Has anyone ever bought from Ralph Davis?

Just curious because he does not list prices for ANY of his BP's on his website. Is that because its a "If you have to ask, then you probably can't afford it" kinda thing? He has some amazing stuff to say the least.... the very least...lol Mind-blowing is more like it.

But I never see him advertise on Fauna or Kingsnake and I was just wondering has anyone ever bought from him and what are his prices like?

It's been a few years but I bought from him, everything was smooth as can be. If you're interested in something he hatched, or your think he may have something you want, send him and e-mail of call him. He was great at responding, etc. and his prices were fair.

I know I wonder the same thing. He doesn't even have a for sell list. I sent him a email and asked few weeks ago.

The price is HIGH. hehehe

But he does have lots of cool stuff, how does he sell them? I have the same wonder.

Yah I agree his website needs to be done and cleaned up alot from some one who knows proper grammar rather then just doing "ball python...........for sale.......call" lol

Just send an e mail about what you are looking for ad he immediately sends one back. Yes he seems a little high but quality is expensive!!

I personally do not buy from anyone who will not be upfront with a price, it just already makes it seem like they are trying to take advantage of you. I usually don't see it with websites, but you go to the shows it seems like a few tables don't have prices, they automatically lose my potential business.

On the other hand, I've never bought from RD but I know a few people that have and were happy with the purchase. I don't know what they paid though.

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Originally Posted by Wapadi

Yes he seems a little high but quality is expensive!!

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I don't understand the "quality" thing...what makes a spider from RDR better "quality" than a spider from someone else? If someone is selling sick animals or mite infested snakes, it'll be on the internet...If someone is selling healthy animals and providing good service, it'll be out there as well...do a little research before-hand, pick a snake that you like, and save some cash...

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Originally Posted by SiQ'

Yah I agree his website needs to be done and cleaned up alot from some one who knows proper grammar rather then just doing "ball python...........for sale.......call" lol

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Think of it as more of a feature, rather than a bug. :D

I bought an enchi female from him. The price wasn't too bad, especially compared to what other people are charging for enchi girls this year. You can call him on his cell phone if you just want him to quote a price, but you need to actually catch him in his office to start an invoice. And he's often out doing other work.

That guy has so many different clutches of snakes on his pages, I might have questions on prices for 20 different snakes or more. So everytime I ask about one he will quote a price and it might be too high and I say "ok what about this snake.... hmmmm thats too high also, what about this snake" etc....

But he or someone else might have to do that 10 or 20 or 100 times a day clogging up the phone line or e-mails....lol

Why not just put up the price so then people can go, ok this guy right here is $1500 or $400 or $6000, etc....... that sounds good for me, I can aford that. I really want this Ball python, let me call and order this guy:gj:

But if its one of his "Special Ultimate Sick Nasty" morphs, yeah then I can see a PLEASE CALL FOR PRICING kinda thing because it can be negotiated because its big time money anyways.

But honestly because every single clutch has a Call or Email tag next to it.... I will just look but probably never order just because like I said.... I dont want to waste there time or mine.

Just my $0.02

I usually tend to buy from small breeders with nice, quality animals. Most of the time, the small breeders get their lines from the bigger breeders anyway. Why not help a decent breeder with good quality animals? I have noticed their mindset is much more people friendly. The best purchase I made recently was from Viking Reptilia, was just a normal male ball, but their service was great and the baby was top notch. He took a rat pup for me the same day.

he has so many different combos, prices change ALL the time, and a lack of a price means that he probably is willing to negotiate.

I have heard nothing but great things about him but his website as a whole just gives me a head ache. I will stick to ordering from mike wilbanks thats just my preference

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Originally Posted by sho220

I don't understand the "quality" thing...what makes a spider from RDR better "quality" than a spider from someone else?

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Really? You don't understand the "quality" thing?

Take a look at the average adult jungle carpet python.. browned out and dirty. Take a look at all the adult jungles produced by John Battaglia over at the Morelia Trophy Club (and not even just his jungles, but ALL his snakes). Certain people are just particularly known for having above average specimens of certain morphs or species.

Not all spider ball pythons are the same, not all pastels are the same, not all bumblebees are the same. Some people consistently produce better looking versions of a particular ball python morph, and from what I've seen of Ralph Davis' animals, he is one of them.

I never look for the cheapest, ugliest specimen of what I'm looking for. I pay more, and so far I've always gotten more.

