GOOD PRICE on BP???

i know what good prices run on morphs but i havent ever really looked into what normals go for. also i have never been to a show but i heard they have good deals on norms a lot of the time. I have a deal for a norm reduced pat hatchling female shipped for 88$ but i have to act now. does anyone think i could get a deal like that at a show thats coming to renton WA at the end of next month?
thanks

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Originally Posted by andwhy6

i know what good prices run on morphs but i havent ever really looked into what normals go for. also i have never been to a show but i heard they have good deals on norms a lot of the time. I have a deal for a norm reduced pat hatchling female shipped for 88$ but i have to act now. does anyone think i could get a deal like that at a show thats coming to renton WA at the end of next month?
thanks

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It depends on several things here.First is it from a trusting breeder or such? Is it captive hatched(sounds like it) or a captive bred and born? Why the rush to buy it? Is it a established eater? Its you that has to make the decision though.Let me know what you do.

....just be aware that the best deal is not alway the best choise.

Here is a great thread about normal ball python prices:
http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....oll&pollid=117

We have a search function located on the menubar at the top of each page...just incase you did not know ;)

35 reduced pat female. 53 is overnight shipping quote. We pick the balls. They are hatched on a farm in africa and then shipped to the USA before first shed and first meal.
__________________
J&J REPTILES
sales@jnjreptiles.com
(207) 479-6658
www.jnjreptiles.com

Fauna good guy #0173

he has a good rep but im scared bout all the shipping and then tryin to get her to eat. shes coming from africa to washington quick.

I personally wouldn't buy one raised on a farm in africa.

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Originally Posted by andwhy6

35 reduced pat female. 53 is overnight shipping quote. We pick the balls. They are hatched on a farm in africa and then shipped to the USA before first shed and first meal.
__________________
J&J REPTILES
sales@jnjreptiles.com
(207) 479-6658
www.jnjreptiles.com

Fauna good guy #0173

he has a good rep but im scared bout all the shipping and then tryin to get her to eat. shes coming from africa to washington quick.

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I am sure they go to him first then he sexs them and then ships to you.I have never heard of someone shipping 1 snake from Africa,the shipping would be way higher if so.

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Originally Posted by 8b8ll

I personally wouldn't buy one raised on a farm in africa.

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I am not being rude here,but where do you think the ball pythons came from in the beggining? Not all CH die.

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Originally Posted by 8b8ll

I personally wouldn't buy one raised on a farm in africa.

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They're not raised on a farm, they are "farmed", allowed to hatch, and then imported over here. All of my females, except for one are captive hatched (or farmed) babies. Purchase from a reputable source who gets them well started and you'll do fine.

he is gettin a large shipment and then sexing and making sure they are healthy at his facility on the eastcoast. i think NC. im really not too worried about the CH. i think its kinda cool :D she will be straight outa the jungle lol
im more worried bout the price.

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Originally Posted by andwhy6

he is gettin a large shipment and then sexing and making sure they are healthy at his facility on the eastcoast. i think NC. im really not too worried about the CH. i think its kinda cool :D she will be straight outa the jungle lol
im more worried bout the price.

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Are you saying you have not seen a pic of this snake you are interested in? I personally will not buy something unseen no matter who its from.

I would check the Board of inquiry on Fauna classifieds before you make the purchase... :2cent:

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Originally Posted by joepythons

Are you saying you have not seen a pic of this snake you are interested in? I personally will not buy something unseen no matter who its from.

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its pre-ordered. they havent hatched yet. you get them in may

I don't know where you're located exactly, but if all you're concerned about is the price... I don't think $88 is that spectacular for a normal. I've seen them advertised in the classifieds from folks who have tired of their pets starting at $25 (extremely low, and I wouldn't buy a snake at that price unless it was a rescue and I could afford the vet bills) and up to $90 (including equipment). I think the rescue organizations in neighboring states have adoption fees starting at $35 for a healthy, well-adjusted snake to an approved home.

Our BP came from a local breeder/exotic animal trainer (he's had animals he's trained featured on Animal Planet shows, hee hee) who has a new (human) baby and is slimming down his collection to ensure he has enough time to properly care for them. Our 1.5 year-old normal was $48, and he met us about 45 minutes from here.

