Thinking of stepping away from balls.

Well as some of you know I lost one of my favorite bps a short while back and ever since its had me thinking about what direction I want to head in. I've thought everything from just replace her, to waiting and buying a big investment. I've also thought about other animals I want to experiment with. Balls just aren't bringing me the joy and excitement that they used to. So I think I'd much rather pursue something that I have a passion for than make my animals suffer cause I don't enjoy them. I still have a good bit a soul searching to do to find where I want to go next. And I will always have a special place in my heart for balls. I just think this is the best choice for me right now. I'm not leaving the site as there is always plenty to learn on other species and I always enjoy the pic threads. Wish me luck in finding what my passion is. Who knows maybe its bps after all I just need to see that.

Sometimes you just have to take a little break. I have had a number of setbacks, disappointments etc. since I started in 2007/2008 but I have put my nose against the grain and pushed on, it always gets better:gj: best of luck with what you choose.

People lose interest in things all the time. I personally have second guessed my collection a couple times as well. Whatever you choose to do, make sure you won't regret anything. Take you time with your decision and I'm sure you'll make the right one.

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Originally Posted by ChrisS

Well as some of you know I lost one of my favorite bps a short while back and ever since its had me thinking about what direction I want to head in. I've thought everything from just replace her, to waiting and buying a big investment. I've also thought about other animals I want to experiment with. Balls just aren't bringing me the joy and excitement that they used to. So I think I'd much rather pursue something that I have a passion for than make my animals suffer cause I don't enjoy them. I still have a good bit a soul searching to do to find where I want to go next. And I will always have a special place in my heart for balls. I just think this is the best choice for me right now. I'm not leaving the site as there is always plenty to learn on other species and I always enjoy the pic threads. Wish me luck in finding what my passion is. Who knows maybe its bps after all I just need to see that.

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It sounds like it was a hard decision for you, but I commend you in your ability to realize when you've reached the point where it's no longer fair to the animals. A lot of people see them as a revenue and not living creatures. Your OP says a lot about your character. Best of luck in whatever you pursue! And I applaud you in your decision!

Cheers,
Chris.

Sorry to hear that but I hope whatever you decide it's the best thing for you and your situation. Hat's off to you for the maturity to approach it as you are and not just make a possibly rash decision one way or the other with either staying in the hobby or taking a break. Good luck and hope it works out for you! :gj:

Damn brother, I'm sorry to read this. To be honest when I gave my cousin my snakes last summer it was for good, but when he asked me to take them back I was elated and have gotten even more into it since then. Do you have anyone that could take them on the condition that you could have them back if you changed your mind? I'd be happy to do that for you if I were home, but if you can wait a few months I may be able to help. I hope that whatever you do decide brings you the most fulfillment and pleasure as is possible.

stick with what you love first like ball pythons. your passion will come back! i lost interest in all snakes in general, didnt take care of them too good. but after a few months i found the passion again. just stick with it!

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Originally Posted by stickyalvinroll

stick with what you love first like ball pythons. your passion will come back! i lost interest in all snakes in general, didnt take care of them too good. but after a few months i found the passion again. just stick with it!

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So your saying that it doesn't matter if you don't take good care of your animals because you'll regain interest in the future? Did you really just post that?


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You have to follow your heart. Let us know what comes of it, and best of luck whatever it is.

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You know I thought I was set on BPs.. and while I still enjoy the two I have, I found that collecting different species of snakes interested me more then collecting different variations of one kind.

Taking a break for me was getting to know other communities, people who were interested in different snakes.. often more difficult to handle ones. After looking around a bit I found myself in love with STPs and the community of people who feel the same. What ever you choose to do im sure you wont regret it. Good luck finding a new passion or even rekindling an old one!

