Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Think about it. In the very early 1990's baby ball pythons sold for $35 at reptile shows, regardless of sex. The albino ball was starting to be produced. Because of the small clutch size, compared to Burmese Pythons (which were the rage at the time) most breeders weren't too thrilled with the idea of working with Ball Pythons.

When you factor in inflation, bably ball pythons today should be $65 - $75 at reptile shows and double that in pet stores. For some reason, though, reptiles don't seem to appreciate along with the prices of everything else (snake food, bedding & other supplies). The cost to import must be more now, too, given the higher cost of fuel.

With clutch sizes of only 4 to 10 -- why don't baby ball pythons -- normals -- sell for at least as much as baby Burmese? They certainly make better pets, there should be a lower supply due to smaller clutch size . . . this has been baffling me for a while.

alot of c/h balls come in which lowers the price to a large degree b/c there is more supply to reach the demand..

I have seen normals selling for $75-80 at the chain stores.
The store I just got my baby from sells boys around the $35 range.

well, if you really want to pay more for normals, you could always order them from Canada. I am lucky to find normal female ball python babies for less than $55 CDN from a breeder/importer. Petstores sell them between $99 - $129 CDN.
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PHLdyPayne

Aren't balls CITES II? It would be difficult to import them.
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1.1.2 Python regius
0.0.1 Eunectes notaeus
0.0.1 Lampropeltis spp.
5.0.0 Ambystoma mexicanum
1.3.0 Triturus karelinii
1.3.0 Taricha granulosa
0.3.0 Ambystoma jeffersonianum
0.0.3 Salamandra salamandra
0.0.1 Tylototriton verrucosus
1.0.0 Grammastola cala
1.0.0 Homo sapiens 'Hottie'

In my area normal unsexed balls sell for $40. If the pet store puts a sign on them that says captive bred they sell for $99. I bought my normal for $25 "on sale". The captive bred ones that they sell are usually not more than hatchling size. They get in the ones that they don't label off and on throughout the year at different sizes.

~April

Here's what I don't understand ... Ball Pythons produce 4 - 10 egg clutches and sell for $25 - $45 at reptile shows. Burmese Pythons produce 27 - 100 eggs that sell for $75. Why don't ball pythons sell for 3 x Burmese Pythons. Are baby Burmese imported into the country? I think the problem is less supply & demand and more what people expect and are willing to pay.

Ball Pythons are a better pet size snake than Burmese.
Their clutch sizes are very small compared to Burmese.
The sell for $25 - $35 compared to $75.

Why?