The pet stores around here sell *almost* full-size BPs for $80. Again, I wouldn't buy from a pet store for a variety of reasons, but it gives a fair price comparison I think.

Granted, none of that includes shipping, which seriously raises the price. But I guess my point is that unless you are in a terribly expensive part of the country, or somewhere where you just can't get BPs locally, then on price alone, I don't think you're going to beat local with a shipped BP.

Hope that helps.

Heather

P.S. About the comment that BPs have to start somewhere (Africa, obviously), it's true. But good breeders who have been working with them in the United States have invested a lot of time (generations of snakes) and money in making sure they have healthy, adjusted, well-started snakes to offer. If all you want is a single pet snake, it just doesn't make sense to take the chance on getting one that is not healthy, or not well-adjusted to captivity, or too stressed out to thrive. Personally, I think that should be left to the experts and the folks with the time, money, and know-how to address such issues. :2cent:

Good post Heather. I too agree with her "PS comment". CH babies aren't "doomed" like a lot of WC bp's are. I say if you want a BP for your first snake... do go with a well started, healthy, baby who was produced by a well known breeder. Remember you get what you pay for...

I got Darth from a local breeder with a booth at our local reptile expo. He was $25 and he's CB. He never misses a meal and he's doing just fine.

Heather thats just the thing. i have been trying to find well known breeders in my area and simply cant. i live in seattle so you would think that there would be some but i have searched and cant really come up with anything.
thanks guys/gals you are all making great points :D

BTW - 88$ includes shipping and shes will be reduced pat.

theres a reptile expo coming to my area soon tho. i was planning on making some purchases there

Andy,


Who is this seller, if you don't mind me asking - have you checked out their reputation on the BOI? If you don't feel comfortable sharing it publically, you could PM me. :)

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Originally Posted by andwhy6

its pre-ordered. they havent hatched yet. you get them in may

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My honest opinion here would be why pay $88 for something that does not exist yet! If it was me here i would wait and buy something CBB from a breeder.Once again its your money and your decision here.

Why buy and contribute to the importing of these snakes? When there are 1000's of 100% CBB babies from 2-3-10 generations being produced each year by US breeders! I mean, if you're taking a chance on a CH BP, $88 is a rip off! You could buy CH babies for $20.00!!

All you have to do is contact any reputable breeder who bred co-doms last year or this year! They will have normals for sale that are 100% CBB siblings to Pastels, Lessers, Pins, etc, etc, etc.

i just bought a lot of 50 cbb from mike wilbanks for 50 bucks a pice. and those deals are every where.

i almost guarentee you that if you get inported animals they will show up mite infested and only about 1/2 will be feeding. you are just asking for a problem.

Joe hit the nail on the head!!! Why buy something that does not exist yet? I knew I forgot to say something.

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Originally Posted by lillyorchid

Joe hit the nail on the head!!! Why buy something that does not exist yet? I knew I forgot to say something.

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there are a few different sankes that are worth getting on a list for. but ch imports are not one of them. the sankes that you wait for are new morphs that are 3k 4k 5k 20k+. i just relly want to see you start your collection off with a good start not a month or two down the road with a thred called RIP or I DONT KNOW WHY MY SNAKES KEEP DIEING :(

Agreed Matt. Not worth the risk and why would you want to support importing anymore when there are tons of c.b.b. out there?

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Originally Posted by MATT FISHER REPTILES

i almost guarentee you that if you get inported animals they will show up mite infested and only about 1/2 will be feeding. you are just asking for a problem.

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I hate to do it Matt, but I would have to disagree with this statement for a couple of reasons.

The biggest is that snake mites are not native to Western Africa where ball pythons come from ... I'm not sure where there country of origin is, but I know that they don't exist in West Africa and typically exist in captive collections due to poor husbandry ... you have just as much of a chance of getting a captive bred ball python with mites as a captive hatched ball python with mites if you’re not buying from someone that practices the absolute best in animal husbandry ... That's why it's SOOO important to research your seller and make sure you're buying from someone with a good reputation that is known for quality animals and will stand behind every animal that they sell 100%.

My second comment would be that there are a lot of "good guys" out there selling quality CH animals. Every year I buy "fresh blood" from guys like Ben Siegel of Ben Siegel Reptiles and Robyn Markland of Pro Exotics ... these guys have been setting up freshly imported CH babies for many years now and know how to get r done. I've gotten tons of females from these guys over the years in order to help diversify my bloodlines and every single one has been a great feeder and 100% healthy.