I can't lie, I lost my interest in Balls after I bought my first, and no that doesn't mean I don't have him anymore, and it doesn't mean I don't take perfect care of him, it's just a much more different experience seeing pictures of these crazy morphs and then once you've seen nearly all of them, it loses its oomph honestly. I honestly find my BP to be my only friend most of the time, and that'll never change!

You have to Do what you have to do. It's commendable you are seeing this situation honestly instead of trying to fool yourself. I've questioned myself multiple times as well but I can't honestly see myself ever leaving balls as my number 1. I have other interests so I keep a variety of different Herps and that keeps me well diversified. It is hard though. When I started in 07 I really had no clue what I was getting Into. My world has changed entirely from what it was then till now. But I still enjoy it. I still get pleasure from it and that's to me what counts.
We are always soul searching. Follow you heart.


Check out what's new on my website... www.Homegrownscales.com

I've had numerous local herpers ask me why I only have one of each animal at the moment. Why don't I have a couple of balls? Why don't I have more cresties? Etc etc.

Truth is, I like having the variety. Each of my animals and their care is uniquely different. So depending on where my mood is depends on what part of the hobby I enjoy more at any given time. Sometimes I'm absolutely smitten over watching my snake. Sometimes I can't help but take out my little Leopard gecko for some climbing time on the couch. And sometimes I love just watching my hermit crabs fight over a piece of coconut.

Does it mean I care for any of them less at any given time? Nope. But it does give me variety each and every day. And that helps with the interest.

If balls aren't giving you the same joy they used to, that's okay. Ask anyone and at one point or another, something they love will temporarily (or forever) lose interest in something. Sometimes it comes back, and sometimes you just need a break.

If you still enjoy reptiles, but want to try something different, then go and see what it is you like. See if you want to get out of herps forever, or if you just need a break. Maybe you just need something unlike what you have now.

I'm fortunate to have a local reptile society. When I was considering a snake, dozens of people let me come and interact with their animals to see how I liked it. Got myself a corn snake, and I'm getting a Ball in a few days now. But I went back to just loving my geckos. Would I get more cresties? Probably not. But I would get a Leachie. Or a Cave Gecko. Something unique.

Stay honest with yourself and do what you gotta do.

I've almost given up my hermit crabs a few times now (more than my other animals). But, then I sit down and watch them and realize they are still pretty cool. As long as the animals aren't suffering, then you can do whatever you want to do. If you start dropping the ball, cut back a bit and see how you feel. You'll figure it out. We all change over time. Our interests too.

I'd just trim back some. I know people who have "quit cold turkey" and regretted it. Best of luck whatever you pursue.

I wish you good luck finding your passion. No one knows what it's like unless they have been there and I have. We ran a ferret shelter about 10 years ago. It was so draining after a few years. We kept caring for them and doing everything we could until the last one passed but when your heart is no longer in it, it makes a huge difference.

I, too, have been up in the air of selling my collection of leos. As much as I love them, and working with them, it just doesn't make me as happy as it use to. I just feel like I don't have the time for them, as they are a more daily type care of animal. But I finally have a decent collection of morphs, though I don't want that to be the sole reason I hang onto them.

Anyway, I understand where you are coming from and only you can make that final decision. Good luck with whichever option you decide to go with :)

Hi Chris,
I wish you luck and happiness which ever way you decide to go. I'm not a psychologist, but I had a few thoughts when reading your post:
1. It seems to me that I'd you care enough to post about it, that you still do have passion for your BPs.
2. It sounds like you just might still have unresolved feelings of grief for your lost BP and you might be pushing away the rest of them before allowing them to cause you more pain.

I hope you can find a way to deal with the loss of your BP and find peace and happiness in your heart to allow you to love and enjoy the rest of your collection.

Good luck

Time for Morelia. Good luck.