I think it also has to do with the fact that he produces thousands of snakes...or atleast hundreds every season..If he had to go through and say alright this snake is $XX and this snake is $XX with a picture for each one it would take FOREVER and for someone who has that many snakes in their collection to care for, and that many feeders to produce each week, along with running a construction business(or whatever he does..) I'm sure he would rather just pick up the phone hear what the customer wants and instantly quote a price instead of spending hours and hours and hours putting up prices for each and every snake he produces on his website...That being said I agree that it would be easier for the shopper to see a price tag on every snake but he does it the way that is easy for him..he's been doing this for a long time, I'm sure it works just fine.

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Originally Posted by mainbutter

he has so many different combos, prices change ALL the time, and a lack of a price means that he probably is willing to negotiate.

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I mean come on... were talking Ball Pythons here. This isn't the NASDAQ where the prices are fluxuating every day.

I can give you a list of 10+ breeders who have prices up on there pages who sell just as awesome BP's and have alot of different combos who will negotiate price.

I just wanted to know what his prices are like from someone who has ordered from him. If there Super High, Average, etc...

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Originally Posted by mainbutter

Really? You don't understand the "quality" thing?

Take a look at the average adult jungle carpet python.. browned out and dirty. Take a look at all the adult jungles produced by John Battaglia over at the Morelia Trophy Club (and not even just his jungles, but ALL his snakes). Certain people are just particularly known for having above average specimens of certain morphs or species.

Not all spider ball pythons are the same, not all pastels are the same, not all bumblebees are the same. Some people consistently produce better looking versions of a particular ball python morph, and from what I've seen of Ralph Davis' animals, he is one of them.

I never look for the cheapest, ugliest specimen of what I'm looking for. I pay more, and so far I've always gotten more.

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Uhhh....how about just ask for pics before buying??? And if you really want to go the extra mile, ask for pics of the parents...a great looking spider from RDR is no more valuable than a great looking spider from joe blow...please explain how that doesn't make sense...:confused:

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Originally Posted by Powerspythons

I think it also has to do with the fact that he produces thousands of snakes...or atleast hundreds every season..If he had to go through and say alright this snake is $XX and this snake is $XX with a picture for each one it would take FOREVER and for someone who has that many snakes in their collection to care for, and that many feeders to produce each week, along with running a construction business(or whatever he does..) I'm sure he would rather just pick up the phone hear what the customer wants and instantly quote a price instead of spending hours and hours and hours putting up prices for each and every snake he produces on his website...That being said I agree that it would be easier for the shopper to see a price tag on every snake but he does it the way that is easy for him..he's been doing this for a long time, I'm sure it works just fine.

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Ok fine maybe not list a price for every single snake but have it by the clutch then.
Like this:

For this Clutch prices range from $650 to $7500

Atleast then you would have an idea? My point is you dont know anything from looking at his page and if that works for him Great!!! But for me I will just pass on by and I'm sure I'm not the only one:gj:

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Originally Posted by sho220

Uhhh....how about just ask for pics before buying??? And if you really want to go the extra mile, ask for pics of the parents...a great looking spider from RDR is no more valuable than a great looking spider from joe blow...please explain how that doesn't make sense...:confused:

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I agree with this.. just because you buy a snake from "Joe blow" doesn't mean its not as high or even higher quality than one bought from a big name its about the health and over all appearance of each animal not who they came from.

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Originally Posted by jason79

I agree with this.. just because you buy a snake from "Joe blow" doesn't mean its not as high or even higher quality than one bought from a big name its about the health and over all appearance of each animal not who they came from.

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Thanks...I was starting to think that maybe I was just missing something...:D

Ralph Davis is a great reptile breeder. That is all there is to it, you don't get to where he is today without knowing what you are doing.

That being said for being one of the "Big Name" breeders he has one of THE WORST websites I have ever seen in my life.

BHB is bigger then Ralph, and they have a great website. So I can't say that Ralph just has so many animals its to hard to price them all.

I think its just Ralph's personal style, he would rather someone talk to him directly about his animals opposed to just shopping online.

I have never purchased from RDR I have nothing against him he seems like a great guy but yea you would think he could at least put a price range like lessers from 400 - 600 spiders from 300 - 500 or something like that. I would have possible purchased from him in the past I did see some snakes that I was interested in but not having any prices drove me away too. So maybe one day he will change his site maybe he wont but he must be selling them just fine apparently.

Maybe he also cares about the snakes and doesn't want people to make impulse purchases.

