Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello everybody........thought I might show this one off. He came from my last clutch of 08 calicos. He should still have some changing to do, so I'm excited to see the outcome.......

Now the question......I've been breeding snakes for a living the past few years, and I see the same questions being asked from customers, friends, etc., and I KNOW that there are some answers they would like to know if they only knew the question to ask. So I thought I might offer some advice here on kingsnake. Basically, tips that I wish I knew when I had started....it would have made things much easier! I am not claiming to be an expert......I'm just someone who dedicates every day to snakes, and has learned a thing or two. Many people think doing this for a living is a pipe dream......I know otherwise. However, there are several tips that would make things much easier, and get you there much faster. I'm offering advice on husbandry, breeding, selling, shipping, saving time, cutting costs, ideas and observations on different morphs that may help you in your future breeding decisions, what I do in my facility, etc........anything that comes to mind that I know might help.....

So the question is, is this something people would like to read? Just like everyone else, I'm busy, and I don't want to waste time doing something not worth doing. I just realize there is no one else out there really doing something like this.......books are weak, advice here can be a bit shaky sometimes, and with most of the breeders out there, no one wants to help anybody. So if you want me to do this......I WANT TO SEE SOME RESPONSES. I'm thinking I may do one a week, maybe more, maybe less, and with each one of my rantings, I'm going to attach a pic of something really interesting, like this boy. I have a lot of great stuff, but have been keeping it all to myself!

And for those of you out there that told me a tip, and told me not to tell, you won't be seeing it here......

I was also hoping that by doing this, I would get others with better ideas or different ideas to put in their two cents also.......in this business you are always learning, and I LOVE new tips! So, whether you are a big breeder, small, or anything in between, it would be great if you could help educate......

So.......who wants me to do this?

If people want me to do it, I'm going to title it......Pointers from Priceless Pythons.

Brandon Boeke
Priceless Pythons

i'm always interersted in hearing/reading what other people have done and think or like to do.

i have a couple of cents i can add into the point.

most everything and anything i can do myself i......DO MYSELF.

i'm in the process of planning out a rack system similar to that of FB & ARS. if i can make it myself why not......and only pay a 1/4 of the price.

let me know.

Pitoon

Thanks! When I post, if you have anything to add, feel free!

Brandon Boeke
Priceless Pythons

kudos to you!

you got your T-stat working yet?

PItoon

I would like to see it.

yup!!!!

Thanks
Beth

you would like to see the rack i'm planning on building?..........still working the measurements and what tubs i will use.

i however have some pics of a rat rack i built would you like to see some of those pics to satisfy your hungry eyes ???

Let me know and i will post.

Pitoon

I would

welding up the frames that will hold the chicken wire

frames completed and squared perfectly

cutting the side supports

all four cut to length

welding frames to side supports (legs)

more welding

more welding....the weights are used to keep the metal from walking (when welding the opposite side of the weld will always tend to creep out...that's why it's best to always tack weld everything then weld with a full bead)

frames welded in place

everything squared

test fitting the screens and the tubs

screens in place

another pic of the screens

angle iron for the slots (i found out that none of the tubs are an exact copy, some have more flashing then others, but with builind multiple racks i figured out that 2cm is enough space for that model tub)

caster for the rack ( the nut is welded to the strip, the strip will be cut and welding to the bottom of the supports, the well will be able to be screwed in and out at any time)

screens done, angle iron welding in, tubs in place

fresh coat of alum colored paint

close up of the paint

watering system installed (all tubing is within the one support leg, thus allowing ease of movement and freedom of not catching onto anything

close up of watering system

another close up

another close up

drain for the system

and finally up and running

i made this rack several years ago, my newer racks have evolved a bit but still the same concept. this rack can push out 250+ rats per month.

let me know what you think

Pitoon

That's a pretty sweet rack....... now, how about coming over to my place and hooking a girl up?

btw...... American Bull or Boxer?

sure no problem......if i do that for you, what will you do for me ?????

American Pitbull Terrior

Pitoon

hmmm...... let me put a little thought into that one

Here's a pic my girl Daisy.... Best dog on the planet

Nice looking rat racks man! I've got a wooden one right now (only need one lol) but I think for my next one I will try to build something like that. My father has an old MIG welder in his garage that still works so I'll give that a shot Thanks for the ideas!
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Ball Pythons:
0.3 Normals, 1.1 pastels, 1.0 spider, 1.0 cinnamon, 0.1 100% het ghost.
Colubrids:
1.1 Western Hognose, 0.0.1 Tri-colored hognose, 1.1 Albino Cal Kings.
Corns:
1.0 Anery het opal, 0.1 ghost, 1.1 motley snows, 0.1 motley het snow and 1.0 bloodred.

I would definitely at least read it I don't know that I could help out alot in the way of giving much helpful input but I am trying to learn all I can right now and any kind of information is always appreciated.

sounds like a good read to me
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Vince Pramuk []__[]

Brandon,
It would be great if you would share your experience in that way. Love the snake!
Thanks,
Maki

Brandon,

Would love to hear what you have to share!

Derek

Hey Brandon . Good to see you posting and making such an offer . You know I will be reading it . I know you are very generous with your knowledge and always help me . I would appreciate all the input I can get from you .
Thanks!
Toni

I'd read it for sure.

BTW that paradox calico is HOT! Conagrats on that one
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Ball Pythons:
0.3 Normals, 1.1 pastels, 1.0 spider, 1.0 cinnamon, 0.1 100% het ghost.
Colubrids:
1.1 Western Hognose, 0.0.1 Tri-colored hognose, 1.1 Albino Cal Kings.
Corns:
1.0 Anery het opal, 0.1 ghost, 1.1 motley snows, 0.1 motley het snow and 1.0 bloodred.

