Tiny Lucy? [emoji15]

So, I’m scouring the ever-addictive MM and came across this lil’ beauty but I have a question.

I see he was born in ‘17 but is only showing as 200g? Profile was updated just yesterday. Maybe they just forgot to update the weight? Or is there some secret little bitty baby ball python club I don’t know about? [emoji848] Nonetheless, he’s a handsome lil’ fella.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c2f33519bf.jpg


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Looks like he just said “screw it, I’m not updating all them balls”. Every one he has born in ‘17 weighs “200g”. lol


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You'd have to ask the seller...if he's truly underweight, I'd assume a poor feeder (-or has been "maintenance fed" :O ) & I'd run the other direction.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Shayne

Looks like he just said “screw it, I’m not updating all them balls”. Every one he has born in ‘17 weighs “200g”. lol


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Let's hope...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

You'd have to ask the seller...if he's truly underweight, I'd assume a poor feeder (-or has been "maintenance fed" :O ) & I'd run the other direction.

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Let's hope...

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Yea, I'm really hoping he just didn't have the time to update all info. on every ball. He has a lot. Maybe some of our local experts {cough} Deborah {cough} could chime in.

I've got a June '17 girl here who's weighing in under 400 grams.
She is the fussiest eater out of all of them and only wants to take prey smaller than what she should be eating. =_=;

I tend to hear positives about Dynasty, but I'm just getting back into the ring with reptiles recently so could have missed some talk over the years.
Hopefully just an issue with them not updating weights on all the animals. Maybe you can get a more accurate weight with an inquiry?

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Originally Posted by Armiyana

I've got a June '17 girl here who's weighing in under 400 grams.
She is the fussiest eater out of all of them and only wants to take prey smaller than what she should be eating. =_=;

I tend to hear positives about Dynasty, but I'm just getting back into the ring with reptiles recently so could have missed some talk over the years.
Hopefully just an issue with them not updating weights on all the animals. Maybe you can get a more accurate weight with an inquiry?

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Ahh ok. Yea, that's on the small side, which is why a '17 weighing in at 200g really caught my attention. I'm brand new to the whole "snake keeping" but it just didn't look right.

Great idea about inquiring about it. I'll do that and see what I find out.

Thanks!

There’s a chance the breeder just didn’t update the weights, and it’s very common for breeders to just maintenance feed, because most people want a “baby” snake that they can raise.

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Originally Posted by Sonny1318

There’s a chance the breeder just didn’t update the weights, and it’s very common for breeders to just maintenance feed, because most people want a “baby” snake that they can raise.

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So, just to clarify....if they maintenance feed for a couple years, then the ball sells, the new owner starts feeding regularly, will the snake then grow to a much larger size? Hope that makes sense.


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Checked Dynasty's actual website, and the weight range given for this specific snake is 200-350 grams. He has a lot of snakes, and so long as they're eating and seem healthy I'm guessing he doesn't weigh them as frequently as we would. However, you can always call or email Chun and ask him if he a has a more specific weight, how often and well the snake is eating, and what prey it's getting. Could be that it got off to a slower start, could be that it's just genetically smaller, could be that the weight range just hasn't been updated.

Unless something's changed in the last 10 months, he definitely feeds them. My then-7-month-old Dynasty baby was quite a chunky guy when he came to me.

Also, even babies that get off to a slow start catch up eventually.

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Originally Posted by Pengil

Checked Dynasty's actual website, and the weight range given for this specific snake is 200-350 grams. He has a lot of snakes, and so long as they're eating and seem healthy I'm guessing he doesn't weigh them as frequently as we would. However, you can always call or email Chun and ask him if he a has a more specific weight, how often and well the snake is eating, and what prey it's getting. Could be that it got off to a slower start, could be that it's just genetically smaller, could be that the weight range just hasn't been updated.

Unless something's changed in the last 10 months, he definitely feeds them. My then-7-month-old Dynasty baby was quite a chunky guy when he came to me.

Also, even babies that get off to a slow start catch up eventually.

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Yea, I’m thinking he’s just not updating. There’s MULTIPLES on there with the exact same weight listed.

I did contact him. Waiting on a response.

Thanks!