You know, Balls were the snakes I "ended" on last year. I spent several hundred on a nice pair of them, kept them, bred them, but in the end- they killed all my interest in snakes. I sold them at a huge loss, and stepped away from snakes for almost a year, because frankly- they were boring. I found zero enjoyment out of keeping something that didn't move much, was a picky feeder, etc etc. I don't blame you for stepping away, and I wish more ball breeders and keepers would take a step back and look at other species. Maybe we'd stop having shows with 9/10 tables having stupid amounts of ball pythons and actually see a bit of variety in the reptile community.

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Originally Posted by MMReptiles

You know, Balls were the snakes I "ended" on last year. I spent several hundred on a nice pair of them, kept them, bred them, but in the end- they killed all my interest in snakes. I sold them at a huge loss, and stepped away from snakes for almost a year, because frankly- they were boring. I found zero enjoyment out of keeping something that didn't move much, was a picky feeder, etc etc. I don't blame you for stepping away, and I wish more ball breeders and keepers would take a step back and look at other species. Maybe we'd stop having shows with 9/10 tables having stupid amounts of ball pythons and actually see a bit of variety in the reptile community.

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I dont want variety. Bp's are awesome. Theyre the only species i wanna keep, whats so wrong with that? At expos i see A TON of other species. Sometimes i dont see enough bps though. If you want variety, go to a fish expo or something lol.

Thanks for all of your replies. I have been keeping bps since 07. I have seen so much over the past 5 years. I have seen spiders go from $1000 to $150. I've seen breeders come and go. But I never thought I'd see my interest fade. I've been debating balls for some time but the loss of my girl really made me think. I don't think I'll ever stop keeping a ball or 2 but I just don't see them being my main focus right now.

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Originally Posted by decensored

So your saying that it doesn't matter if you don't take good care of your animals because you'll regain interest in the future? Did you really just post that?


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I was really hoping for a response from this poster.

If you don't mind me asking, what happened with the one you lost?

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Originally Posted by DrDooLittle

If you don't mind me asking, what happened with the one you lost?

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Here's the thread.
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=178263

Oh, I remember that now, sorry. Well, if that's part of what's got you down, accidents happen. Don't let that be the reason you walk away. :(

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Originally Posted by DrDooLittle

Oh, I remember that now, sorry. Well, if that's part of what's got you down, accidents happen. Don't let that be the reason you walk away. :(

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I don't feel I'm waking away because of losing her, I just feel her loss is what was the point of where I said here is an opportunity to move on. She was one of the sole reasons I kept my mind on bps. I have found greater interest in other species. And don't want to make this about money cause it never has been. But achieving my ultimate goal with bps is far outside of my monetary reach. While I'm down about the loss of my snake, I'm also looking at it as a breath of fresh air. A chance to really find what will bring that ultimate joy, that spark, that drive that keeps us all going. This is my chance to offer possibly get into another species that maybe not many people are working with, or maybe work with some locale corns or kings in my area. Its not walking away from the hobby as a whole but biting into it from a different angle. Like I said earlier I've been debating bps for a while. This isn't something that one snake dies and I'm done. This has been building up, a long time coming. I had many plans with that snake and now that I don't have those plans I can move on to other things. And I'm not saying that their aren't other snakes I could make the same plans with, but it's not the same.

I really do appreciate the input from all of you. And I look forward to sharing where I go with this with you all as well.

Boa's are fun..... :D

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Originally Posted by DrDooLittle

Boa's are fun..... :D

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You stop! You stop it right now!

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

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Originally Posted by Mike41793

You stop! You stop it right now!

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

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Sorry buddy, can't help it. They are awesome!! :p. Just in case you had any doubt about that, I will show you. I got the fixins for a light tent! Hopefully he will sit still for a photo shoot once I get it together!!!

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Originally Posted by DrDooLittle

Sorry buddy, can't help it. They are awesome!! :p. Just in case you had any doubt about that, I will show you. I got the fixins for a light tent! Hopefully he will sit still for a photo shoot once I get it together!!!

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Argggghhhh!!!! I want one sooo bad!!! You dont help the itch i have for one at all lol!

