Kingsnake.com - Herpforum

Posted by: ChrisGilbert at Thu Dec 1 14:36:08 2005 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by ChrisGilbert ]

When I am looking to get an new animal I don't simply go by its genetics. I want to get the best (strongest) bloodlines, I want a trusted breeder, and I want the prettiest animal I can afford. This year I bought my first Leopard. I asked Tracy Barker and Hans Winner (who both had babies available) for pictures of available males and females along with prices. I think I picked through over twenty Leopards before I chose mine, I even asked for the input of others. I ended up spending extra for him, but it was worth it, he has the appearance I like and will hopefully produce that caliber of offspring.

A common example this year are Albino Boas. The prices are just under $1k, and I think they will stay there. At the same time, exceptional stock (like the Burke's High Contrast) stay higher priced, and those animals sell just as quickly if not more. People are realizing the importance of selective breeding. Also, people aren't just concerend about getting the genes for as cheap as possible, they want pretty animal they will enjoy.

Another component that helps to keep Morphs at a stable price is what people are willing to pay for a pet, those not interested in breeding. I honestly feel that anything $2500 and under is in that range, and will stay where it is for a long time.

One part of value that is evident is especially strong in co-dominant and dominant mutations (selective breeding doesn't take extra generations) is simple appearance.
You can get a Salmon/Hypo for $200, but if you want the top of the line you are looking at $3000. I know the higher price is a more probable super, but I have seen F1 in the range of $200-$1500. I think Jungles and Motleys fall into this catagory as well. Jungles are rated on color, contrast, and pattern (which comes last for me). Motleys are also rated on color, contrast, and pattern, and everyone has their own tastes.

Oh well, you get going, and then you can't figure out how to conclude it, so I am done.