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I'm going to guess the info just isn't updated because of the number of animals he has listed. I purchased Selene from Chun of Dynasty Reptiles on Black Friday. I received her the following weekend and she weighed in at 431 grams. She's also a 2017 hatchling.

The unboxing picture was Dec 1st and the second picture is from Dec 22nd. Packed great, nice and warm, healthy, and curious right out of the box. I'm doing my best to ignore MM because he has a couple others that I would love to add to my crew. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...2cd35233b0.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e69eff4e87.jpg

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dianne

I'm going to guess the info just isn't updated because of the number of animals he has listed. I purchased Selene from Chun of Dynasty Reptiles on Black Friday. I received her the following weekend and she weighed in at 431 grams. She's also a 2017 hatchling.

The unboxing picture was Dec 1st and the second picture is from Dec 22nd. Packed great, nice and warm, healthy, and curious right out of the box. I'm doing my best to ignore MM because he has a couple others that I would love to add to my crew. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...2cd35233b0.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e69eff4e87.jpg

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Ohhh she’s beautiful!! Ok, that makes me feel much better. Waiting to hear back from him. Not 100% set on the Lucy yet but will more-than-likely end up with a new noodle by mid-summer.

Thanks again, Dianne!


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Shayne

Ohhh she’s beautiful!! Ok, that makes me feel much better. Waiting to hear back from him. Not 100% set on the Lucy yet but will more-than-likely end up with a new noodle by mid-summer.

Thanks again, Dianne!


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Glad to offer my 2 cents. I was really pleased with Selene and his customer service. I will add that though I found Selene on MM, I actually went to his website and contacted him through there.

Best of luck picking out your new noodle!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dianne

Glad to offer my 2 cents. I was really pleased with Selene and his customer service. I will add that though I found Selene on MM, I actually went to his website and contacted him through there.

Best of luck picking out your new noodle!

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Ahh good idea. Need to check out his website for sure.

Thanks!


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Chun is very well respected in the BP community. You cant go wrong with one of his animals.

It is true, some breeders practice "maintenance feeding". However, that does not mean they put the hatchlings on a starvation diet. Maintenance feeding should never be mistaken for a starvation diet. The term should also not be used IF someone is starving a hatchling.

It simply means that the animal isn't being pushed for rapid growth. I can guarantee that in the wild (and I know, we're not in the wild, just a example how they were designed to grow) most hatchlings get less food and grow even slower. Yet, given time and meaning years, the adults grow quite big. Many people feel that a 1.5 to 2 year old animal should be viewed as an adult, should be up to breeding size. Esp. if they purchased a morph and want to breed it. We all know that morphs go down in price each breeding season, as more of those genes are bred. So there is this race to get a animal up to size, to recoup some money before the prices fall.

Pushing size and growth is not advisable in any species, in any animal really. Parts of the body grow faster while others can't keep up. The animals become obese before they are even fully grown.

You can feed an animal heavier without pushing to much, of course. Some breeders do not and there are many reasons for it. Smaller animals are easier to house and ship. However, that does NOT mean that they are starving that animal or "stunting" the growth. Again, they do not need to reach adult size in one or even 2 years, nor should they.

Please remember, I'm talking about the reputable breeders that do this. Of course there are bad apples, there are sickly animals, starved ones. That is not what I'm talking about.

You should always look at the big picture before buying an animal. Before you even look at genetics or size, check the breeders reputation. Over the years. Are there complaints about ethics. About sick animals. Diseases. Mites. Issues with shipping. Issues with customer service.
If you do your homework you will quickly be able to weed out the bad ones or unknowns. And some breeders will stick out for having a great reputation in all aspects and over many years. THEN you look at the animals, the genes, the sizes, the prices.

Honestly, size is the least of my concerns. If there is a truly undersized animal that has feeding issues, the reputable breeders will not even market that animal, or they will advise that it is a picky one that eats only a particular feed item or refuses at times. Truly good breeders will not tarnish their reputation to make a couple hundred bucks on a questionable animal.

I have not personally purchased from this breeder. But I have seen people post their animals from that breeder and post about their experience. While the animals were on the lower end of weight / age, not a single animal looked starved, bad, sick or gave the owners any issue at all. All the ones I've seen were stunning and healthy. The ones that are updated on grew perfectly fine and HEALTHY, reached adult size just fine, weren't problem animals. Probably healthier then animals that were pushed to grow fast.

