Even though, IMO, they are beautiful as youngsters, they go through a period of a brownish-grey color, and in reality, it often takes them up to 5 years to develop their adult coloration.

I suppose that is one reason they are less popular. Another is that you can't tell at all from their baby coloration what they will look like as adults. I've seen some fairly unattractive, muddy snakes come from a gorgeous set of parents. In fact, at least half of the bairdi I've seen are muddy and drab as adults. Its a crap-shoot if you are looking for a nice pair to breed. Also, almost no one sells adult bairdi.

To go one farther, the amels I've seen were far short of spectacular.

Those could be some of the reasons. However, like you said, when you own one, they move to the top of your list.

They are a well-kept secret that few want to spread around.

The price is fairly low, the snakes are fairly calm, and their colors are not bright and sparkly.

Some vendors-Vivid Reptiles, Gregg's Reptile Basement, VMS, I think maybe Kern(TerryP), and JDTails
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...and I think to myself, "What a wonderful world."

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