soul-Sucker is a good thing?
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
Quote:
Originally Posted by Homebody
And a Soul-Sucker is a good thing?
Lol, I wouldn't say bad. I would say unusual because I used a Pastel/Lavender Albino x Super Lesser/HGW to produce Pastel/Lesser/HGW's (Pastel Soul Suckers/Het for Lav Albino).
I don't think I've seen a Lavender Albino Soul Sucker yet...while not my intent...gonna run with this one...:)
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ity_spsouu.jpg
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
Before the prices on Ebay became ridiculously high-I used to buy peoples rock collections (so that I could tumble them).
I was rummaging around through an old box of random stuff (mostly petrified wood) one guy had collected and I found a neat quartz crystal in matrix.
I took the photo below, I thought the image would look prety cool, but I guess it looks nicer in person. :)
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_wfzukj.jpg
I know Quartz crystals in matrix like this are pretty common in a lot of areas, but I've personally never found one in decent shape.
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
Photo #540
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_vu0n2z.jpg
BP = Lesser/Het Lavender Albino, with a decent sized piece of Montana Agate. :)
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
I need to get my eyes checked, sometimes I see double...:)
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_zk9oq2.jpg
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
Twins from the double egg shown in the previous photos.
Non-identical, and not conjoined (in case you were wondering). :P
Photo #541
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_o78jy6.jpg
BP = Lesser/Het Lavender Albino
Stone = Jasper from the Western USA (not sure where, the seller keeps it a secret--I'd guess Utah).
The stone is large but also thin...so I was unable to remove all the pits without shattering it. I'm still happy with the end result-so that is all that really matters. :)
Breeders Note: I have a micro-hatchling (not shown yet) that has taken two meals and then has stopped eating for the last two weeks, this is a bad sign.
One more week and I will have to start assist/force feeding. I was really hoping I wouldn't have to do that at all this year...:hmm:
-
Yup, I was wondering if both heads were sharing one body. :D Sorry to hear about your "fussy" micro- good luck!
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
Photo #542
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_nillui.jpg
BP = Orange Dream/Het VPI Axanthic/50 Het Hypo (in shed for photo).
The stone is a piece of Black Agate from Madagascar (not the easiest to photograph).
You can see the mirror reflection of the snake in the surface up close. :)
Breeders Note:
My Clutch #14 finished hatching. That makes all 14/14 done. I lost 3 eggs total (not bad).
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_rhnutn.jpg
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
Photo #543
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_n8bhge.jpg
BP = 100% Het VPI Axanthic/50% Het Hypo with a chunk of dyed Brazilian Agate.
I had bought a box of broken Brazilian Agate bookends off Ebay a while back...some of them can be tumbled/polished and cleaned up nicely. :)
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
Photo #544
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_jgm4sm.jpg
BP = 100% Het Clown/50% Het Hypo with a large piece of tumbled/polished Montana Agate. :)
Note: All hatchlings shown past this point for 2025 are in my holdback group.
Breeders Note: My Spider/Black Pastel/Lesser female ball python (2022 offspring--Photo #295) was mated for the first time yesterday and died spontaneously overnight. :dead:
With no prior symptoms-I did not perform a necropsy because I consider this a fluke event.
Even after decades of breeding ball pythons I can still count the number of adult losses on one hand...(this makes three).
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lord Sorril
Breeders Note: My Spider/Black Pastel/Lesser female ball python (2022 offspring--Photo #295) was mated for the first time yesterday and died spontaneously overnight. :dead:
With no prior symptoms-I did not perform a necropsy because I consider this a fluke event.
Even after decades of breeding ball pythons I can still count the number of adult losses on one hand...(this makes three).
Weird, but then again, tomorrow isn't guaranteed to any of us.
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
Pumpkins are nice for the fall season, but gourds are cool too...
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_dxzdd5.jpg
-
Gourds have such great textures & colors. :gj:
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bogertophis
Gourds have such great textures & colors. :gj:
Yep, they sure do!
Photo #545
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_kf0mt8.jpg
Spider/Highway (Gravel + YB) ball python, with some assorted stones (including Jasper, Agate, Petrified wood, and another I forget the name of..) :)
Side view below:
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_r7qfkp.jpg
I call this snake 'The Dark One' because the Gravel gene is at a higher expression level than my 'regular' Spider Highways. :D
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
Photo #546
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_koprsj.jpg
BP = Black Pastel/Piebald with a chunk of Montana Agate.
