Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello All,

I'm a newbie to the Ball Python world but have been doing research for a while. I think I'm ready to purchase a pair of pastels but want to get some opinions on what to look for when purchasing. I keep reading about low grade pastels and high end pastels but other than personal opinion, I really don't know what to look for. There is a show in Denver this weekend and I'd like to pick up a pair there so I can see them in person. It would be nice to see the animals in person for once before purchasing them.

Thanks in advance,
Jamie

There are a bunch of different variables most of which are taste dependant (coloring, patterns, blushings, etc).

The one thing that sticks out tho - is that the more orange or dark coloring that is in at the top of the pastels pattern the more it it will brown out as it ages - look for a nice clean yellow pattern and you should do well.

Aside from that make sure they are healthy and feeding and all the rest of the standard mumbo jumbo.

Good Luck!!!
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Tosha

"Nihil facimus sed id bene facimus"

6.34.0 Ball Python (Harry and Fluffy and gang)
1.0.0 Angolan Python (Anakin Skywalker)
0.0.1 Green Tree Python (Verdi)
0.1.0 Bredls Python (Smurfette)
0.2.0 Feline (Pippen and Pandora)
0.0.1 Desert Tortoise (Pope John Paul aka JP )
2.2.1 Fish (1,2,3,4)
0.0.0 frogs rescued from pool skimmer
0.0.1 Lizards of unknown origin

I'm in the same boat. I can't understand why some Pastel can go for $600 while others go for $1500.

No pastels are going for $1500 anymore.
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John Vandegrift

Here's a listing from one of the sponsors:

http://www.bobclark.com/prices_sub.asp?pid=19

Actually there are still lemons, blondes and kick-@ss high quality pastels that can still be had for that price.
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Tosha

"Nihil facimus sed id bene facimus"

6.34.0 Ball Python (Harry and Fluffy and gang)
1.0.0 Angolan Python (Anakin Skywalker)
0.0.1 Green Tree Python (Verdi)
0.1.0 Bredls Python (Smurfette)
0.2.0 Feline (Pippen and Pandora)
0.0.1 Desert Tortoise (Pope John Paul aka JP )
2.2.1 Fish (1,2,3,4)
0.0.0 frogs rescued from pool skimmer
0.0.1 Lizards of unknown origin

There are plenty of Pastels going for that price. It depends on the line of pastels your dealing with

Grazani- tend to fade out to a brown cost males 300 to 450 females 650-850

Bell- tend to stay the same color cost males 450-500 females 800-950

Matrix (matt turner) get brighter males 1300-1500 females 1700-2000

Thanks for the advise so far. Share your opinions on Blonde vs Lemon. Which holds color better as adults? Also why is the Matt Turner line held is such regard?

Thanks,
Jamie

matt turners keep the color and get brighter as they get older. Blodes by him have that nice blonde color hence the name and it doesnt fade the lemon make some killer designer morphs such as bumble bee and killers. It all depends what you want to breed it too.