How much is my Burm worth?

[DavethePython]

Just curious as I have heard some numbers that I find to be pretty outrageous . what is the average price for a 9 ft Albino Burmese ? I know at one time they were worth more but as I understand it there has been a flood of them in the breeding world . I have heard numbers ranging from $3500 up to as much as $10,000 . But I want to know what a realistic price is . Doubtful I would sell him as it is near impossible to even own one anymore , but if I did consider giving him up then it would be to a credible zoo or aquarium where I know he would be well cared for . These pictures were taken on our queen size bed so you can see the size scale .

[snake man12]

Well cb babies go for 50 dollars so I would say at least a few hundred dollars. But that is U.S

[millertime89]

9 ft albino? Under 1000, probably around the 500 range, over but not under. A giant proven breeder might be worth 2k but that's a stretch, over 20 ft and you're starting to look at some serious money but I won't ballpark. It's all about what someone is willing to pay though

[DavethePython]

Just as I figured , the numbers I have heard were way off . Although here in Canada everything seems to be more expensive. At least here in the west anyway . Everything seems to be at least double what it is in the USA . The money is not really an issue though . If I can find him a good reliable home is all that really matters . He is a rescue and has had a hard enough life already . He is back to health and as ornery as ever lol . As much as I love him , reality is I cannot keep him . He deserves someone who can dedicate to him and give him all he needs. I am going to be pretty choosy about where he goes for sure, so I am prepared to keep him for a while if I have too.

[BarelyBreathing]

I read this as "How much is my bum worth". I was seriously hoping it was a bum tattoo thread.

[Terranaut]

I know here its worth $250-$450. It would have to crap golden mice to be worth $10000 here.

[SSSSnakes]

I see them from babies to 12' adults selling at the expos for $150. I personally have never had to buy them, because people are always giving them away to me, because they are very common now and get to large to take care of. Most Zoos and animal places do not want them, because they already have one and everyone wants to give theirs away to the zoo.

[Aaron_S]

I see them from babies to 12' adults selling at the expos for $150. I personally have never had to buy them, because people are always giving them away to me, because they are very common now and get to large to take care of. Most Zoos and animal places do not want them, because they already have one and everyone wants to give theirs away to the zoo.


You beat me to it dude....I was going to say zilch.

[KORBIN5895]

Just as I figured , the numbers I have heard were way off . Although here in Canada everything seems to be more expensive. At least here in the west anyway . Everything seems to be at least double what it is in the USA . The money is not really an issue though . If I can find him a good reliable home is all that really matters . He is a rescue and has had a hard enough life already . He is back to health and as ornery as ever lol . As much as I love him , reality is I cannot keep him . He deserves someone who can dedicate to him and give him all he needs. I am going to be pretty choosy about where he goes for sure, so I am prepared to keep him for a while if I have too.

Who cares what it's worth? If it was a rescue you should be either giving it away or charging very little to recoup any of you loses like vet bills. If you "rescued" this then decide to sell it at a profit then all you did was invest in a snake.

@ BB

Maybe you should start a thread for that...

[Gungirl]

I have seen several nice looking ones 7-10ft going for $50-150. I got offered one for free not to long ago and I know I could call around and probably find another for free if I wanted to.

[DavethePython]

Who said I was selling for profit or even selling ? It was a simple question for curiosity sake . If I was into snakes for profit I would breed them. But at the same tone if I do sell him it would simply be that someone who pays for him is more likely to provide a good home and proper care than someone who just takes him for free . If he goes to someone I know and trust then he would go for free no question .

[Will0W783]

Honestly, Burmese python prices are all over the place right now. With the ban recently having gone into effect, transport across state lines is now banned, so in areas where there are few breeders, the prices are higher. In states where lots of people breed Burmese or there are many being offered on Craigslist, prices are lower. Around southeastern PA where I live, a 9' albino Burm male might be $100-200, but a female could go for as much as $400-500. However, I've seen them priced much higher and much lower. Things are all up in the air with that stupid ban.