Breeders Note: I decided to put down my micro-hatchling problem eater. I force fed it for two weeks before it developed a neurological issue where it arched its body with its head facing down into the side of the enclosure. It kept tilting its head slowly to the left, and then slowly to the right. The morph was my highest expression Banana/Pastel/Hidden Gene Woma this season. The head tilt could have be related to the neurological effects of Hidden Gene Woma, however, as I avoid inbreeding as much as possible-I have only seen the slightest neuro effect from this gene in the past.
-In review of my records: all my micro-hatchlings this year were the offspring of 2 Lesser/HGW (Soul Sucker) females-and not all the micro-hatchlings had HGW. This may suggest a trend where HGW ball python females may be prone to producing smaller offspring, I will have to keep an eye on it... :snake:
-
Too bad that one didn't work out, but "it happens".
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
Photo #547
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_rmp6ih.jpg
BP = Enchi/Het Albino/Het YB or Gravel. Patterning on this Enchi is pretty obfuscated by the two additional genes.
The stone is a piece of Basalt with Quartz inclusions, this is a very common beach stone in my area.
Fun fact: I increased my rodent production due to the number of adult ball python holdbacks I am currently keeping for 2026 breeding projects...The rodents went through nearly 75lbs. of food in addition to table scraps last week. :)
-
You have my sympathy on all those rodents! :rofl: I sure don't miss raising them, which I did for well over 20 years. Nope, not a bit...
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
Photo #548A
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_xdyui1.jpg
BP = Ivory (Super Yellowbelly)/66% Het VPI Axanthic/100% Het Orange Ghost (Possible OG)/50% Possible Leopard/50% Possible Pastel/50% Possible Spider
Cross: Leopard/Pastel/Yellowbelly/100% Het VPI Axanthic/100% Het Orange Ghost x Spider/Orange Ghost/Yellowbelly/100% Het VPI Axanthic
Stones are UV reactive Chalcedony (probably due to trapped calcite inclusions).
In an effort to try and narrow down the genetics, I used my 365nm light, but very difficult to coordinate UV light intensity and camera focus on a moving target.
Photo #548B
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_kbetw5.jpg
Photo #548C
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_o9vwgz.jpg
Tough to ID, can't quite tell...going to be a proof breed situation on this one...:)
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
I hope everyone (that celebrates) had a great Thanksgiving!
I have been pretty low on energy recently due to seasonal mold allergies. A foot of snow in the forecast tomorrow and that should calm them down...
Photo #549
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_owimlp.jpg
BP = Pastel/Orange Dream/100% Het VPI Axanthic/50% Het Hypo
Stone is a mirror-polished Montana Agate. You can *almost* see my face in the reflection on the stone (not quite though-Muwahaha!). ;)
-
I was starting to think you went into brumation? :snake:
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bogertophis
I was starting to think you went into brumation? :snake:
Nah, I have been focused on trying to find a new job. Biotech field has been in steep decline since January of this year...I am literally competing with hundreds of qualified applicants for every skilled position.
I am also taking care of wayyyy too many ball pythons. I am hoping I hit some target goals in 2026 so I can shrink my population of pythons and rodents--I am currently spending 50% more time, energy, and money than last year to maintain both sets.
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lord Sorril
Nah, I have been focused on trying to find a new job. Biotech field has been in steep decline since January of this year...I am literally competing with hundreds of qualified applicants for every skilled position.
I am also taking care of wayyyy too many ball pythons. I am hoping I hit some target goals in 2026 so I can shrink my population of pythons and rodents--I am currently spending 50% more time, energy, and money than last year to maintain both sets.
That sure doesn't sound like fun. Both job hunting & too much animal care. Best of luck in both.
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
Thanks!
I have been having trouble with one of my Ivory ball pythons: (not photographed yet).
It is eating on its own accord but it won't eat anything larger than a single pinky mouse once every two weeks...could just be a problem-eater...or could be indicative of an ongoing medical issue.
Every other holdback and adult specimen I have is in top shape with the exception of an Axanthic female that hasn't put on enough weight (to my liking) since laying eggs this year...I may begrudgingly have to skip breeding her in 2026.