Some of my animals were purchased from breeders that didn't push for size. I prefer that as I keep growing them conservatively (obv. I don't starve them). I want them longterm healthy. They can live for over 40 years, they don't need to be breed-able adults at 2 years old. I have a 9 year old 3400+ gr male. He carries genes that allowed him to grow to that size, it was not accomplished by overfeeding him, quite the opposite. All of mine grow slow and healthy and I have yet to have a issue with that.

Long story short, look at the big picture, check the breeder out, talk to the breeder. There are many, MANY more issues more important rather than if the hatchling is 350 or 500 gr. at 1 year old.

Dynasty seems to be one of the good guys.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zina10

It is true, some breeders practice "maintenance feeding". However, that does not mean they put the hatchlings on a starvation diet. Maintenance feeding should never be mistaken for a starvation diet. The term should also not be used IF someone is starving a hatchling.

It simply means that the animal isn't being pushed for rapid growth. I can guarantee that in the wild (and I know, we're not in the wild, just a example how they were designed to grow) most hatchlings get less food and grow even slower. Yet, given time and meaning years, the adults grow quite big. Many people feel that a 1.5 to 2 year old animal should be viewed as an adult, should be up to breeding size. Esp. if they purchased a morph and want to breed it. We all know that morphs go down in price each breeding season, as more of those genes are bred. So there is this race to get a animal up to size, to recoup some money before the prices fall.

Pushing size and growth is not advisable in any species, in any animal really. Parts of the body grow faster while others can't keep up. The animals become obese before they are even fully grown.

You can feed an animal heavier without pushing to much, of course. Some breeders do not and there are many reasons for it. Smaller animals are easier to house and ship. However, that does NOT mean that they are starving that animal or "stunting" the growth. Again, they do not need to reach adult size in one or even 2 years, nor should they.

Please remember, I'm talking about the reputable breeders that do this. Of course there are bad apples, there are sickly animals, starved ones. That is not what I'm talking about.

You should always look at the big picture before buying an animal. Before you even look at genetics or size, check the breeders reputation. Over the years. Are there complaints about ethics. About sick animals. Diseases. Mites. Issues with shipping. Issues with customer service.
If you do your homework you will quickly be able to weed out the bad ones or unknowns. And some breeders will stick out for having a great reputation in all aspects and over many years. THEN you look at the animals, the genes, the sizes, the prices.

Honestly, size is the least of my concerns. If there is a truly undersized animal that has feeding issues, the reputable breeders will not even market that animal, or they will advise that it is a picky one that eats only a particular feed item or refuses at times. Truly good breeders will not tarnish their reputation to make a couple hundred bucks on a questionable animal.

I have not personally purchased from this breeder. But I have seen people post their animals from that breeder and post about their experience. While the animals were on the lower end of weight / age, not a single animal looked starved, bad, sick or gave the owners any issue at all. All the ones I've seen were stunning and healthy. The ones that are updated on grew perfectly fine and HEALTHY, reached adult size just fine, weren't problem animals. Probably healthier then animals that were pushed to grow fast.

Some of my animals were purchased from breeders that didn't push for size. I prefer that as I keep growing them conservatively (obv. I don't starve them). I want them longterm healthy. They can live for over 40 years, they don't need to be breed-able adults at 2 years old. I have a 9 year old 3400+ gr male. He carries genes that allowed him to grow to that size, it was not accomplished by overfeeding him, quite the opposite. All of mine grow slow and healthy and I have yet to have a issue with that.

Long story short, look at the big picture, check the breeder out, talk to the breeder. There are many, MANY more issues more important rather than if the hatchling is 350 or 500 gr. at 1 year old.

Dynasty seems to be one of the good guys.

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Thanks for clarifying the differences between "maintenance feeding" and "starvation". I can see just how easily those two can be mixed into the same category. I have no intentions of "rapid growth" either. I want all my noodles (yes, I plan on getting more...lol) to live long, healthy, happy lives. Slow & steady wins the race. Now, if it was up to Monty, he would eat practically every day. Every time I peek in the room after dark, he's curled up inside his hide with his head cocked back in the "ready" position just waiting. Yes, it's tempting but I know better.

