Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey,
I'm very, very new into ball pythons (I cannot own any, so I read, research, and ask questions). I've noticed that males, the hets in particular are much less expensive than the females.

Why?

Well, in general, I think it's because the female produces babies and are really responsible for the reproduction of nice animals. Plus, males are ready to breed much, much faster than females so there is not as much time invested into males as there is in adult females. That's just my take on it and I might be totally wrong, just my opinion though.
BTW, it really sucks that you can't own any. Is it because of where you live or is it your parents?

That would make sense, thanks!
And yes, it's because of my parents. Next year will be my freshman year in college and I'm trying to find everyway to move in on my own so I can get into the hobby.
It sucks waiting since you were what... five?

Lol Half the people on here couldnt have snakes when the were younger and home with the folks. That is why you have a bunch of snake fanayics now. Hang in there, youll get there one day...

and my parents, thank goodness, let me keep a bunch of snakes. I have 19 right now and ten more on the way. I don't know what I'd do if they said no to snakes because when I leave for the Air Force Academy(hopefully I get there) I can't have the snakes so I'm getting my fill now. At least you don't have a very long time to wait to get snakes. Keep researching and by the time you get to have one, you will be more than prepared for them. Good Luck.

Females are your limiting factor in producing numerous clutches..Just 1 male can father many cluthes in one season whereas each female can only produce 1 clutch..So collections are usually weighted much heavier in numbers of females compared to males to maximize egg output..Demand for females therefore is higher..

Tom

Another reason is you don't need as many males. One male can breed several females. Let's say you have a clutch for albino x normal and end of with 3 males and 3 females. You will never have a use for het males because you already have the albino. The females you can plug into any other breeding project. Most breeders only sell hets in pairs or males only.