Any Advice On Breeding Ball Python Morphs?

[ballpythonaddiction]

i'm 12 and im thinking on breeding ball python morphs (as a hobby). But i want to take it seriously i make an average of 500-600 dollars a year and im not against saving up. I would appreciate advice on supplies, what morphs to start with, up front costs etc. any info helps and i will greatly appreciate it i currently own a normal

[bhouse89]

I would suggest holding off for a few more years, when you're more likely to have a more steady and significant income. Breeding isn't something to just jump into, especially at such a young age and with such little income. I'm sure more knowledgeable people will chime in, but that's my two cents.

[I-KandyReptiles]

You'll probably be saving up for a long time then.

This is my first year and what I have bought:

1 6qt rack (150)
1 28 qt rack (250)
1 41qt rack (300)
Herpstat 2(250)
Incubator(professionally made $700)

I still need to pick up a 15qt rack.

If you can make your own, it'll be cheaper, but you can't skimp out on thermostats.

[I-KandyReptiles]

Also, no one can tell you what morphs you need.

A lot of people here don't breed to make money, and you're most likely not going to make back your money in the first year or two.

Ive bought morphs that I like, and can use to make the more expensive morphs that I want and can't yet afford.

[satomi325]

I agree with the others. Save up some more money and do a lot of research before jumping into this hobby.
Some of my snakes cost more than twice as much as your yearly income. And that's for one snake alone.
Please think carefully because this is not a cheap hobby. Will you have the funds to feed, maintain, and house your snakes? Not to mention emergency medical funds.

About what I started out with...give or take (not including misc stuff)
1) 6 tub rack - $400-600
2) Herpstat 2 thermostat - $250
3) 6 tub rat rack + rats for food - $150
4) Newspaper substrate - free
5) supplies for rats (bedding/food) - $30/month
6) Incubator (converted wine cooler) - $40-50 (including heat tape, tubs, etc etc)
7) Hides/water dish - $10-15
8) Provent-a-Mite - $25
My snakes range from $100-1300.
You should pick the morphs you like. It's all personal preference. If I were to go back to choosing my first animals, I definitely would have started with 2 gene morphs rather than single genes.

And you should start out with females first. Don't worry about males until after your girls turn 1 year (if you start with hatchlings). It takes about 2-3 years for a female to sexually mature. Males can mature between 6months to a year old. So they won't be needed right away while your females grow.

[ballpythonaddiction]

Also, no one can tell you what morphs you need.

A lot of people here don't breed to make money, and you're most likely not going to make back your money in the first year or two.

Ive bought morphs that I like, and can use to make the more expensive morphs that I want and can't yet afford.

thanks for the advice

[Royal Hijinx]

Depending on the number of snakes you get, food alone will consume your current budget.

As was mentioned before, factor in racks, electricity, thermostats etc... as well.

Honestly, you also need a buffer for possible vet visits.

ALL of that and still have not budgeted an animal, or animals in the case of breeding (need at least 2 ).


As far as morphs, find what you like within your budget and get the BEST EXAMPLE you can find. Quality in, quality out. As long as you are working with quality, it does not matter where you start on the morph ladder.

[ballpythonaddiction]

I agree with the others. Save up some more money and do a lot of research before jumping into this hobby.
Some of my snakes cost more than twice as much as your yearly income. And that's for one snake alone.
Please think carefully because this is not a cheap hobby. Will you have the funds to feed, maintain, and house your snakes?

About what I started out with...give or take (not including misc stuff)
1) 6 tub rack - $400-600
2) Herpstat 2 thermostat - $250
3) 6 tub rat rack + rats for food - $150
4) Newspaper substrate - free
5) supplies for rats (bedding/food) - $30/month
6) Incubator (converted wine cooler) - $40-50 (including heat tape, tubs, etc etc)
7) Hides/water dish - $10-15
8) Provent-a-Mite - $25
My snakes range from $100-1300.
You should pick the morphs you like. It's all personal preference. If I were to go back to choosing my first animals, I definitely would have started with 2 gene morphs rather than single genes.

And you should start out with females first. Don't worry about males until after your girls turn 1 year (if you start with hatchlings). It takes about 2-3 years for a female to sexually mature. Males can mature between 6months to a year old. So they won't be needed right away while your females grow.

thanks for the advice i will definitely think on my financial situation and im still just as enthusiastic just gotta wait a a couple years thank you again

[Royal Hijinx]

Depending on the number of snakes you get, food alone will consume your current budget.

As was mentioned before, factor in racks, electricity, thermostats etc... as well.

Honestly, you also need a buffer for possible vet visits.

ALL of that and still have not budgeted an animal, or animals in the case of breeding (need at least 2 ).


As far as morphs, find what you like within your budget and get the BEST EXAMPLE you can find. Quality in, quality out. As long as you are working with quality, it does not matter where you start on the morph ladder.

At your age, I would get a really nice pet female (Spider, Pinstripe, whatever; the base morphs never go out of style), and spend a few years raising her. Become the best at husbandry that you can and she will be more than ready to breed when YOU are ready.

[ballpythonaddiction]

Depending on the number of snakes you get, food alone will consume your current budget.

As was mentioned before, factor in racks, electricity, thermostats etc... as well.

Honestly, you also need a buffer for possible vet visits.

ALL of that and still have not budgeted an animal, or animals in the case of breeding (need at least 2 ).


As far as morphs, find what you like within your budget and get the BEST EXAMPLE you can find. Quality in, quality out. As long as you are working with quality, it does not matter where you start on the morph ladder.

thanks