> > > "I'm not a breeder by any means--- I am not such a fan of burm breeders-- no offense to those who do-- just not my thing-- seeing as how we get several in a month that "are too big" .... seems that theres so many unwanted ones-- why bring more into the world--- lets recycle..."

I perfectly understand what you're saying, Beth. I am just getting into breeding with last year being the first time. I wrestled long & hard with the decision and here's the conclusion I came up with:

With typical, normal Burmese Pythons, I pretty much agree. I'm not so sure that everyone should stop breeding normals because I'm afraid that the "normal" bloodlines will become too diluted with all the various hets that can sometimes show up in their colors & patterns. But then again, how do you control how many people breed them? Heck, I don't know. But I do know what you mean about so many being discarded.

I don't think the higher-end morphs fall into the same category as I've not heard of any labyrinths or granites ending up in animal shelters or rescue centers. But some may fall thru the cracks here & there. It's basically the same thing with Ball Pythons, too, but maybe not quite as severe. And dogs, cats, etc...

I strive to breed quality labyrinth burmese pythons but for the next few years some "normals" will come from the same clutch. I hope to reduce, if not eliminate, that possibility within a few years. I breed qualtiy German Shepherds and I'm selective of the buyers. I've got a few people that's been after one of my pups for years and they still don't have one. And they won't get one from me, either. It's not gonna be so easy to be so selective with the online buyers of the few normal burmese I produce over the next few years but I'm considering several options.

We breeders face some of the same problems rescue operations & animal shelters face. Win some, lose some. And it is frustrating to most of us responsible breeders.

Hang in there, you're not alone.

Take care!
Mike
-----
Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

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