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Originally Posted by LotsaBalls

Maybe he also cares about the snakes and doesn't want people to make impulse purchases.

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Please explain...

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Originally Posted by BbyBoa

Ralph Davis is a great reptile breeder. That is all there is to it, you don't get to where he is today without knowing what you are doing.

That being said for being one of the "Big Name" breeders he has one of THE WORST websites I have ever seen in my life.

BHB is bigger then Ralph, and they have a great website. So I can't say that Ralph just has so many animals its to hard to price them all.

I think its just Ralph's personal style, he would rather someone talk to him directly about his animals opposed to just shopping online.

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Well I like on his website how he goes into such detail on all of his clutches except for his Top Secret which is understandable. His videos are cool. Pics are awesome...

But you would think that its just a hobby and not a business on the way the website is setup. On one page it says "CLICK THE BIG LIST FOR EVERYTHING THATS FOR SALE"

Then you do and its like uhhhhhhhhhhh I dont get it? Where's the stuff for sale?? So you click the "Birthing Record" link and everything just says call or email..... so..... yeah

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Originally Posted by BbyBoa

Ralph Davis is a great reptile breeder. That is all there is to it, you don't get to where he is today without knowing what you are doing.

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There really isn't much to it...the snakes do most of the work...:D

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Originally Posted by sho220

Please explain...

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I've seen many of dog breeders that interview people and do a home visit before you get to buy a dog from them. I can't say for sure but maybe in part it's his way of screening customers. I emailed him about a snake last year, he called me back that evening and talked to me for about 45 min. I didn't end up buying from him (I was asking about platinum$) but he was very nice and answered all my questions plus. I'm planning on talking to him if PE doesn't have a desert het clown this spring.

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Originally Posted by LotsaBalls

I can't say for sure but maybe in part it's his way of screening customers.

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I really doubt it...it's probably more a case of him running his construction company, spending time with family, friends, doing other things around the house, and just generally having a life outside of breeding snakes...he probably manages to turn a profit from the ball breeding, but I do believe his main income is his construction company...

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Originally Posted by sho220

I really doubt it...it's probably more a case of him running his construction company, spending time with family, friends, doing other things around the house, and just generally having a life outside of breeding snakes...he probably manages to turn a profit from the ball breeding, but I do believe his main income is his construction company...

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Maybe

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Originally Posted by Monster Dodge

That guy has so many different clutches of snakes on his pages, I might have questions on prices for 20 different snakes or more. So everytime I ask about one he will quote a price and it might be too high and I say "ok what about this snake.... hmmmm thats too high also, what about this snake" etc....

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Well, when I called I was pretty specifically looking for a female enchi (and only a female enchi). So my questions were just how much for a female enchi, and which one will you sell me. And he holds back a lot of animals--I don't think he sold many enchi girls this year, but he sure produced a ton of them.

Regarding the quality issue with RD, he produces a very large volume of snakes, and has for some time now. Because he has produced this kind of volume over time, that has allowed him to keep the very best specimens from each year to keep as hold backs. Then when those produce he can keep the best of those specimens. This selective breeding means that on average most of his snakes look better than an average example of that morph. Even his het normals seems to look better than a typical normal to me. I'm not saying that small time breeders can't or don't produce excellent examples of certain morphs, but it's harder for them to do so with as much range and consistency because they haven't necessarily had the benefit of generations of selective breeding like he has. Imagine if you got the pick of the litter from from 200 pastels each year, or from his countless lessers or platinums, etc, your stock would be superb.

This is to the OP Ralph is one of the ball python pioneers I would purchase a snake from him in a heartbeat.:gj:

Would I like to see some prices on his website yes, but I'm not gonna sit here and critize him. His animals are very important to him he wants to sell them at his price not others nothing wrong with that.

Expect quality bottom line.;)

If he's the kind of person who will save the life of a possible het pied hatchling, which are a dime a dozen, then he obviously isn't hurting for $$. The way I see it is this. He does own a construction company, he's married, he has a family, and he has other hobbys. His website could use an upgrade but I really think it's just a hobby and a love of his. He isn't concerned about whether or not he sells tons of snakes. He does vend at shows and aside from that, anyone who wants to buy will contact him.

He is a very easy going man who will talk to you and negotiate but if you're the type who says oh that's too expensive, then expect the rest of his conversation with you to be very short. Why waste any ones time?

He has amazing animals and it's more a hobby than a business.

