Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I tried to sell this snake to a breeder today. I was rudely declined and told that Whited-sided Rats are very common and no one would even consider buying him as anything other than a pet. Is this true? I'll admit know virtually nothing about this kind of snake other than their basic husbandry needs because he was given to me from a woman who was terrified of him because he moved faster than her Ball Python, and she obviously didn't know much about them either. Despite my lack of knowledge about this morph I am reluctant to believe what I was told by that breeder, so I thought I'd come here to hear what you people have to say. :]

Also, regardless of if these are common or not, I'd like to know how much these usually sell for, if anyone knows.

ALL morphs have their turn in the spotlight at one point or another in terms of popularity/price, and the same with the whitesided black rat. I wouldnt say its "worthless", but definitely not as big a money maker for breeders that it once was. You can always check out the new world ratsnake classifieds on kingsnake.com to see what they are currently going for. Babies are probably going for less than $50 each right now. What is popular and considered an investment gets bred until supply far outweighs demand. Still, its an interesting looking animal, and as long as you like it, then thats worth more than a price tag in my book anyday!!!

I know of breeders whose collections change complexion constantly. They are always "into the next big thing" and selling off their collections to invest in these animals. Kind of sad and makes you realize they are not into certain species for their love of that species, just the pricetag it commands at that time!!!

I remember the first time I saw these at a show.They were priced at $500.I bought one a few years back for $125.As kevin said now about $50.
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"Upon Thy Belly Thou Shalt Go"

Yeah, good answers you guys. That is how the dynamics of this hobby rolls along for sure. Supply and demand!

I see some nice 2010 white-side hatchlings right now for $30, and a big adult for $85. Not bad at ALL to be quite honest!

Remember the amel nelsoni for $2,000 in 1995-96?, and the amel Hondo for $3.000? now you can barely give some of them away. I see amel nelsoni for as little as $25 at shows.

~Doug
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"a snake in the grass is a GOOD thing"

my website -serpentinespecialties.webs.com