Breeding as a hobby - which direction to take?

[Punkymom]

So I want to start breeding as a hobby. I don't really want to make a ton of money, maybe enough to fund my ball python addiction! I currently have 3 boys, 2 of which are 50% het for albino. I'm not really too terribly impressed with the albino gene. I also have a pastel. My ideas are:

-Get a proven het albino female and attempt to prove out my 50% hets.

-Get a female pin to breed to the pastel to eventually make all sorts of morphs with pastel/super pastel, etc. I'd also include a spider in these plans. I really love the different morphs you can get from pastel/spider/pin, etc.

-Get a female butter or lesser. Eventually get a male of the opposite and breed them for BEL.

For now I'm thinking either of the first 2 options. I could also just get a normal female and start there. I will not begin breeding until the 2013 breeding season. I'm currently setting money aside for a female rack, a hatchling rack and an incubator. So what do you think? Any other ideas I haven't presented here? Oh, one of my 50% het for albino males is also 66% het for axanthic. Just thought I'd mention that as it might be worth it to try and prove him out, as well.

[Slim]

Enchi...You can't go wrong breeding Enchis

[Punkymom]

How would I work that into what I have now? If I get an Enchi female and breed it to my males will I get Enchi offspring? *off to check out the genetic generator...

[Punkymom]

You are a genius. So how much would a sub adult female enchi cost me? I have a $300-$400 limit for an animal.

[h00blah]

I would get a big normal gal ($100-$200) then get a smokin enchi male ($150-$300). Produce your own females, hold those back or sell them. Profit. Though I wouldn't just get 1 female in case she doesn't want to produce . Others will suggest several "backup" males or females so you can increase your chances of breeding .

[Punkymom]

Well for that price I could probably pick up both of those at the reptile show in October. I should have plenty saved up by that time.

[h00blah]

Oh. And I'm with you on the albino comment. They don't impress me much. I think lavenders just push albinos further down my favorite list .

[Punkymom]

Oh they're beautiful, alright! I just don't think I want to breed for it because I don't really want one. The only reason why I would breed them would be to try and prove out my males.

[Andybill]

yeah I love the Enchi idea.
Just some ideas for some more affordable ladies to breed to an enchi that will make you some really awesome combos that should definitely pay for your hobby:

Lesser for Lesser Enchis

Mojave for Mochis

Pastel for Pastel Enchis

Spider for Stingers

And if you ask me you should really be picky about your enchis. I like em super clean and somewhat reduced although there isnt really anything real special about their appearance they make really sweet combos. However I am not sure if it matters really. Its kinda like with pieds its mostly preference but a high white pied will produce high and low white pieds so it doesnt really matter what you get I guess. I hope that didnt just confuse you....

[MarkS]

First, I would save up the money to buy a nice 10 or 12 slot rack that holds the CB70 size tubs. Then decide what you wanted to fill it with.