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Originally Posted by NewParadigms

Regarding the quality issue with RD, he produces a very large volume of snakes, and has for some time now. Because he has produced this kind of volume over time, that has allowed him to keep the very best specimens from each year to keep as hold backs. Then when those produce he can keep the best of those specimens. This selective breeding means that on average most of his snakes look better than an average example of that morph. Even his het normals seems to look better than a typical normal to me. I'm not saying that small time breeders can't or don't produce excellent examples of certain morphs, but it's harder for them to do so with as much range and consistency because they haven't necessarily had the benefit of generations of selective breeding like he has. Imagine if you got the pick of the litter from from 200 pastels each year, or from his countless lessers or platinums, etc, your stock would be superb.

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That would seem to make sense...but looking through his birthing records...a lot of the "mom on eggs" pics look very average...nice...but not mind blowing...check the birthing records for 2010 and look at the Lessers/Butters/Spiders/Cinnie females...nothing spectacular there...he does produce some crazy crosses, but as far as base morphs go...he must be hiding the amazing ones...

p.s....and by your logic...if he's keeping the best specimens, what is someone paying a premium for? The average looking leftovers? :)

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Originally Posted by Emilio

This is to the OP Ralph is one of the ball python pioneers I would purchase a snake from him in a heartbeat.:gj:

Would I like to see some prices on his website yes, but I'm not gonna sit here and critize him. His animals are very important to him he wants to sell them at his price not others nothing wrong with that.

Expect quality bottom line.;)

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Emilio, how did I criticize him? I asked if anyone ever bought from him and what are his prices like because I like many others have no idea...... And I expect top quality from all of the Breeders who advertise on this website as well as any others who are advertising there Ball Pythons..... dont you?

If he wants to keep his prices to himself and not post them on his website, thats his prerogative. I'm sure he has his reasons.

If he makes tons of money from doing other things and this is more of a hobby then a business well thats cool too. I dont know the guy so I can't really comment on that.

Yeah i wish i could buy from Ralph but he does not make it easy so i rather buy from BHB and other good breeders that are just as good...

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Originally Posted by sho220

p.s....and by your logic...if he's keeping the best specimens, what is someone paying a premium for? The average looking leftovers? :)

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By my logic, the continued selective breeding should have created breeding stock which doesn't usually produce average looking offspring, but rather premium examples with great genetics. Obviously not all great parents will make beautiful offspring, and polymorphism will always be around, but by in large... quality parents make quality offspring.

I was between RDR and BHB, and well.. there were a few snakelets that Ralph had that I reaaaally wanted, but they were gone. So I ended up going with BHB because of the ease of it, and since it was my first time buying balls, it was the easiest way.

But! This year I'm going to snag a few females from Ralph. I kind of love his website, it's quirky! Has some good personality, and while it's not professional, I find I'm drawn to it's eccentricness more and more. :] You get a feel for him through his site and I like that personal touch.

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Originally Posted by sho220

There really isn't much to it...the snakes do most of the work...:D

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essentially your right, but if it was THAT easy I think just about ever person on this site would be a professional breeder! :D

Im with Emilio...he is one of the pioneers out there. Fantastic breeder and has no problem spending time with someone to talk to them in regards to a purchase. I would say call him and let him know this is the type of money I am wanting to spend ....and this is kind of what I am looking for.

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Originally Posted by NewParadigms

By my logic, the continued selective breeding should have created breeding stock which doesn't usually produce average looking offspring, but rather premium examples with great genetics.

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Have you looked through his birthing records pics? His babies look pretty much like everyone elses...again...I'm talking base morphs...not the crazy crosses...sure with the numbers of babies he produces he'll get some really stellar examples, but by and large, they look average....he's done great things for the hobby...I'm not debating that...he's just built up such a name for himself that the hype has gotten out of control...just my opinion...

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Originally Posted by sho220

Have you looked through his birthing records pics? His babies look pretty much like everyone elses...again...I'm talking base morphs...not the crazy crosses...sure with the numbers of babies he produces he'll get some really stellar examples, but by and large, they look average....he's done great things for the hobby...I'm not debating that...he's just built up such a name for himself that the hype has gotten out of control...just my opinion...

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I have to disagree.. Most of his hatchlings are fantastic. I've stalked his birthing records page, I used to check it everyday to see if he had any new clutches updated. His pastels are fantastic, his spiders are reduced pattern, his lessers are bright and beautiful... these are things that I look for, I think most others do as well.

