...there are some good alternatives and many breeders and keepers are already diversifying. There is no doubt in terms of number of proven genetic morphs, that Ball/Royal pythons are the number one choice. There easy going nature and size are huge plus factors. Ball pythons will remain popular for years to come ... and we are still seeing new proven mutations.

Good alternative choices (many already mentioned) include:

Central American Boas - huge potential with may new mutations, small size, easy to breed and hardly ever go off their food .... on the whole, they have better personalities than Ball pythons ... big growing market for these guys.

Bloods and Short Tailed pythons - load of OUTSTANDING morphs, color, color, color, everywhere ... good choice for those who want a large snake, in a short body. (Must be CB !!) Check out VPI.com

Carpets and Rainbow boas are both very popular, neither grow too large (okay some Coastals get big) ... but on the whole they are very manageable and the number of mutations, designer morphs and hybrids are growing all the time. They also make great display animals.

Regular Colombian BCI - still HUGELY popular although some do grow quite large (need big cages). Big list of proven morphs and some of the best looking Designer morphs around .. just look at the Super Jungle or Albino Motley ... sweet.

Thats my 5 cents worth

cheers, John
-----
www.johnberryreptiles.com
www.designermorphs.com - the most complete guide to boa & python mutations, morphs and hybrids

[ Hide Replies ]

• Dethroning the Ball - happysurgeman, Fri Sep 15 20:40:12 2006
• RE: Dethroning the Ball - milkman2, Fri Sep 15 21:28:24 2006
• RE: Dethroning the Ball - vcaruso15, Fri Sep 15 21:39:30 2006
• RE: Dethroning the Ball - Ryan Young, Fri Sep 15 22:22:57 2006
• Beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! np - RoyalVariations, Fri Sep 15 22:55:43 2006
• RE: Dethroning the Ball - nita, Sat Sep 16 21:13:19 2006
• RE: Dethroning the Ball - rwoodyer, Sun Sep 17 10:02:06 2006
• RE: Dethroning the Ball - candoia, Sun Sep 17 18:11:29 2006
• RE: Dethroning the Ball - jonf, Fri Sep 15 22:55:22 2006
• if it wasnt for.... - chonjoepython, Fri Sep 15 23:47:39 2006
• RE: if it wasnt for.... - ballzy, Sun Sep 17 04:50:33 2006
• RE: Dethroning the Ball - leehafley, Sat Sep 16 00:27:03 2006
• RE: Dethroning the Ball - burmmania, Sat Sep 16 00:56:57 2006
• Well....... - methistina, Sat Sep 16 04:33:16 2006
• Balls will remain for now however .... - johnberry, Sat Sep 16 08:55:09 2006
• RE: Balls will remain for now however .... - nextworld3, Sat Sep 16 13:04:56 2006
• Do check out Johns book, well worth the - methistina, Sat Sep 16 13:25:34 2006
• They're NOT done yet... - rwoodyer, Sun Sep 17 10:11:20 2006
• Based on $$$ or mass appeal... - garweft, Sun Sep 17 14:40:24 2006