bp q's

[RaVeNo888o]

Hi. How much would a young ball python typically run for from a breeder? (pls state either canadian or US) Also, how much different is it from caring for a cal king (which i have). I know that humidity is more of a factor with the bp. Im interested in bp and doing some very early research as i wouldnt get one for a good while.

[BurmBaroness]

Ball pythons are failry inexpensive, and I wouldn't pay over $50 US for one, with $50 being the max, and for a nice looking BP. Balls need around70% humidity, little higher prior to shed. I keep mine at 82-83 degrees cool side, and 92-93 degrees warm side. They are prone to stress easily, and need lots of hides, at least one on the cool side and one on the warm side. Balls can be problem feeders, even the CBB ones. Not trying to deter you, just wanted you to be aware that they can go off feed for months sometimes. They are nothing like a cal king, being a whole other type of snakes. Kings are colubrids, and BP's are boids. It's best to make sure you get a CBB one, as opposed to a farm bred or WC BP. Good luck.

[Andy_G]

I tend to disagree with that humidity level Burmbaroness. They can be kept at 40-60% humidity and at shed 70-80%, and CBB ball pythons in Canada cost anywhere from $100-200, I have never seen one under 150$, other than that I agree with what everything you said.;)

[RaVeNo888o]

thanks..i wouldnt be getting one anytime soon but a ball would probably be my next step in the future...not now though since i start univ in sep. thanks for the input..

[BurmBaroness]

I have noticed that my BP's shed better at 60-70%, not coming off in pieces. Possibly Due to the relatively low humidity in my house, they need a little extra. The prices I quoted are US dollars, and $50 is about average for a breeder. Pet stores are 2-3 times that amount. I applaud you for doing your research before purchasing a BP. Good Luck.

[Linds]

I find balls do fine with 55% humidity. None of mine ever have problem sheds, and I don't even mist prior to their sheds.

As for price, since your in Canada I'll give you the what they average here. CBB males usually go for $100-$125 whlie females usually go for $150-$175. These are for hatchlings, as they amture they gain greater value.

As stated, they are very different from cal kings. They are much more easily stressed, have different temp requirements (they prefer 80-90 gradient), are completely different to handle (they don't musk all over the place and won't race through your hands, but rather just kinda hang out... this is their defense, it isn't them being "friendly").

[RaVeNo888o]

Originally posted by BurmBaroness
. I applaud you for doing your research before purchasing a BP. Good Luck.

thank you, i dont want to get myself into something i cant handle, being young and about to start university.
Linds, is the higher price for female due to thier obvious breeding capabilities?
This may sound sorta cheesy, but ive loved snakes since i was a little kid, and i know a fair bit about them, but not all the nit picky things about all the husbandry about all species, i kinda look up to you guys, you know so much about alot of the different species, i hope to be able to be that knowledgable one day and be able to care for multiple snakes without worry. i said it would be cheesy :rolleyes: lol
thanks for advice though, much appreciated

[Linds]

Yes it is due to breeding. I however have never been one to understand it, I always thought that the males should be the ones that fetch a higher price since females can only produce once per season, males can breed many females per season, therefore producing more offspring... but I never made the rules :rolleyes:

[Jeff_Favelle]

I however have never been one to understand it, I always thought that the males should be the ones that fetch a higher price since females can only produce once per season, males can breed many females per season, therefore producing more offspring... but I never made the rules


Supply and demand. Would you pay $1000 for a male het albino Ball? No. But would you pay $1,000 for a female? Yep. I would. Its all about supply and demand. Yes males are great and you can make more hets with them, (or in the case of Pastels and Spiders: more Pastels and Spiders). But if you want to make the homozygous morph, be it albino, super pastels, ghosts, etc etc, then females become important. And you only need 1 male pastel in your collection. But if you want supers and bumblebees and pastel ghosts, etc etc , then you need 10-15 females of the hets and/or hetero co-doms. Say that there's 20 serious breeders who want this. And use Pastels as an example. That's 20 males. Fine. $1500 CDN and they get their males. But those guys will want 10 females each if they're serious about making supers. That's 200 female Pastels. But if only 100 or so are produced, how do you decide who gets their quota.

Price. Just like everything else in the free world.

[Solid Snake]

Raven, i just recently got a BP and i'm starting college in sept too.

and like u i had a Cal King and was thinking about geting a BP. I researched as u did and got one. Well i think its great and real simple in care taking.

The hard thing with a BP is feeding time! Like kings, they eat when food is present, BP eats when its dark and no ones around. My BP ate the 3rd night i got him. he also took food from me for the first time too! its a nice feeling seeing that, makes me think he isn't stressed and doing ok. All in all, i think its fairly simple. But research and ask around first!