I agree with 99% of the original post. I also see most of the points made by the members. (yes ive read every single post)

What really gets me about this... Why is it that most of the other "exotics" being bred & sold, which have been on the market for years as well, have not really gone down in price?

Ball pythons, corn snakes, geckos... These are the ones that are the biggest craze. The ones that tons of people have started breeding. These prices have dropped. But look at chameleons. Monitors. Basilisks. Frilled's. Many other python and boa species are also holding price as well. Especially the pure blood "locality" type boas etc..

One things for sure.. Supplies for all these animals does not seem to have dropped in price. Unless you buy frozen rodents online. There are very few wholesale supply companies with truly competitive prices for things like caging, bedding food, heat, therms, rheo's etc...

All these things are still quite expensive. Especially if you buy whats actually recommended & top of the line for the care of your animals.

My point is.. There are still plenty of people out there willing to pay big bucks for other animals. Even dogs and cats. Try to find a breed like a doberman or shepard for less than $1000.00

If you are looking for one that is guaranteeed, comes with a pedigree, paperwork on the parents & grandparents with true german blood lines, you wont find one for less than that..

Even cats. Ive always wanted an oriental shorthair. Also over a thousand dollars from a breeder. Do you have any idea how long the waiting list is for the breeders ive contacted in my area?

The prices do not have to fall this badly for ball pythons. The scenario story about "larry the liar" makes total sense. For a long time now we have known scammers are taking advantage of fauna and kingsnake. We can only hope those people who are "desperate" for the money & sell off their snakes for low low prices will stop convincing everyone else that their own prices must also fall..

Also keep in mind.. This is the time of year when prices fall the worst. Breeding season. Keep your new hatchlings til spring. Feed them up and sell them for what they are worth as well established youngsters when the speed of the market (as it is right now) slows up a little.

Just my