And fun fact: I hit a new record last week for the most number of rodents fed off in a single week...my former record was 693...I feed multiple smaller prey items so it is not like everyone gets a single medium rat... My large ball python population of 2024 holdbacks are into their steep growth curve...so I went wayyyy past my old record. :)
-
So sorry about your fussy ivory BP- a few snakes can really ruin your day, can't they? A pinky is not even a meal for a hatchling BP- I hope it's not some sort of internal abnormality, but it's no less frustrating if it just needs a good therapist. :rolleye2:
I'd say you're pretty busy, judging from the # of feeders you blow thru on a regular basis. :O I never thought to count when I had a house-full of snakes, but I'm sure you're the winner, & I have to say, better you than me! :D The most snakes I ever had was about 150, one summer, between some c/b offspring & "houseguests". My average number of snakes for many years was 85-90.
(That was on top of a full-time job, a large 'rodent ranch' -rats, mice, & hamsters- and 4 big dogs; Also, some- a varying # of my snakes- were hots, so that added to the workload.)
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bogertophis
So sorry about your fussy ivory BP- a few snakes can really ruin your day, can't they? A pinky is not even a meal for a hatchling BP- I hope it's not some sort of internal abnormality, but it's no less frustrating if it just needs a good therapist.
The snake willingly ate a furred pre-hopper yesterday and struggled swallowing it, but eventually got it down. I hope this is a good indicator that it is on the right track. This problem eater is easily my smallest hatchling of 2025 now...and thus my main focus...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bogertophis
I'd say you're pretty busy, judging from the # of feeders you blow thru on a regular basis. :O I never thought to count when I had a house-full of snakes, but I'm sure you're the winner, & I have to say, better you than me! :D The most snakes I ever had was about 150, one summer, between some c/b offspring & "houseguests". My average number of snakes for many years was 85-90.
(That was on top of a full-time job, a large 'rodent ranch' -rats, mice, & hamsters- and 4 big dogs; Also, some- a varying # of my snakes- were hots, so that added to the workload.)
I was counting feeders as a personal record, but once I crossed a 1000, I suppose the only next milestone is 2000, and there is no way I would ever have the time to manage that level of snakeage without it being my full time job.
Having a varied of collection of snakes is much more of a strain because you have to manage all the various environmental conditions and individual temperaments. I only keep ball pythons (for snakes)...I do have a few cranky ball pythons, but for the most part they are all pretty chill.
I remember having 100 ball pythons at one point and 'people' said that there was no way I could adequately care for them...once you have the enclosures built and a good husbandry routine scheduled: they are not that challenging...and keeping only 100 seems like such a small number now... Side Story: I was visiting CV Exotics storefront a while back and examining the reptiles when one of the customers came up to me and bragged that they had 10 ball pythons, I just smiled and said 'Whoa! That is a lot'. ;)
Photo #550
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_v8rfmh.jpg
Black Pewter (Black Pastel/Pastel)/Het Piebald with some Petrified Wood.
The ringer was super clear when she was first hatched, but, it is fading rapidly.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_qw5c4g.jpg
-
Yes, when I had all those snakes, they were various kinds, most were younger colubrids of all kinds (which eat more often than BPs), besides a number of hots. Mine were added gradually but it was still a lot to pay attention to, as opposed to having all one kind, like BPs. I had very few "cranky" snakes though, & certainly no regrets having known them all. I've bitten my tongue plenty of times also, when people told me they have something like 10 snakes. :rofl:
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
Photo #551
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_k7iluc.jpg
BP = HGW/Lesser/100% Het Lav Albino/Possible Pastel
The snake has a 'yellow tinge', but the patterning doesn't bely Pastel (imo).
Parents: Pastel/Lav Albino x HGW/Lesser
Camera flash really obliterates the polish shine on this piece of quartzite (from MA, USA).
Here is another photo of the stone under different lighting.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_t98h08.jpg
-
Gee, I wonder how they got the name "ball pythons"? :rofl: Good demo!
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
Photo #552
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_doxrju.jpg
BP = Banana/Het Clown/50% Het Hypo with a piece of Chalcedony (Western USA, OR likely).
Fun fact: I have no Banana breeding crosses planned for 2026. I think Banana looks nice in some combos, but I think it washes out in others-and I am pretty picky at this point.
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
-
Re: Snakes and Stones Pr. 2
Photo #553
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_admprp.jpg
BP = Pastel/100% Het VPI Axanthic/100% Het Orange Ghost/50% Het Tri-Stripe
Sometimes Het Tri-Stripe is obvious...not on this one...
The stone is a piece of agate...I'm not entirely sure its origin-I suspect Mid-West USA...It is kinda obscured in the image above, so I included another image below. :)
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_dd4no5.jpg
|