If you do your research, you can certainly find a good guy that knows how to establish quality CH animals before they offer them for sale ... they are out there for sure!

I hope that this is some information that you'll find useful as you get started in the world of ball pythons!

Respectfully,

-adam

If you look on the internet you can always find a good deal. You should be able to find someone that has a snake available now that could get you one for that price. Also I got three 06 females at the last show for $35 each. But I have also thought about getting a few of the imported females. It really just depends on who you want to give your money.

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Originally Posted by lillyorchid

Joe hit the nail on the head!!! Why buy something that does not exist yet? I knew I forgot to say something.

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Your Welcome Grass hopper :P :D

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Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki

I hate to do it Matt, but I would have to disagree with this statement for a couple of reasons.

The biggest is that snake mites are not native to Western Africa where ball pythons come from ... I'm not sure where there country of origin is, but I know that they don't exist in West Africa and typically exist in captive collections due to poor husbandry ... you have just as much of a chance of getting a captive bred ball python with mites as a captive hatched ball python with mites if you’re not buying from someone that practices the absolute best in animal husbandry ... That's why it's SOOO important to research your seller and make sure you're buying from someone with a good reputation that is known for quality animals and will stand behind every animal that they sell 100%.

My second comment would be that there are a lot of "good guys" out there selling quality CH animals. Every year I buy "fresh blood" from guys like Ben Siegel of Ben Siegel Reptiles and Robyn Markland of Pro Exotics ... these guys have been setting up freshly imported CH babies for many years now and know how to get r done. I've gotten tons of females from these guys over the years in order to help diversify my bloodlines and every single one has been a great feeder and 100% healthy.

If you do your research, you can certainly find a good guy that knows how to establish quality CH animals before they offer them for sale ... they are out there for sure!

I hope that this is some information that you'll find useful as you get started in the world of ball pythons!

Respectfully,

-adam

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good point mites do come from asia dont they. ( i think that is what i herd)

he has not told us who they are from yet. even after being asked. so i just figure they are somebody we have not herd of yet.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by andwhy6

35 reduced pat female. 53 is overnight shipping quote. We pick the balls. They are hatched on a farm in africa and then shipped to the USA before first shed and first meal.
__________________
J&J REPTILES
sales@jnjreptiles.com
(207) 479-6658
www.jnjreptiles.com

Fauna good guy #0173

he has a good rep but im scared bout all the shipping and then tryin to get her to eat. shes coming from africa to washington quick.

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This is who he is interested in buying a snake from.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki

I hate to do it Matt, but I would have to disagree with this statement for a couple of reasons.

The biggest is that snake mites are not native to Western Africa where ball pythons come from ... I'm not sure where there country of origin is, but I know that they don't exist in West Africa and typically exist in captive collections due to poor husbandry ... you have just as much of a chance of getting a captive bred ball python with mites as a captive hatched ball python with mites if you’re not buying from someone that practices the absolute best in animal husbandry ... That's why it's SOOO important to research your seller and make sure you're buying from someone with a good reputation that is known for quality animals and will stand behind every animal that they sell 100%.

My second comment would be that there are a lot of "good guys" out there selling quality CH animals. Every year I buy "fresh blood" from guys like Ben Siegel of Ben Siegel Reptiles and Robyn Markland of Pro Exotics ... these guys have been setting up freshly imported CH babies for many years now and know how to get r done. I've gotten tons of females from these guys over the years in order to help diversify my bloodlines and every single one has been a great feeder and 100% healthy.

If you do your research, you can certainly find a good guy that knows how to establish quality CH animals before they offer them for sale ... they are out there for sure!

I hope that this is some information that you'll find useful as you get started in the world of ball pythons!

Respectfully,

-adam

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agreed.....

he referred to this in a post ,


"
J&J REPTILES
sales@jnjreptiles.com
(207) 479-6658
www.jnjreptiles.com "


mites are all over the planet. i think there's plenty in the US too, living in dirty collections.:omfg: :roach: :twisted:


vaughn

A search on fauna comes up zilch :confused:

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Originally Posted by MATT FISHER REPTILES

i almost guarentee you that if you get inported animals they will show up mite infested and only about 1/2 will be feeding. you are just asking for a problem.

