Quote Originally Posted by rabernet View Post
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.
From the outside looking in this information is very helpful. I just think people approach it the wrong way. One thing i'm learning is you have to take your time building your collection. I also think people don't realize how much time it takes when you have a decent size collection. I look forward to building a good collection and becoming a breeder. One website i look at quite often is

http://www.royalconstrictordesigns.com/

I think from a big breeder aspect, Garrick has prices for everyone. I don't really see packages being sold for a good price. Garrick has bumblee packages, Mojave packages, Het Albino packages, Albino and Het Albino packages and Pastel Packages. I think that would be a good way for someone to start a good project if needed. To make a long story short I love the way the Ball Python industry is going.