I cant wait to see a collection update thread once you get the light tent. Yea thats right, i said collection update thread. You should feel some pressure, bc i just raised the bar a lil bit for you haha!

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Originally Posted by Mike41793

I dont want variety. Bp's are awesome. Theyre the only species i wanna keep, whats so wrong with that? At expos i see A TON of other species. Sometimes i dont see enough bps though. If you want variety, go to a fish expo or something lol.

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Originally Posted by Mike41793

Argggghhhh!!!! I want one sooo bad!!! You dont help the itch i have for one at all lol!

I cant wait to see a collection update thread once you get the light tent. Yea thats right, i said collection update thread. You should feel some pressure, bc i just raised the bar a lil bit for you haha!

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Did you just contradict yourself?

I'm sorry you don't want variety. Honestly, people who keep nothing but ball pythons are more rock fans than reptile keepers in my book. I've been to a few expos, and the most commonly bred and produced animals are : Balls, Corns, Beardies, and Leopard Geckos. Boring, take no brain to take care of properly...

I'm not bashing you, nor anyone else for their choice to keep whatever they hell they want.. My issue is that every guy on the street has a ball python and considers themselves a "reptile keeper". Keeping the 3/4 animals listed above can be done with less effort, knowledge, and understanding of "reptiles" than making a TV dinner. My last expo, 75% of the tables had ball pythons, it's one of the huge complaints, and I wish they would fall drastically in value, so maybe people would explore other options. Right now I feel so many people are in it for the money aspect and if they were worthless, wouldn't keep these animals.

I feel like a bit of a hypocrite since I just bought my first ball but I agree with you. I decided I wanted a slightly bigger snake and got our new ball for a great deal. We (wifey and I) have 6 cresties and 2 corns as well and one point or another have had a bearded and a kenyan sand boa as well. We were discussing that at our last expo there were bps everywhere. Even if you dont own them yourself its nice to see some variety and experience new animals. For instance I saw/held a caiman lizard for the first time at an expo. Its awesome to see something new and expand your knowledge.

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Originally Posted by MMReptiles

Did you just contradict yourself?

I'm sorry you don't want variety. Honestly, people who keep nothing but ball pythons are more rock fans than reptile keepers in my book. I've been to a few expos, and the most commonly bred and produced animals are : Balls, Corns, Beardies, and Leopard Geckos. Boring, take no brain to take care of properly...

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He was talking about the light tent.

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Originally Posted by Mike41793

Argggghhhh!!!! I want one sooo bad!!! You dont help the itch i have for one at all lol!

I cant wait to see a collection update thread once you get the light tent. Yea thats right, i said collection update thread. You should feel some pressure, bc i just raised the bar a lil bit for you haha!

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Will do. Keep in mind I have few "plain janes" as mine started out purely pets. And I only have will have 8 snakes once Enchi gets here, so not a huge fancy collection. But I do love them all! I think I shall make ya wait till the Enchi is here.....

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Originally Posted by MMReptiles

Did you just contradict yourself?

I'm sorry you don't want variety. Honestly, people who keep nothing but ball pythons are more rock fans than reptile keepers in my book. I've been to a few expos, and the most commonly bred and produced animals are : Balls, Corns, Beardies, and Leopard Geckos. Boring, take no brain to take care of properly...

I'm not bashing you, nor anyone else for their choice to keep whatever they hell they want.. My issue is that every guy on the street has a ball python and considers themselves a "reptile keeper". Keeping the 3/4 animals listed above can be done with less effort, knowledge, and understanding of "reptiles" than making a TV dinner. My last expo, 75% of the tables had ball pythons, it's one of the huge complaints, and I wish they would fall drastically in value, so maybe people would explore other options. Right now I feel so many people are in it for the money aspect and if they were worthless, wouldn't keep these animals.

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Dude, really?? Everyone likes different things, to each their own. What makes what you like better than what anybody else likes??