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I also have to disagree as well. All of my CH girls are eating great and none arrived to me with mites! :) Know who you are buying from and you'll do fine. Adam mentioned a few, I'll throw out who I've purchased nice CH babies from - Will Bird of Extraordinary Ectotherms and Michael Cole of Ballroom Pythons South.

And my one CBB girl came from our very own Vaughn :love:

looks like i started quite the debate :sabduel: lol well this is why i asked so i could get info from people who have experience in CH. i think i am just going to wait. there is a reptile expo next month in my area so i will see what they can hook me up with. thanks everyone you all made me understand things better. :carrot:

BTW everyone talks bout these deals they find in their area but i CANT find any reliable breeders in my area. there are some small ones but they have nothing that would interest me. I think i would like a rescue or something also. a snake that needs a good home. any ideas of what i should do?

Andy, remember that most breeders do ship, so you don't have to find one in your area. I have three lovely boys from Adam, shipped (well, two were hand delivered in Daytona). I highly recommend him, but I'm not sure if he'll have any normals available, but all you have to do is ask! ;) Don't limit yourself to your immediate area.

im not but if i am going to buy a snake that needs to be shipped its going to be a morph due to shipping being 50$ which can sometimes be more than the snake its self if im just goin to buy a normal. i might as well search craigs list . im bout to buy a pair of het albinos. they will be shipped http://snakes.mistysprouse.com/ im still asking questions so its pending :D

For good deals/rescues (which aren't always good deals--remember you may spend way more in vet bills than you would have spent on a breeder snake--but it might be worth it for the warm fuzzies): Try craigslist. There's one in nearly every city: www.craigslist.com (then you'll have to click around to find the one closest to you.) I check the pet section in our city every couple days, and there's usually a bp in there at least once a week here in Charlotte, NC. That's how we found our animal trainer/breeder. Mostly it's folks getting rid of their pets, though, so watch out, again, for the good deal that isn't so good.

Also try your local newspaper classifieds, www.petfinder.org (I've seen BPs with adoption fees of $35, though they've always been at least a few hours from here--but you might get lucky--and a rescue from a reputable organization is usually a good bet, as they'll get them good and healthy before adopting out).

One other thing--put out the word. Place a "wanted" ad on craigslist. Place a "wanted" ad on freecycle (www.freecycle.org--then click around to find your local one--make sure you read the rules before posting--and watch out for the "free" snake that isn't free, lol). Placing ads on craigslist and freecycle is free. Let all your friends know you're looking. This is quite often where I find my deals (and I'm forever the bargain hunter--I very nearly NEVER pay retail for ANYTHING, lol).

Those are a few ideas off the top of my head. I think you're wise to wait a bit. I almost never find it works out well to jump on a "deal" right away. It's almost never the "deal" I thought it was. I do much better when I take my time and research and look and then, one day, there's the spectacular deal and--this time I *know* it's a spectacular deal and--wham! I buy it. :D It's hard being patient though, but at least in the mean time you can play around with your enclosure and get it just PERFECT for when you finally find your perfect snake at the perfect price. :D

Heather

P.S. One more thing to add to my book: Although I fully support looking for the best deal possible on your snake, don't forget that you'll probably spend considerably more than the cost of the snake on your enclosure and other equipment. Still, a good deal is a good deal--heck, I get excited when I find canned tomatoes for 25 cents a can, so I'd sure get excited about a cheap (healthy) snake! :D

ya the whole perfect enclosure thing is how these guys are gonna have it lol i have 2 set up PERFECTLY.. due to the fact that i have been lookin to close a deal for a month now. so they will live like royalty when i find them.
ya im also working on a nice rack right now, as well so i know what you mean about expensive equipt and enclosure, atleast i found a buyer for my old ones. So that cut out some cost.

so what are you leaning towards. the factor that would make my mind up is you could get a cbb for less than you would be paying for a ch. that kind of makes the decision easy for me.

