Are ASF worth breeding as feeders?

[Moose84]

I was thinking of breeding ASF to feed my snakes. I’m just starting to breed ball python, my male has locked with three girls the last few weeks. Wanting to have a reliable supply of feeders and doing some research led me to the conclusion that I should breed ASF for my personal collection, with the understanding that I would use rats and mice with any babies I produce and wish to sell. When I went to the only pet store I could find selling ASF, the owner basically tried to talk me out of having anything to do with ASF.

His reasons.
1. They are a pain, and will cross the cage just to bite you.
2. Snakes eating ASF won’t eat anything else.
3. No one will be interested in buying a snake that is eating ASF for the reasons mentioned above.
4. ASF are more difficult to breed because of social/territorial behaviors and short breeding life’s.
5. He won’t sell females.

Despite all this, I’m still interested due to the reported benefits. Are they worth it?

One of my buddies had a breeder size gene packed male that he paid a LOT of money for that went off food for long time. Tried everything with rat sizes, hides, mice you name it.. Took a SF when he got his hands on one.. I don't know anything about the little suckers other than they are mean as sin and some states they are illegal to own/breed. Knock on wood, live mice have always broke my strikers. If you have someone you can get to within a decent drive I would probably say utilize them on an as needed basis. I agree with number 3 though. The chances of people buying an animal that isn't over the moon who only take soft furs is low. If you pump out some 3-4 gene animals that are rare that bigger breeders want than I would say the chances are higher. Hobby breeders and pet owners probably won't touch it.