New breeding normal (and other critters)

[rabernet]

The only Pet Kingdom reviews that I could find on the BOI were from 2002. There was an inquiry on the previous owner who sold it, and comment were made that it went downhill after he sold it:

http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/foru...ht=Pet+Kingdom

There's a questionable thread about buying animals from LLL Reptiles (another that you mentioned) on the BOI that's more recent.

I wouldn't call any of them "breeders" though. Pet stores just aren't the place I'd be looking for a larger, healthier snake.

If you have the time, why not put up an inquiry on the BOI to get the most recent reviews of Pet Kingdom?

A 700 gram female is not likely going to be ready to breed THIS coming season, if that's what your ultimate goal is. She still needs to gain at least 800 grams, which is double her weight in just a few months to be ready to go this season.

[Lolo76]

There's a questionable thread about buying animals from LLL Reptiles (another that you mentioned) on the BOI that's more recent.

Yeah, I was just warned about LLL, so they're off my list... I'm still shopping around, and might have a better option or two.

I wouldn't call any of them "breeders" though. Pet stores just aren't the place I'd be looking for a larger, healthier snake.

I thought this place was more of a vivarium, like East Bay Vivarium where I got Delilah - which has only glowing reviews on BOI. I still don't know how to feel about Pet Kingdom, but I'm leaning towards using that deposit for a tank instead.

FYI: Since I started this discussion, I sent another email to 8BallPythons (already tried about 2 weeks ago with no response), since it clearly says "large female normals available now." If they don't get back to me, I found a few others on the BOI classifieds... any opinions on Zoo Herps, or Pacific Coast Reptiles?

If you have the time, why not put up an inquiry on the BOI to get the most recent reviews of Pet Kingdom?

I don't live in San Diego, and will be heading home (San Francisco) on Tuesday... which is probably why I got over-excited, since it's harder to find BPs in the Bay Area. East Bay Viv had a few normal adults last time I visited, but they were asking $250 for them.

A 700 gram female is not likely going to be ready to breed THIS coming season, if that's what your ultimate goal is. She still needs to gain at least 800 grams, which is double her weight in just a few months to be ready to go this season.

I'm not sure exactly when the next season starts, but I meant ~1 year from now. My male is only 300g last I checked, and won't be ready until at least winter '09-10... he's a voracious eater, though, so I'm counting on him to "make weight" within the year.

Thanks everyone for the input, and I'll let you know what happens!

[Lolo76]

I have been to "Pet Kingdom" and it isnt the best reptile store but average. It has a lot of stuff, more then the average place, and the animals are kept somewhat well. Example. Many of the snakes are not housed together. Ball pythons are usually kept singularly. A thing that did bother me tho are those Sulcatas (sp?) you pictured, last time I was in there was about 10 in the 10x10 pin ranging in sizes from 10" to 20" all fighting and such. It was sad. Some knoledgable staff and some not buttttt a couple cute girls who work there as well .

LOL... sorry, but I was only looking at the hot tattooed men. For the record, those were the only 2 tortoises in the tank, and they just happened to be climbing on each other (as they often do). As for the BPs being housed together, I believe that's only for sale purposes, since he said she was "raised in a rack tub." I'm sure they housed her alone in the tub, and were just putting them on display for sale. Not sure if that's any better, but thought I'd mention it!

[rabernet]

Adam at 8ball is someone who would sell you a quality adult female. However, I know he's been more difficult to reach lately, as he's been very involved with Pijac since HR669, and is attending a lot of meetings in D.C.

Have you tried to call him? His number is listed on his site.

You might also try placing a "wanted" classified in our classifieds forum and members here can PM you if they have any adult females available.

$250 for a breedable weight female, especially a proven female is not a bad price. Just 2 years ago, people were willing to pay over $1000 for a breedable weight normal female.

[Lolo76]

How does this girl look? http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/foru...t=adult+female

Btw, he is NOT the same as this breeder, who had that business name in 2002... http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/foru...Coast+Reptiles

[Lolo76]

Adam at 8ball is someone who would sell you a quality adult female. However, I know he's been more difficult to reach lately, as he's been very involved with Pijac since HR669, and is attending a lot of meetings in D.C.

Have you tried to call him? His number is listed on his site.

You might also try placing a "wanted" classified in our classifieds forum and members here can PM you if they have any adult females available.

$250 for a breedable weight female, especially a proven female is not a bad price. Just 2 years ago, people were willing to pay over $1000 for a breedable weight normal female.

Thanks for the info and the PM, and I will try your suggestions. That reduced-pattern from Pacific Coast Reptiles looks promising, otherwise I might just go with East Bay Viv or call 8Ball. Muchas gracias!

[rabernet]

How does this girl look? http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/foru...t=adult+female

Btw, he is NOT the same as this breeder, who had that business name in 2002... http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/foru...Coast+Reptiles

I like her a lot - but I'm also a huge reduced pattern fan too.

One thing to consider if you're planning to breed to your pastel and you want to produce the nicest babies that you can, is to try to find you a nice light colored female. The normal does have influence on the quality of the babies that you produce.

Here's an example of a female that I chose to use last year to breed to my pastel:

[Lolo76]

Ooooh, that's a pretty normal. I was thinking that reduced might be too dark, especially since I'm aiming for an eventual super pastel clutch - and Toby has a beautiful light color. But that girl from Pacific Coast is so nice looking!

[Lolo76]

Sorry, one more to show you! http://www.flickr.com/photos/37541902@N07/3562371785/
Gee, can you tell I've been stewing over this all night? She's a nice looking light-ish normal advertised on BOI, and I love that beautiful stripe down her back... she's 1200g and they are asking $150.

[Kysenia]

Keep in mind ball python net has many many great breeders, imo if you want a good animal, one you know is well cared for, go with one of the many here, or you could check out the following of many sites...

Brain at BHB'
Adam at 8ball
Justin at Jkolybka lol not spelled right
Heather at heather herps
Ralph at ralph davis reptiles
Exotics by Nature

The list is endless, well not endless but a good start....anyways you very seldom go wrong with reputable breeders, my two cents....sorry for those i left off the list, just giving examples