[Slcburm]

its amazing. There are breeders that are selling them local for 75.00 and up. found a out of state breeder selling a granite burm for 225.00 and a local store knowing you cant order one is selling for 400.00..just nuts

[Wildside]

Honestly, Burmese python prices are all over the place right now. With the ban recently having gone into effect, transport across state lines is now banned, so in areas where there are few breeders, the prices are higher. In states where lots of people breed Burmese or there are many being offered on Craigslist, prices are lower. Around southeastern PA where I live, a 9' albino Burm male might be $100-200, but a female could go for as much as $400-500. However, I've seen them priced much higher and much lower. Things are all up in the air with that stupid ban.

In all honesty here. I don't understand how they intend to enforce no transportation across state lines. I mean are they gonna have road blocks at the borders on expo days?

[Kettennatter]

I can pick up adult albino burms for a nominal adoption fee at a local rescue. They ask $299 at the local pet store for a 3-4 foot youngster. (Nobody is buying it.) The market here in Ohio may be somewhat distorted, as you have to have a license for a burm starting in 2014.

[RandyRhoads]

I just gave away and albino burm. Couldn't even get 20 bucks for it.

[Kettennatter]

It is the same for my female common boa, if that is any consolation. The price drops rapidly if it is a relatively common snake above a certain size. Breeders are not looking for that type of snake, and the snake is a "bit too much" for regular pet owners. That doesn't mean that they are not wonderful snakes.

[DavethePython]

Nope , he is a really great snake if you don't let him intimidate you . I am basically giving him to a good home , just trying to recoup my costs for rehabilitation and his enclosure . It is not about money for me . As I originally posted it was more a curiosity thing . $10,000 sounded way off base to me , even $3000 seemed very high . If I can get $500 for everything and he is in a good home I will be extemly happy . It is about the rescue for me and the happy ending , not money.

[millertime89]

I asked around and I heard anything from 100 to 500. The Lacey Act listing really screwed over Burm breeders.

[DavethePython]

yeh I hear that . I would prefer he not go to someone trying or planning to breed just because it will create more issues.It is sad that fear mongering takes place over rational thought. Look at what is happening with Sharks. Over 70,000000 killed a year . Where does it stop? Education not legislation is how I think.

[millertime89]

Agreed, why are you getting rid of him anyways?

[DavethePython]

He was a rescue originally and we kept him until we were sure he was good and healthy again. We really do not have room to keep him permanently nor do we have time to devote to him like we want to . It was a hard choice but in the long run he deserves a better home where someone can provide for him and care for him properly . It is not about what I want , it is about what he needs .

[DavethePython]

It is tough to handle him when there is never enough people in the house . He needs 2 people around to handle just in case . Not like our Ball Pythons that we can just pull out and sit and watch TV or walk around the house with them easily.

[jaleely]

You're not going to get anyone to pay that much for him. Maybe just the cost of any inclosure he's in, unless it's too small.

Poor thing. I wish he had a home where he would be appreciated. Unfortunately you may have to ask some money just so you don't get a weirdo who wants to goof off with a big snake and bites off more than they can chew, or just wants him to eat live food or something they think is cool.

There was one here at the pound in my area for ten dollars.

[DavethePython]

Yeh that is what I am worried about which is one reason I am not advertising him locally. That and he is restricted here .Although if I can prove he was here before 2009 he grandfathers and he can stay ,but I have no paperwork to prove that . But I am going through all my friends who have snakes and know others who keep them as well to find a good home . As for the price , it is not a firm price , just what I am starting at . his enclosure was almost $500 alone with the lights and ballast etc.

[Squirtle]

I've been offered $100+ for my 8 foot Albino Burmese Python, but every single one of those people were idiots who know nothing about snakes. Highest I've been offered was $300 but I'd never sell him for any price; I love him way too much. If I were you, I'd just give your burm away to someone you trust and know can care for it correctly or ask for a small fee.

[Aaron_S]

You keep his enclosure and we make the "adoption fee" a 0 and you pay shipping and I'll take him!

[jaleely]

That would be a sure way to make sure he's going to a good home, actually. I mean you wouldn't be making any money that way. But then you wouldn't need to, if you were keeping the cage..

[iBaman]

and then you can sell the cage on craigslist and make your money back!

[Aaron_S]

and then you can sell the cage on craigslist and make your money back!

