Ball Python Future.....

[rabernet]

There are posts on here as well as on FC that talk about those people that put collections up for sale. I'd imagine, every fall you'll see a lot of full collections for sale. There isn't much reason for a breeder to give up a collection in the middle of breeding season unless they are in a dire need.

Also, more and more people are getting into the hobby believing that they will be the next BHB. I see at least a post here or on FC every week with an ambitious new breeder that just bought a bunch of morphs and can't wait for the breeding season to make their huge profit

Turns out, it's a lot of work. Some people are not cut out for that. (not that I know from personal experience, but from reading breeder posts and talking to breeders)

I think as far as the ball pythons future, I think it's looking bright. Now I'm a late comer, so I don't know the trends of the past. I only know what I have personally perceived. Morphs are flooding the market. I would imagine that wasn't how it was 5-10 years ago. Please correct me if I'm wrong. At the last Repticon I attended, I don't even think you could buy a normal. I could get some hets and some pastels for cheaper than what a pet store charges for a normal.

We're probably all well aware that Brian has quality. When breeders want good bloodlines, they will go to NERD, BHB, etc. and get quality. I think it's safe to say that a BHB bee is worth a lot more than "ZOMG jfreels first clutch and hit the odds" bee.

The "hobby" breeders will snatch up morphs when they become affordable and breed them out and give more supply which will drive the price down even further.

I'd like to hear from Justin and Robin. They have a vested interest in the species future. I don't think there is anything to worry about. It may be hard to get rid of a bee for $700 right now, but we all know the market sets the price.

Here I am! LOL

Wanted to touch on the first thing I bolded. I've built my collection slower than most, with an eye for what I value and judge to be high quality, and that doesn't necessarily mean that it comes from the big named breeders.

I've never purchased a ball python from Brian, not that I wouldn't consider it, I just haven't seen what I'm looking for, WHEN I'm looking for it from him. Of course, he doesn't have every single animal he has available up on his site, so I don't get the benefit of seeing what he may have that I may be interested in, and I don't go to many shows that he attends.

I believe that a smaller hobbiest breeder, who breeds quality stock can do just as well as the larger breeder. And there's no reason why a smaller breeder who has the same quality animals can't sell their animals for the same price as the larger breeders - it's just that smaller breeders sometimes panic and start slashing prices, rather than holding to their price, and waiting for the right buyer to see their ad. Modest cuts in prices, ok - but not in the first few days, not even in the first week.

As for collection sales, it happens all the time. It takes a passion for the animals and an understanding that sometimes, snakes won't breed, for whatever reason, maybe they need another year before they're ready. Females will re-absorb, it's a LONG process from the day you put your snakes together, to the time that they lay eggs and then another long wait for them to hatch. Then you sometimes have babies that need extra help to get started. I don't like to sell any baby until they have consistently fed at least three meals with me, without assistance. Some people don't have the personality, and I also think that this "instant gratification" mentality these days makes it difficult for some folks to stick with it.

And - it's a lot of HARD work! I spend a full day every weekend completely cleaning my entire collection and the rats. That's a full weekend day that I give up to my animals. Are there days I don't want to do it? Hell yeah! But the animals depend on me - and I have to do it.

My thoughts are a bit rambling, but the main point I want folks to take from this - there are smaller, less well known breeders who are working hard with their collections and producing high quality animals who shouldn't be dismissed when you are shopping for a new animal.

I think if you ask any successful person in this business, they all look for nice animals and love supporting smaller breeders when they can.