Brandon,
Very nice! You have always given great advice! I would love to see some more posts and info from ya!

P.S.
that DH caramel glow is courting and locked up once! I know you hate it when I say this but he is still on feed!

Take care buddy!
Alan

It is a great idea... no it is a SUPERB idea. Like you said, books only give basics and the general gist of things but nothing is richer than experience. I would definitely read and pass it on to friends/family/neighbors/my dogs! I hope that it will give other fellow breeders, the motivation to speak up and contribute, because I know I will.

I would LOVE to see your tips posted!!!!!!!!! That is tremendously generous of you to take your time to do so. Thank you in advance and I be looking forward to them. Yipeeeee!
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Cheers,
Jessica
10.15 Ball Pythons
3.3 Corn Snakes
0.0.1 Green Tree Python
2.2 Jungle Carpet Pythons
0.0.1 Boa Constrictor
3.0 Crazy Dogs
2.0 Cats
Some Tropical Fish
...........and growing!

Thanks for sharing.
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Cheers,
Jessica
10.15 Ball Pythons
3.3 Corn Snakes
0.0.1 Green Tree Python
2.2 Jungle Carpet Pythons
0.0.1 Boa Constrictor
3.0 Crazy Dogs
2.0 Cats
Some Tropical Fish
...........and growing!

yes! sounds really interesting please help out the little guys!!

Hi Braden ! I like your Idea and would personally read and welcome it , I am not a big time breeder but have been in the profession and hobby of working with reptiles for 37 years now , I learn something new almost every day as I go along with life . You are right there are so many questions that the books do not cover as they are situational and can’t be covered by a broad statement . If you were to take these situational questions and add them as they come to your post it would help so many keepers new and old . As you know the only dumb question is the one you don’t ask !!!! I have seen so many things in my years of keeping and working at Zoos and my Rescue and Rehabilitation facility . But I tend to work with stuff that others don’t won’t to ,some out of necessity and the others just because that’s were my interest lies, and some to help with repopulation . But I could go on and on as to the reasons for doing what I do so I will end with this, as to your vintner with the advice column I say go for it !! And good luck . Just hope you don’t get discouraged by some of the bashing you may suffer at the hands of some that may disagree with some of your advice , some don’t get it , its just advice not low !! Thanks David

Sorry for the wrong spelling of your name Brandon , but as some can testify to my spelling can get pretty rank . David

I think it would be great, sort of taking breeding pythons and other snakes from the casual hobby level to the realm of 'animal industries' like livestock (or even puppymills, although I really hate to compare that industry to reptiles considering that mammals need social interaction and other things that reptiles don't).

I think it would be really great on some levels, however it might get a bad rap from newcomers who don't care about the hobby and just think they'd like to make money off the new trend, or newbies who buy one petsmart ball python and try to find our what morph it is and think they have something nobody's seen before. Either way though you'd make decent sales on it I think.
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Danne
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1.0 '07 BRB "Monroe"
1.0 '08 BRB 66% het Anery "Ace"
1.0 '08 Pastel BP "Sebastian"
1.1 Leos "Bowser & Peach"
0.2 Dumbo (non-feeder) rats "Josie & Holly"

Email = dshoback@eden.rutgers.edu

That's not exactly what I'm going for. If someone wants to do it on a larger scale, I can offer tips on how........but a lot of what I want to talk about is more advanced husbandry, record keeping, identification of problems and solutions to those problems, and little tips that save time, energy, and money......all of these lead to a better keeper, one who can better take care of and enjoy their animals. And when you get this down to a routine, it's much easier to own several animals, and they still get the best of care.......

One thing you will see me talk about is getting to know your animals.......the more you know, the more successful you will be with them......that extra attention makes them more than just "machines".....

Brandon Boeke
Priceless Pythons

Brandon
I think this is an awesome idea, and i'm looking forward to it.

Thanks so much,
Ken
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0.1 Mojave Ball Python (Mitena)
1.0 Spider Ball Python (Sarki)
0.1 Pastel Ball Python (Panthea)
0.1 100% Het Albino Ball Python (Hazina Adamma)
1.0 Albino Ball Python (Apu)
0.5 Normal Ball Pythons (Norma, Nova, Nala, Nimeesha, Nyoka)

1.0 Desert Tortoise (Tubbs) from Tortoise Rescue
1.0 Boxer (Shadow)


www.ocballs.net
kvandoren@ocballs.net

DO it.... It is always interesting to hear other breeders share their success stories. I am constantly talking to and listening to what other breeders have to say. It seems like you can always learn something new. When I sell someone an animal for the first time and you see the excitement on their face and then all the questions come about how to set the animal up,how to breed it, the one thing I always tell them is just talk to and listen to what myself and other breeders have to say. What works for me may not work for you. So try different things that other breeders do. You can never have too much information.

It sounds like a really good idea. Looking forward to hear more frome you.

Regards

Henrik

OK.......I'm in. For those of you that complimented my paradox calico, thank you! He is the perfect example of why I love my hatching days......you NEVER know what can come out next!

As far as Pointers from Priceless Pythons, it's on! I'll start in the next few days......you guys made it definitely clear this is something that we can all enjoy, and benefit from.....

Brandon Boeke
Priceless Pythons

looking forward to it!

Alan

Brandon,

Beautiful calico, they are such impressive looking morphs, good luck with your season and your new endeavor.

Sincerely, Kyle
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Kyle
www.royalvariations.com

"be safe, be happy and dont let anyone make you afraid" David Coverdale

I am new and I would really look forward to you doing that. And that is a gorgeous snake!

YES!!! this sounds like a great idea, and very generous of you to offer to do something like this. I'll stay tuned, rant all you want!!