When I look through the classifieds I may see some average pastels, and then some stunning pastels that don't show signs of browning out. I'm going to pay that extra dime to have the higher quality animal. I would hope that most breeders do that same, but some may just pay the lower price. Maybe his price reflects that he payed top dollar for a top dollar snake, to produce top quality offspring, whether it be a bright pastel, or a triple gene snake.

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Originally Posted by Carlene16

I have to disagree.. Most of his hatchlings are fantastic. I've stalked his birthing records page, I used to check it everyday to see if he had any new clutches updated. His pastels are fantastic, his spiders are reduced pattern, his lessers are bright and beautiful... these are things that I look for, I think most others do as well.

When I look through the classifieds I may see some average pastels, and then some stunning pastels that don't show signs of browning out. I'm going to pay that extra dime to have the higher quality animal. I would hope that most breeders do that same, but some may just pay the lower price. Maybe his price reflects that he payed top dollar for a top dollar snake, to produce top quality offspring, whether it be a bright pastel, or a triple gene snake.

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All his baby pics posted on the birthing records are fresh out of the eggs...all babies look like that. Babies advertised on classifieds are older, have shed, fed, etc...not all his spiders are reduced (reduced spiders are fairly common anyway)...all baby lessers fresh out of the egg are bright and beautiful...my last post on this subject as the RDR kool-aid is very strong...:rolleye2:

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Originally Posted by sho220

All his baby pics posted on the birthing records are fresh out of the eggs...all babies look like that. Babies advertised on classifieds are older, have shed, fed, etc...not all his spiders are reduced (reduced spiders are fairly common anyway)...all baby lessers fresh out of the egg are bright and beautiful...my last post on this subject as the RDR kool-aid is very strong...:rolleye2:

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I agree on this. Not that I'm putting down any of the big name breeders I have never had a problem with any of them but to say that because you got a BP from a big name that its higher quality than one purchased from a no name breeder is complete BS. What matters is the health and appearance of the animal NOT WHO PRODUCED IT.

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Originally Posted by jason79

What matters is the health and appearance of the animal NOT WHO PRODUCED IT.

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I agree with this! Just because Ralph hatches a clutch doesn't mean they are going to come out sparkling like Edward from twilight :P BUT if he has chosen better animals for breeding, they will come out nicer than most.

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Originally Posted by Carlene16

I agree with this! Just because Ralph hatches a clutch doesn't mean they are going to come out sparkling like Edward from twilight :P BUT if he has chosen better animals for breeding, they will come out nicer than most.

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That's part of the point I was trying to make...if you look through all 19 pages of 2010 births (I have) and click on the "mom on eggs" pics...they all look very average...except the Platty females...not the Lesser Platinums but the Platty's...Spiders/Lesser Platinums/Cinnies/Butters/Het Reds/Pins all look average...

The specific animal should determine the price, not who produced it... <<<worded badly but you get my point... :)

oops...I wasn't supposed to post again...:D

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Originally Posted by sho220

That's part of the point I was trying to make...if you look through all 19 pages of 2010 births (I have) and click on the "mom on eggs" pics...they all look very average...except the Platty females...not the Lesser Platinums but the Platty's...Spiders/Lesser Platinums/Cinnies/Butters/Het Reds/Pins all look average...

The specific animal should determine the price, not who produced it... <<<worded badly but you get my point... :)

oops...I wasn't supposed to post again...:D

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We'll let your extra post slide this time. In disagreeance (is that a word?) I think paying more (for two similar animals) from a larger breeder is more than just "quality" you also (more than likely) have a better chance of a refund or reimbursement is something goes wrong that a smaller breeder might not be financially able to do.

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Originally Posted by Monster Dodge

I mean come on... were talking Ball Pythons here. This isn't the NASDAQ where the prices are fluxuating every day.

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Actually, I'd be willing to say that ball python prices fluctuate much more than american stocks.

I've never heard anything bad about him as a person or a breeder. His website is atrocious to navigate (for me) and I really prefer buying from smaller breeders simply because I like to support those guys and gals who aren't able to house many snake, but they often buy from guys like ralph because his nicer snakes ARE pretty top notch. So in a way i suppose I'm supporting him through funding other people's snake slush funds, ha ha...

I really am bad at talking on the phone for personal things so if i can email it is much batter that way. I also only buy from sellers with great reputations. I know not everyone can take 40 pics of a snake and even smaller breeders don't have the time for that kind of thing :D