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Originally Posted by andwhy6

looks like i started quite the debate :sabduel: lol well this is why i asked so i could get info from people who have experience in CH. i think i am just going to wait. there is a reptile expo next month in my area so i will see what they can hook me up with. thanks everyone you all made me understand things better. :carrot:

BTW everyone talks bout these deals they find in their area but i CANT find any reliable breeders in my area. there are some small ones but they have nothing that would interest me. I think i would like a rescue or something also. a snake that needs a good home. any ideas of what i should do?

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A good debate does everyone good now and then :cool: .If i may ask where and how have you tried to find breeders in your area? I bet there are some and you just need to look in the correct places :) .

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Originally Posted by MATT FISHER REPTILES

so what are you leaning towards. the factor that would make my mind up is you could get a cbb for less than you would be paying for a ch. that kind of makes the decision easy for me.

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How did you come to that conclusion? I haven't found it to be true that CBB are less expensive than CH. I think you can find either at about the same price, and neither is necessarily better than the other. You could get a well started, mite free CH, or you could get a mite infested CB (and vice versa). It all boils down to doing your homework, find a dealer (for CH) or breeder (for CBB) that you trust and you can't go wrong! :D

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Originally Posted by joepythons

A good debate does everyone good now and then :cool: .If i may ask where and how have you tried to find breeders in your area? I bet there are some and you just need to look in the correct places :) .

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thats my biggest problem is that i dont know where to look. i searched the internet. ive posted on here and fauna. i got one guy that says he knows someone but i have yet to try and concact them. im thinking i will learn more when i go to the expo.

the Ch that i found is only 13$ male 17$ female. so i havent heard of a deal like that anywere for cbb... so if he was in my area i would be picking the snake up for sure.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by joepythons

A search on fauna comes up zilch :confused:

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There are BOI post on this person, I have personally seen them about a week or two ago. Someone linked to them in of of his threads, but that thread looks like it no longer exist. From what I read and got from the BOI reports he "seems" like a legit and a good person. But I too am having trouble looking this guy up as it does seem like nothing comes up for him anymore.

EDIT: FOUND IT
http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/foru...ad.php?t=85560

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Originally Posted by lillyorchid

There are BOI post on this person, I have personally seen them about a week or two ago. Someone linked to them in of of his threads, but that thread looks like it no longer exist. From what I read and got from the BOI reports he "seems" like a legit and a good person. But I too am having trouble looking this guy up as it does seem like nothing comes up for him anymore.

EDIT: FOUND IT
http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/foru...ad.php?t=85560

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Ok i did a j&j search :) .

im not buying the snake i picked up a pair of albino hets instead. like my sig says I WANNA MAKE BABIES :carrot:

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Originally Posted by andwhy6

im not buying the snake i picked up a pair of albino hets instead. like my sig says I WANNA MAKE BABIES :carrot:

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Sounds like you found someone locally! :)

:rockon:

DETAILS. I want details. After all that agonizing and searching, surely you have more to say than "I got some." :D

Where did you find them? Did you get a good price (since you were concerned about that)? How old are they? PICTURES????! Did you already pick them up? How are they settling in?

You know, details! :P

Heather

I think the key to CH animals is to get them very early in the season. When I buy CH animals I always get them before they have went through their first shed. IMO if they are bought prior to their 1st shed they are just as good as CBB animals. I think they get a bad rap from when people buy them towards the end of the season and they have improperly cared for and dehydrated since birth.

I also think paying $88 for a "reduced pattern" CH import that is not even born yet is crazy. If I were you I would wait until the show you mentioned and you will find plenty for around $20.00-$30.00.

he is somewhat local but this is what i have been looking for. what i wanted was a pair of 06 HET alinos, but i hadnt been able to find (what i thought) was a good deal. i have seen most females above 500+/- some and males were usually 100 +/- some. so when i found someone, Misty Sprouse, in southern california to give me a pair for 400 I took her up on the deal. neither look too fancy but they are a start :D

DOB 9/4/06 on both

male 416+ grams. eating well. dark color due to close to shed
http://snakes.mistysprouse.com/bm2bmale.jpg

female 419+ grams
http://snakes.mistysprouse.com/image...babies/bm1.jpg

thanks Pfan. ill check out the show

Now, THAT's what I'm talking about. :D Nice looking snakes. I'm glad you found a deal on snakes that are just what you want. Hurray!

:D

Heather

thanks :rolleyes: now i just cant wait to get um