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Originally Posted by Andrew21

He was talking about the light tent.

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Wait, I may have been wrong. Lol :oops:

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Originally Posted by MMReptiles

Did you just contradict yourself?

I'm sorry you don't want variety. Honestly, people who keep nothing but ball pythons are more rock fans than reptile keepers in my book. I've been to a few expos, and the most commonly bred and produced animals are : Balls, Corns, Beardies, and Leopard Geckos. Boring, take no brain to take care of properly...

I'm not bashing you, nor anyone else for their choice to keep whatever they hell they want.. My issue is that every guy on the street has a ball python and considers themselves a "reptile keeper". Keeping the 3/4 animals listed above can be done with less effort, knowledge, and understanding of "reptiles" than making a TV dinner. My last expo, 75% of the tables had ball pythons, it's one of the huge complaints, and I wish they would fall drastically in value, so maybe people would explore other options. Right now I feel so many people are in it for the money aspect and if they were worthless, wouldn't keep these animals.

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Nope sure didnt. I love bps and thats what i want to focus on now. But yea in the future i want a boa. Just as a pet, i have no intentions to keep a bunch of them. They'd take up too much space where i could put bp racks. I dont want a boa bc i think bps are boring, i just want to keep a larger snake. Are you gunna insult balls bc theyre also too small for your taste? You only like the larger species? Thats fine, i dont judge. Tbh, i could care less what you choose to keep, and i would really appreciate it if you could do the same for everyone else.

I think keeping these animals is a little bit more difficult than making dinner, once again i dont wanna judge though, you could be unable to channel your inner Rachel Ray. Granted bp's dont do much, but why is it really that hard for you to accept the fact that alot of people like them? Myself included. I can assure you wholeheartedly im not in it for the money. I started out with one normal and had it for 3 years before i even got another morph. I just like bps!

You really seem like you dont belong in this community. Dont worry about why i keep my snakes or why anyone else does. We all have our own reasons. Insulting bp owners by saying theyre boring and people should explore other species is totally uncalled for. Also suggesting everyone is in it for the money is a stupid point to make. Who cares i someones just in it for the money? As long as they take care of their snakes i could care less why they do it. I doubt people would be willing to clean crap and caked on urates outta a tub if they dont feel at least a teeny bit of love for the snakes.

Seriously though...If you dislike bps so much and want to keep other species, why dont you go haunt another forum?

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Originally Posted by MMReptiles

Did you just contradict yourself?

I'm sorry you don't want variety. Honestly, people who keep nothing but ball pythons are more rock fans than reptile keepers in my book. I've been to a few expos, and the most commonly bred and produced animals are : Balls, Corns, Beardies, and Leopard Geckos. Boring, take no brain to take care of properly...

I'm not bashing you, nor anyone else for their choice to keep whatever they hell they want.. My issue is that every guy on the street has a ball python and considers themselves a "reptile keeper". Keeping the 3/4 animals listed above can be done with less effort, knowledge, and understanding of "reptiles" than making a TV dinner. My last expo, 75% of the tables had ball pythons, it's one of the huge complaints, and I wish they would fall drastically in value, so maybe people would explore other options. Right now I feel so many people are in it for the money aspect and if they were worthless, wouldn't keep these animals.

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While I respect your opinions on the matter I just have a few questions and statements for you as I am extremely dumb founded at the moment.

1. Anyone who keeps a reptile is considered a reptile keeper, no? Just as someone who keeps say fish is a fish keeper correct?
2. Rock fans?.....(awkward silence) Is this really a point in your argument?
3. What reptiles do you keep that make you such a better reptile keeper than everyone else who only keeps ball pythons?


I understand you wanting more diversity at reptile shows but you need to understand why most of these things are so plentiful...people buy them, plain and simple. Not everyone has the room or time to care for a 20 foot snake or whatever it is you keep that makes you feel better than ball python keepers.

