Ball pythons destroying the hobby?

[muddoc]

I have seen plenty of great thoughts and views expressed in this threaed, and thought I might add mine to the growing list.

I simply believe that Ball Pythons are doing zero harm to the hobby/industry. As many have stated, they make great gateway animals to get new people into the hobby. The larger percentage of the population that gets into the hobby, the harder it becomes for governments to place ill written regulations in place. Obviously as any industry grows, there may come a need for some sort of regulation. However, the larger the affected group, the harder it is to get regulations passed that will affect that group.

While Ball Pythons are very popular right now, there are plenty of breeders that breed other species of reptiles. The Ball Python market may actually be helping the smaller markets, by helping the prices of those other animals to stabilize or even increase. Let me explain that further by taking two species and applying what has happened with them over the last ten years or so. Ringed Pythons and Brazilian Rainbow Boas. These two species seem to be on cycles. Here is how the cycle works:

One year you go to a show and you can find BRBs all over the place. So, the supply has surpassed the demand. They are priced at $65 a piece. The following year, many breeders will not pair their Brazillians, because a) they still have stock from last year and b) they can't justify the cost of raising the babies for what the public is paying. So about two or three years goes by, and now you go to that same show. You are looking for a BRB. Guess what, only one guy has them, and they are priced at $150 a piece. He sells out at that higher price, because demand has surpassed supply. Next year, all of the BRB breeders pair their animals up, because they want to make $150 each for their snakes, because that is good money for a BRB. So in about two years after that event, the priced is back down because BRB's are everywhere. The cycle starts over again. I have seen the same thing with Ringed Pythons as well.

So, with that said, I think the pressure taken off of the other species, will drive breeders to make fewer of them, and thus drive prices up because demand is there and supply is low. I know this is a basis of economies, but I wanted to apply it directly to something in our industry.

I know that in the last two years I have gone from working with 4 species to now working with 10 species now. Although Ball Pythons are the bulk of my collection, there are some other species that really interest me, so I decided to work with them, albeit in small numbers. We now have and will breed in the next couple years the following: Ball Pythons, Blood Pythons, Angolan Pythons, Nicuraguan Boas, Kenyan Sand Boas, Corn Snakes, Honduran Milk Snakes, Western Hognose, Rhino Ratsnakes and while it will be a long while before we breed them, I do have and love watching my Aldabra tortoises and Columbian Red Foot tortoises.

That is my take on the subject, and possibly this thread may actually convince a few people to go out and research and pick up a new species.

[Rat160]

I personally am a fan of ball pythons but the only other snake i care for would be blood pythons when I go to shows all I ever see is other snakes and reptiles I rarely see a lot of ball pythons at the shows in the portland seattle area

[Crazy4Herps]

There are many excellent points on this thread. I definitely agree that it is obnoxious seeing only ball python morphs at shows. However, while I believe ball pythons will always be a staple in the hobby because of their docile temperament and hardiness for beginner keepers, I think the "morph craze" is just a fad and will pass. Color variety does not make up for the knowledge and excitement that comes from working with a variety of species.

[Rat160]

[QUOTE=Crazy4Herps;1640240I think the "morph craze" is just a fad and will pass.[/QUOTE]

I disagree there are so many new morphs coming out each week everyone wants a chance to create something new. Morphs are definately not a fad and the primary reason you can justify selling a bannana ball for $60k

[rabernet]

There are many excellent points on this thread. I definitely agree that it is obnoxious seeing only ball python morphs at shows. However, while I believe ball pythons will always be a staple in the hobby because of their docile temperament and hardiness for beginner keepers, I think the "morph craze" is just a fad and will pass. Color variety does not make up for the knowledge and excitement that comes from working with a variety of species.

I don't think so. With over 60 base mutations (morphs) identified - we'll never see the endless combos that can be made, in our lifetime. That keeps it exciting for those of us who work with ball pythons.

That keeps it fun!

I also keep Cali kings, Sonoran gophers and San Antonio line black milks. No current plan to breed them, but I do have pairs so that I can if my focus changes.

Might have to hit Mr. Tim up for an angolan one day!

[Simple Man]

I bought some balls, well a lot of balls, and then started branching out. I now have Super Dwarf Retics, Tarantulas, and a lot of rats. I wouldn't have any of those animals if I hadn't gotten into balls and I'm sure my collection will continue to grow, both balls, and "others". They were my gateway snake

Regards,

B

[mainbutter]

I think the "morph craze" is just a fad and will pass. Color variety does not make up for the knowledge and excitement that comes from working with a variety of species.

See:
- corn snakes
- leopard geckos

[babyknees]

Balls started it for me but that was just the beginning. My GTP has awakened a fascination with all things morelia and all I want to do is branch out and care for new species. My "want" list is mostly species other than ball pythons. If the only species you want to care for is ball pythons then so be it. I think that the people that want to branch out will and those that don't want to shouldn't. The internet has made if possible to find any species you want even if the local expo only has ball morphs.

[DC Reptiles]

I always considered my self a "gecko or lizard guy" but ball pythons kinda opened my eyes in terms of the snake world. I have bred and kept hundereds of geckos and lizards but it kinda always seemed like something was missing. Since I have got into ball pythons I find myself having a more enjoyment back into the hobby. I also have corn snakes and hope to someday have some type of boa just not sure which one I would like to get into yet. So I guess you could say ball pythons are a gateway snake for me also.

[JulieInNJ]

I can see both sides of the coin on this point.

I've always been fascinated by snakes of all kinds, although admittedly ignorant when it came to the different breeds, types, etc. What got us into our BP love was a co-worker of mine who is an avid snake lover who has a huge variety. She brought into school a red tailed boa and it was really spectacular - I thought it was cool, but that's about all I thought about it, lol. The next day, she brought in a normal BP and I was instantly in love (as was my son who was visiting that day). I was thrilled with their temperament, their smaller size, and with the ease of care. We adopted our first BP, and even though she's a normal, she is the most stunning animal I've ever seen. I don't care if she's a morph or not. She's spectacular.

But BP's are what brought me into the hobby. I like other reptiles, but not so much that I'd want to keep them. I think BP's are expanding the hobby but, just like any animal, when irresponsible people think they can make a quick buck off of breeding, it makes a holy heck of a mess. And some people only see dollar signs and forget that these are living animals. It's heartbreaking, whether it's dogs or BP's. Two sides of the same coin.

...and I hope I'm making some sense - it's the end of my work day and I'm exhausted!