It was kind of a joke as I can't legally keep him and don't plan on it. Who wants a burm these days? I'll stick to animals that don't poop bigger than my kid.

[DavethePython]

And I can't legally ship him anyways . But if someone in Alberta is interested I could work something out . Burmese are not banned in Alberta . Here is in BC under the grandfather as anything bred in BC prior to 2009 is allowed to stay . The only problem is I can't prove he was or was not here prior to 2009 . And the law will always rule in favor of the gov't .

[DavethePython]

I can always use the cage for one of my BP's if I had to . A little bigger than they need but would make a great setup for sure . Lots
Of room for hides and stuff .

[iBaman]

It was kind of a joke as I can't legally keep him and don't plan on it. Who wants a burm these days? I'll stick to animals that don't poop bigger than my kid.

That sucks you guys can't keep them....is it a size restriction, or just a burm restriction?

[Terranaut]

What is the actual law about shipping? Can you not ship this burm to someone who lives where they are legal? I have recently had a new guy at work introduce me to a burm breeder in southern ontario via the internet. He has invited us out to the farm to handle his big snakes to see how we feel about them. I have always been skeptical about wether or not I could safely handle and/or provide the amount of care and discipline a giant demands. Well now I finally get to handle a 150+lb snake in the next few weeks. As long as he ok with it I will post all about our day at his place. I have legally registered all if my snakes in Kitchener buy am not sure if a burm would be ok. Not sure it matters for me anyway but regardless handling an adult female green is going to be awesome for me and my kids :)

[DavethePython]

Cannot ship across provincial boundaries or state lines where the are prohibited . Alberta is right next door and I have some free
Time before I go back to work in a few weeks so I could transport him myself . Congrats on getting a chance
To handle these giants . They are amazing . I only wish I was better equipped to handle him . We just do not have anyone around and I will not handle him alone . I have to much respect
For the power this animal has to make a mistake like that. Do not want to be one of those people who add to the fear mongering of the media and the law makers.

[Terranaut]

Yup I agree. I figure I like cats but would I own a Bengal tiger. Nope. Would it be my own fault if I did and it ate me. Yup!! So I do have doubts I would be ready. I have a couple bigger bci's but they are not burms. I did get a chance to handle a huge bci at an expo but it to was no burm. I am so excited and hope its ok to post my day here.
The boa.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j9/terranaut0/photo-24.jpg

[DavethePython]

Awesome . Yeh I fully admit I took in more than I could manage with our Burm , but given the alternative of having nowhere to take him it seemed the best option . We were doing a favor for a friend and the deal went south and fell apart . All I was doing was transporting him to a new owner . Somehow he backed out and I was stuck in Vancouver in a hotel room with a 9 ft Burm . So I brought him home . Made sure he was healthy and now I am trying to find him a good home . Would prefer a zoo or something but none seem to want him . Poor guy has had a tough life and I just want him to go to a good home where he will be happy and cared for .

[jaleely]

Just put an ad in the paper, and ask like 100 bucks for him, then say you'll sell the tank separate. The ad may have to stay up a while, but you may get someone who knows enough to know what they're getting into and what the worth of the setup is, etc. Say OBO for the snake, and set up is separate etc.
someone interested in that big of a snake may already have something for him to live in, but who knows.
Hope he finds a home.

[DavethePython]

Yeh I thought of that , but we live in a province that has listed him restricted , so placing that ad could alert the wrong people . I unfortunately do not have paper work showing he was here prior to 2009 when the restriction came into play otherwise I would do it .

[Aaron_S]

That sucks you guys can't keep them....is it a size restriction, or just a burm restriction?

Size restriction.

[iBaman]

awww. so you can't have retics either =[

[DavethePython]

Size restriction under 9 ft is ok . Anything that can or does reach more than 9 ft is restricted
. Unless it was in the province prior to the ban in 2009 .

[DavethePython]

So I managed to find a good home for my Burm . He is going to be living in a custom built enclosure built especially for him and the guy is experienced with large snakes .

[Terranaut]

Great end to this!
Good for all.

[DavethePython]

Yep . He will be happy and I am happy knowing he is in a good home .