Wow well this got a bit exciting while I was gone. I don't know where to begin. First, work with what makes you happy and don't worry about other people. If you don't like it, it's ok. But if you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all. Second, this is a community for everyone to learn and share not bash each other. If your not here for that then why are you here? Third I do feel that there are way too many bps at shows but when I first got into snakes there weren't enough. I wanted every table to be different morphs and combos I didn't care about any other species. And everyone is entitled to feel how they choose about shows they attend. Last but certainly not least, my post is not directed any one particular poster but to all who feel the desire to post on this thread or any other thread. If you want to debate about what species is better do so, but do it light heartedly not begrudgingly. We are all friends and we have to stick together regardless of what angle of the hobby we come from. Whether its geckos or colubrids or small pythons or big or hots or boids, we are still herp lovers and animal lovers. Too many people want to take it away from us for us to worry what part of the community is better or idiots. Now I've gone off on a tangent but it'll be ok it gives you all something to read or time to think if you just scroll past before your next post.

:O . . . :hijackd:

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Originally Posted by MMReptiles

I'm sorry you don't want variety. Honestly, people who keep nothing but ball pythons are more rock fans than reptile keepers in my book. I've been to a few expos, and the most commonly bred and produced animals are : Balls, Corns, Beardies, and Leopard Geckos. Boring, take no brain to take care of properly...

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Hmm, You should take a peek at your address bar.

- - - Updated - - -

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Originally Posted by Andybill

:O . . . :hijackd:

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hahaha That's the problem with threads like these.

I completely respect the OP in this circumstance, but frankly threads based on personal reflection often turn into debates.

That's the thing, I don't care that I'm on a ball python site, I'll post here regardless, my opinion is just as valid as anyone else's. That being said- to the guy that asked me "if you keep fish, you're a fish keeper right?" - Nope not really. Having a goldfish doesn't make you a fish keeper, it makes you some guy who owns a goldfish, maybe a few.

That being said, if ball pythons were literally worth nothing- do you think think the vast majority of people would breed/keep them in such large number? Really, sure you'd maybe have a few as pets, but you sure wouldn't have racks and racks of them, and incubators lined up. Very few people have passion to set into something like that just because they like the animal. That's the vast majority of why ball pythons are popular- because of their price tags and the fact you can make a retarded amount of money very easily with them. How many people buy morphs based on what they like? Very few, most buy based on what will sell, to produce better combos to produce higher dollar snakes.

Most reptile keepers I know, private hobbyists, who just have a collection of reptiles- have a large variety of animals, not based on money, but the enjoyment of other species. Sorry, but anyone who thinks the reason BPs are so popular is for any other reason than $$$$ is lying to themselves.

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Originally Posted by MMReptiles

That being said, if ball pythons were literally worth nothing- do you think think the vast majority of people would breed/keep them in such large number? Really, sure you'd maybe have a few as pets, but you sure wouldn't have racks and racks of them, and incubators lined up. Very few people have passion to set into something like that just because they like the animal. That's the vast majority of why ball pythons are popular- because of their price tags and the fact you can make a retarded amount of money very easily with them. How many people buy morphs based on what they like? Very few, most buy based on what will sell, to produce better combos to produce higher dollar snakes.

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Ball Python's have a big price tag BECAUSE of their popularity. They are popular because there is such a wide variety of genes to play with (more so than any other reptile), and yes because they are a novice keeper's reptile.. so? If nobody liked them than they would be worth nothing. Yes, They have made their way into the general pet trade but that doesn't take anything away from them. A lot of people are on this site because it is specific to ball-pythons, and it's at that point that your opinion changes from simple self expression to a generalized attack on the members of this forum.

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Originally Posted by MMReptiles

Most reptile keepers I know, private hobbyists, who just have a collection of reptiles- have a large variety of animals, not based on money, but the enjoyment of other species. Sorry, but anyone who thinks the reason BPs are so popular is for any other reason than $$$$ is lying to themselves.

