How much experience should I have to keep a blood python?

[Aaron_S]

Originally Posted by XrabbitX

I was looking at the 007 or goldeneye bloods, which supposedly have a better disposition. They're beautiful animals, and tempting to me even though I normally tend to think normal morphs are the best looking ones
anyway.

https://www.morphmarket.com/us/c/rep...e/golden%20eye

Unless I can somehow get out of my student loans, or I could feel confident that I could breed a pair and get my money back (and and then some) I don't think I could justify the price tag. The normal morphs are running $125 and I think they are gorgeous also.

I guess one possibility is getting a nice morph of a male, and then send him out to stud. But both times I've sent animals out for breeding I never got them back. I don't know how willing reputable sellers are willing to send animals back and forth with individuals for breeding, but it's something I've only had very minimal experience with.

Breeding isn't reliable. So many "ifs" to deal with like "Are the animals healthy and upto size? Did they survive to adulthood? Did they actually breed? Did the female lay viable eggs? Did they hatch, and how many are good? Did the babies survive/thrive?"

That's a bunch of stuff without including the cost of incubator, food, baby bins, etc. Yes a couple of them are easy like surviving to adulthood but there's a small, small chance an animal dies for no real reason without a
necropsy. (Maybe a tumor or cancer you couldn't detect).

In addition, don't stud your snake. I've only heard of problems with breeding loans in reptiles. Even when I've done them with the best of friends it can put strain on any relationship. Just don't do it.