Hello. I am interested in learning everything possible about the genetic science and animal husbandry of ball pythons. I have been interested in becoming a breeder for some time, but have remained on the sidelines due to the over saturation of the market created by Covid. A couple of years ago there were 45K balls for sale on MM and today there are around 28K. I am wondering if this has been felt by breeders in an appreciable way, and / or is a sign of a correction in the market that is likely to continue improving.
I’m still trying to learn as much about genetics and morphs as possible. It is simply overwhelming and I have no idea to begin. I Would appreciate some direction toward a comprehensive educational resource.
I wonder how common it is to find an established breeder who is willing to mentor a prospective entrant into the business side of the hobby.
For now, can someone give me an idea of what morphs I should consider investing into to begin my hobby business. The last thing I want to do is contribute to the production of any wild type balls. I don’t even want to make a snake that isn’t worth at least $500. I went a reptile show in Georgia over the weekend and was disappointed to see grown snakes being sold for $100.
I fell in love with the stormtrooper ball that was produced a few years back. I was disappointed but not surprised to see that snake never proliferated into the market and reached an attainable price. However, I didn’t see any for sale at all.
I really like the motley golden child reticulated pythons, the black ones with rainbow iridescence that look like oil spills. But I don’t want to have animals that large in my home. I have seen some very orange balls that I thought were very appealing. They weren’t however, very expensive.
I see an orange ghost pastel enchi selling for only $200 on here. I found that surprising. I admittedly know nothing, but one of the first things I noticed was that the more traits an animal carries, the more it can recreate. I would have thought that might have made the snake more expensive.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.