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I happen to be one of those people with a "wide variety," of reptiles. I have Boas, Ball Pythons, Blood Pythons, Carpet Pythons, Lizards of different species, and I am looking into getting kings, corns, and ETB's this year. The difference between me and you is that I don't stick my nose up in the air and look down at everyone else. That's called being self righteous.

How did you expect people to respond to your "opinion?"

And don't say you don't care, because if it didn't matter to you, you wouldn't have bothered posting in the first place.

MMReptiles- youre correct, your opinion is just as valid here; however, this is like going to Guns-Forums.net and attempting to make a case for stronger guns laws. Clearly we all love bps here dude.

Just bc someone only has bps theyre not equal to someone who collects a wide variety of species? Also who cares if theyre only popular bc of the money? I could hate bps with a passion and only be focused on making money with them. As long as i take care of my animals.... who gives a rat's ass? Well apparetly you do! I already made this point before but you refused to address it so thats why im bringing it up again.

Yup im taking that stance. I hate my bps and only keep them to make "a retarded amount of money really easily". But i take care of them just fine. Sooo please explain why this bothers you so much that i choose to make money off of something that i hate??? Since you seem to care SO much about my business and what im doing...

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Originally Posted by MMReptiles

That's the thing, I don't care that I'm on a ball python site, I'll post here regardless, my opinion is just as valid as anyone else's. That being said- to the guy that asked me "if you keep fish, you're a fish keeper right?" - Nope not really. Having a goldfish doesn't make you a fish keeper, it makes you some guy who owns a goldfish, maybe a few.

That being said, if ball pythons were literally worth nothing- do you think think the vast majority of people would breed/keep them in such large number? Really, sure you'd maybe have a few as pets, but you sure wouldn't have racks and racks of them, and incubators lined up. Very few people have passion to set into something like that just because they like the animal. That's the vast majority of why ball pythons are popular- because of their price tags and the fact you can make a retarded amount of money very easily with them. How many people buy morphs based on what they like? Very few, most buy based on what will sell, to produce better combos to produce higher dollar snakes.

Most reptile keepers I know, private hobbyists, who just have a collection of reptiles- have a large variety of animals, not based on money, but the enjoyment of other species. Sorry, but anyone who thinks the reason BPs are so popular is for any other reason than $$$$ is lying to themselves.

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^^^^^^ -- Is this guy serious? Hey (submit word for not nice people that rub you the wrong way here), how about not telling me how much I'm lying to myself about why I THINK BPs are popular. The vast majority of people with balls have normals that they got from pet stores, and have likely no idea about all the various morphs out there, although I won't accuse you of lying to yourself if you don't agree with me.

Also, if you would not make such broad generalizations about why people buy the morphs that they do buy, that would be great. I've never bought a snake because of how much money it can sell for (though I've used that trick on my ex-wife to let me buy one! LOL). I bought my pastel because I wanted to produce a super pastel (for MYSELF as a holdback). I then bought my cinny because I wanted to produce a pewter and a super sinny (for MYSELF as holdbacks). I then bought a spider because I wanted to make some bumble/killer bees (for MYSELF as holdbacks). I then bought a VPI axanthic because I want to have MY OWN axanthic bee project (so that I can produce some for MYSELF as holdbacks). I then bought a female het VPI because I just love love axanthics and want to produce some (because I FREAKIN' LOVE them :D). I then bought a hypo because I think they are a beautiful morph and can do amazing things with many other genes. Finally, I am going to be buying a lemonback this year because Black Eyed Lucies are freakin' HOT and I want to make one for MYSELF! Now, will I sell most of what I produce? Yes, because it will help cover costs and I would never be able to house every snake that I produce. If they were cost free, however, I would have no problem giving them away. What you are failing to grasp is that people here have their snakes because they enjoy them, not to get rich quick, which isn't possible in this hobby anyway. People that are only in it for the money wouldn't bother being on a forum like this, sharing experience with others, in the first place. That said, please leave, and don't come back, unless you can do just that - share experiences and not judge others.

