Desert problems

[kevinb]

So I was really looking forward to doing a small desert project my first breeding season out, but after reading the "do you work with problem morphs" thread and reading that deserts were on there I started trying to look into it. All of it seems to be mixed opinions and confusing. So what are the facts exactly?

Do female deserts produce dud eggs or don't produce at all?

Im going to get a desert male at some point but I'm just worried the project might be a lost cause on my low scale breedings?

Also is this why males go for about $500-1k more than females?

Thanks for clearing anything up.

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[spitzu]

There's like 500 threads about this on every forum.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...-females-breed
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...desert-females!
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...nt-Perspective.

http://www.reptileradio.net/reptiler...ad.php?t=34273
http://www.reptileradio.net/reptiler...ad.php?t=29653
http://www.reptileradio.net/reptiler...ad.php?t=33775
http://www.reptileradio.net/reptiler...ad.php?t=27966

[kevinb]

Well sorry. All my searches led me to conflicting info. Thanks for the links.

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[Valentine Pirate]

I've yet to see any real conclusive information, but then again I've only had the patience to read completely through two of the enormous poo throwing arguments that the desert threads eventually turn into. I love the look of deserts, and when I can afford it I want to pick one up, just frustrated with the amount of rumors and lack of information

[kevinb]

That's my problem. I live deserts but I don't want to produce more if I can't sell off the females for their problems.

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[Brandon Osborne]

Look at the MABalls videos on YouTube. Kevin McCurly pretty much says female deserts have not produced yet....slow growth, minimal size for age and food consumption, and inability to actually produce viable eggs. People have claimed to get clutches from females but no evidence has been presented. I can't see asking $1500-2000 for female deserts...IMHO it is stealing. They look great but from an investment standpoint they are pet snakes....$50. Just my opinion. Sorry if I offend anyone.

[kevinb]

Look at the MABalls videos on YouTube. Kevin McCurly pretty much says female deserts have not produced yet....slow growth, minimal size for age and food consumption, and inability to actually produce viable eggs. People have claimed to get clutches from females but no evidence has been presented. I can't see asking $1500-2000 for female deserts...IMHO it is stealing. They look great but from an investment standpoint they are pet snakes....$50. Just my opinion. Sorry if I offend anyone.

I will agree with you on that. I just wish it wasn't that way.

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[mainbutter]

For the most part, boelens are pet snakes, but I wouldn't say they're only worth $50. Even if female deserts don't produce viable clutches, they still have some value in my eyes.

[Brandon Osborne]

For the most part, boelens are pet snakes, but I wouldn't say they're only worth $50. Even if female deserts don't produce viable clutches, they still have some value in my eyes.

It was just a figure of speech. I think the combos look amazing.....but not thousands of dollars amazing if they are incapable of reproducing.

[WingedWolfPsion]

One interesting side-effect of this which just occurred to me: It may put dozens of normally insanely high-valued combo morphs into the hands of pet owners.

That pinstripe - spider- pastel - fire - champagne - desert female is still a desert female, and still infertile. So, still just a pet--a pet that anyone could hope to keep.

It may wind up getting more people interested in ball python morphs, which will be good for the industry.