Which one to choose?

[Aaron_S]

I'm having a little dilemma. I want to start breeding snakes. Possibly for life,but I doubt that. Anyhoo This spring I plan to aquire some morphs of ball pythons.But I'm not sure where to start my breeding off. I'm looking at a pair of het for albinos,which cost about $2000.Then I'm also looking at a pastel jungle male,which is also bout $2000.The thing trouble I have is which one to buy first.I know with the pastel jungle I will get my money back fast cause it is co-dominent.But then again the albinos have more money for each snake,but they also take 2 years for the female to be ready.Sorry for going on,but thanks for any advice

[Tim_Cranwill]

Hmmm... sounds like a dilemma I'd actually LOVE to have;)

I'd personally tend to lean toward the pastel. But that's only my opinion at this very moment. Also, from a financial point of view, the sooner you make your money back, the sooner you can reinvest.

Good luck:)

[Aaron_S]

Yeah it was my first idea,then my friend told me about the albinos. It ain't that great of a dilemma,I have to cut corners for the money. What do you think about the full time breeder idea?

[Jeff_Favelle]

The absolute smartest thing you could do to get into Ball Pythons is to acquire 30 normal females and worry about the morphs later. That's if you want to make a living at them. If you just want to make a few thousand a year, then get a pair of het anythings and hope to God that you get a female that actually produces. These aren't Leopard Geckos and sometimes (if you're unlucky) females won't go for 5 years!!

Have fun.

:D

[Ron]

I would have to agree with Jeff on this one. Get the females first cause there isn't anything harder to find than adult female balls. Then I would go with the cheaper morphs cause who really has $5000 to spend on an Albino. I think it is easier to move 4 Pastels than 1 Albino.

As for being a breeder for a living idea I would not suggest it unless you have a small fortune to invest. Mark Mandic has done quite well in a very short time but I bet most could not afford his start up cost.

I personally am working with both Pastels and Albinos. I am not expecting to make a fortune, I just want to produce my own Super Pastel and Albino. If I do sell any, I am sure it will because I need the money for a new morph.

Good luck in whatever you chose.

[Lisa]

to make money as a breeder isn't easy money, many breeders are lucky to break even never mind survive.

like jeff said, you're better off getting lots of normals, that way you (hopefully) always have something producing.

Not to mention the market for morphs isn't as big as normals. not everyone can afford a morph. nor will just anyone be willing to fork out the $$