Alright, I think I'm done. :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by MMReptiles

That's the thing, I don't care that I'm on a ball python site, I'll post here regardless, my opinion is just as valid as anyone else's. That being said- to the guy that asked me "if you keep fish, you're a fish keeper right?" - Nope not really. Having a goldfish doesn't make you a fish keeper, it makes you some guy who owns a goldfish, maybe a few.

That being said, if ball pythons were literally worth nothing- do you think think the vast majority of people would breed/keep them in such large number? Really, sure you'd maybe have a few as pets, but you sure wouldn't have racks and racks of them, and incubators lined up. Very few people have passion to set into something like that just because they like the animal. That's the vast majority of why ball pythons are popular- because of their price tags and the fact you can make a retarded amount of money very easily with them. How many people buy morphs based on what they like? Very few, most buy based on what will sell, to produce better combos to produce higher dollar snakes.

Most reptile keepers I know, private hobbyists, who just have a collection of reptiles- have a large variety of animals, not based on money, but the enjoyment of other species. Sorry, but anyone who thinks the reason BPs are so popular is for any other reason than $$$$ is lying to themselves.

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Ok, I think you are right and wrong about the whole bp value. Remember it's supply and demand. But, if they weren't worth anything then keeping hundreds wouldn't be feasible. And people would still keep them for the joy of keeping them. Also comparing fish keepers to herp keepers is irrelevant. Now I don't understand why you must continue to argue and make a scene on a thread that was never a debate about why people keep bps or why they are just dollar signs to you or anyone else. Please if you want to debate make your OWN thread, and quit being the attention deprived menace you are being. And to the other posters quit fueling the fire. Now lets either get back on topic or don't reply at all I'd rather have nothing to read than this bs of back and forth off topic crap.

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Originally Posted by decensored

I was really hoping for a response from this poster.

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Ur initial reply didnt warrant a response. I was in the same boat. You may have been shocked by his comment, and not saying I neglected my animals, just had a time where they werent my main focus and they didnt get perfect care, they still ate, and lived in clean conditions, but i didnt give them the attention and care i had been before. I offered my entire collection, and clutches for sale. I then had a break through one day and woke up amd enjoyed them again.

U may be shocked but trust me, it happens to more ppl then you think. Its dishearting the day you wake up and realize that a low time commitment hobby you loved has turned into a near full time second job.

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Originally Posted by Simplex

Ur initial reply didnt warrant a response. I was in the same boat. You may have been shocked by his comment, and not saying I neglected my animals, just had a time where they werent my main focus and they didnt get perfect care, they still ate, and lived in clean conditions, but i didnt give them the attention and care i had been before. I offered my entire collection, and clutches for sale. I then had a break through one day and woke up amd enjoyed them again.

U may be shocked but trust me, it happens to more ppl then you think. Its dishearting the day you wake up and realize that a low time commitment hobby you loved has turned into a near full time second job.

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I wasn't shocked by the fact that he didn't take care of his animals properly. I was bothered that he encouraged it in others.

To get back on topic, Chris -

I have had many animals before, to include corns and leopard geckos, but I've also had a blood python, a BCC, a rosy boa, green anoles, a rat snake and a gopher snake. I've enjoyed them all but only plan on getting a BCC and a blood python again. Right now I've only got balls because I had to get rid of my BCC before coming over here as the ex wouldn't keep it (she was afraid of it and it was 7' long). When I get home and get settled I plan to get an olive python, a blood and another BCC. I guess my only other problem will be figuring out what to do with them next time I deploy!

We should probably try to calm down. I personally disagree with some of the things that MMReptiles posted, but I don't believe it warrants a potential forum witchhunt. If we want to be respected, we should try to be respectful of others.