The "size" became a concern to me for no other reason than the simple fact that I'm VERY new to this new world of snake-keeping and it was the only thing that grabbed my attention at the moment. Keep in mind, most of you guys have been doing this for many years and have tons of experience, trial & error, etc. in your arsenal of knowledge. I will eventually learn to focus on the things that don't quite stand out so obviously and are lying just below the surface. Again, it'll come with knowledge and experience.

Thanks for taking the time to explain it to me. It's much appreciated.

Already looking for another little buddy for you and Monty, Shayne? ;) I have a feeling our BP-keeping trajectories are going to run parallel again soon. I just brought home a little blue-eyed lucy boy myself, from yesterday's Reptile Super Show.

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Originally Posted by RedRabbit

Already looking for another little buddy for you and Monty, Shayne? ;) I have a feeling our BP-keeping trajectories are going to run parallel again soon. I just brought home a little blue-eyed lucy boy myself, from yesterday's Reptile Super Show.

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Whaaaat?! That’s awesome! Yea, that’s kinda crazy how similar our thinking is right now. [emoji51]

Let’s see some pics!


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Shayne

Thanks for clarifying the differences between "maintenance feeding" and "starvation". I can see just how easily those two can be mixed into the same category. I have no intentions of "rapid growth" either. I want all my noodles (yes, I plan on getting more...lol) to live long, healthy, happy lives. Slow & steady wins the race. Now, if it was up to Monty, he would eat practically every day. Every time I peek in the room after dark, he's curled up inside his hide with his head cocked back in the "ready" position just waiting. Yes, it's tempting but I know better.

The "size" became a concern to me for no other reason than the simple fact that I'm VERY new to this new world of snake-keeping and it was the only thing that grabbed my attention at the moment. Keep in mind, most of you guys have been doing this for many years and have tons of experience, trial & error, etc. in your arsenal of knowledge. I will eventually learn to focus on the things that don't quite stand out so obviously and are lying just below the surface. Again, it'll come with knowledge and experience.

Thanks for taking the time to explain it to me. It's much appreciated.

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I can already tell that you will be a great asset to those awesome animals and also a great asset to this hobby. You are doing everything right, you aren't afraid to ask question, you aren't missing details.

You are soaking up knowledge and you are open minded and seeking answers.

You will be just fine, and so will be your animals ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zina10

I can already tell that you will be a great asset to those awesome animals and also a great asset to this hobby. You are doing everything right, you aren't afraid to ask question, you aren't missing details.

You are soaking up knowledge and you are open minded and seeking answers.

You will be just fine, and so will be your animals ;)

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Awww thanks! Really appreciate that.

My brother did ask me if I had installed cable TV for Monty yet. lol He knows how I am with my animals.


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I just bought an animal from Chun at Dynasty. His ad said 62 grams but he came weighing 142 grams. With the number of snakes Chun produces he probably doesn't often update the weights.

I personally had a good experience buying from Dynasty Reptiles.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...dba5d233ed.jpg

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Shayne

Whaaaat?! That’s awesome! Yea, that’s kinda crazy how similar our thinking is right now. [emoji51]

Let’s see some pics!


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I definitely want to see if you do end up getting your next BP too! I'm letting the new kid settle in for a bit, but plan to snap some pics of him soon.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KillerKame

I just bought an animal from Chun at Dynasty. His ad said 62 grams but he came weighing 142 grams. With the number of snakes Chun produces he probably doesn't often update the weights.

I personally had a good experience buying from Dynasty Reptiles.https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...dba5d233ed.jpg

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Very nice! Yea, that's kinda what I was thinking. He has A LOT of snakes on MM.

Thanks for the insight.

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Originally Posted by RedRabbit

I definitely want to see if you do end up getting your next BP too! I'm letting the new kid settle in for a bit, but plan to snap some pics of him soon.

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I'll say this....I'm already looking at the PVC cages with plans of getting at least 2, 4 ft'ers. Once I get those set up & running then I'll make my move. Probably looking at sometime early summer. I'll keep ya posted. :)