Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Prices on some these Hog's are just fricken crazy! I know hobbies can be expensive, but gee's people get real! You can adopt a kid in China for less than some of these baby snakes advertised here...

What's the most you've spent on a given snake?

I'll start, 75 dollars for a RT Boa back in 78....back in those old days mice were 99 cents! How come the price of mice haven't changed as much as the snakes? lol Supply and demand, I know

Austin, get real, hahahahahahahaha They are not a product made in a machine(kinda)

You can get nice wonderful hogs at shows for nearly nothing, $25 or so. But if you want high end animals, you must either do the work, or pay the price. Its pretty simple.

for instance, I am doing field work with hogs, I see lots of hogs. I can and did buy an albino for $100. I could search and spend millions of dollars and never find an albino hog. In that sense, if somebody did not put in the work, get lucky, you or I could not buy an albino hog at any price.

Same for many of the morphs.

Remember, really really pretty hogs can be purchased inexspensively, Ones that would take years of hunting to fine. Also remember, all these animals are exactly the same, except for skin color.

As many hogs as I have seen in the field, if I were to put a cost, gas, food, etc, on them, it would be far cheaper to go by one.

Oh yea, think about this, most of these fine folks, make lots of hets for very exspensive morphs. What happens to those possible hets, hahahahahahahahahahaha those cheap ones can be carrying a bonus in their genes. Best wishes

Oh I totally agree with you on cost of producing all the pretty colors/morphs, time involved, ect... I'm just commenting on the prices people are willing to pay for something that is just a different color than the norm.....it's crazy! I think I'm gona just buy a normal and paint it myself...hehee

Ya, the prices of a couple hundred dollars or so totally acceptable in my mind....but some of the morphs prices are just nuts!

The BP's are the same way, with their prices even crazier than for the Hog's. I saw the other day a BP morph going to 18k....I wonder how long that price will stand? The morph market is like the stock market Ever bought something and the next week or so it going for a much lower amount? I hate when that happens! off topic a bit, I remember buying a new 40meg hard drive to upgrade my pc for 200 bucks back in 90's oh how times change..even the damn prices

Hmmmmmm those are investment prices. They are not based on value, they are based on possible return.

Lets look at that. Buy a X morph at $10.000ea. Then it drops to $6000 grand the next year, then $4000 grand the second year. Your task was to produce, say 10 neonates and sell them for that $4000. Your cost was $20.000(pr) so you risked failure for an first return of $40,000. Then the following year, etc etc.

Of course, if these are many of those morphs and the price drops to next to nothing. You lose.

The truth is, that kind of money is rarely realized. What happens is, value. Trade value, so you may get some money and a number of reptiles to equal that value. Etc and so on and so forth.

Just like other investments like this, you are best served if you are the first one on the ladder, each rung below that, loses value. Cheers

I'm sure some of those prices are crazy wish prices...(someone really crazy enough to pay it that is) Who would really admit paying that much for a snake! That would be a very brave individual indeed!

FR, what's the most you've ever paid for a snake?

I am not sure, something like $7000 for a woma with papers out of Europe. I was amoung the first to breed them, and the first to really breed them. I turned a grip of money on that one.

I call these events, homeruns. That is, you go to bat, take your swings, and if your lucky enough to wack that sucker, run them bases, then stomp on home plate. Stomping on home plate is cashing them checks and processing the CC's.

I keep reptiles for the challenge and the love of animals, but if folks want to throw money my way, put it this way, the wife sure knows how to spend it. Oh yea, another lesson, if your about the money, don't get one of them wives. Cheers

Wow 7k, did you ask permission first? I would've loved to be a bug on the wall for that conversation...

Ya happy days for sure on that one...

Why Europe? You don't think we American's could do it? Did this whole morph Revolution actually start over there?

Austin, you've gone crazy, I bought a beautiful woma from Norway. Not a morph. When you are the first or amoung the first to breed a species, normal are worth big bucks.

Ask pemission, why on earth would I do that. In this case, asking for permission is getting the proper import paperwork, and yes, I did.

Parents, are you talking about parents???? remember, 1900's, back then, if we told our parents nothing about snakes, off to military school you went. It was like the military, don't ask, don't tell.

I still have my first vehicle from back then, it was a foreign one, you know smaller with a 1/4 horse. It got around pretty good, and it ate less hay and oats then full sized horses. After a few decades, I put rubber on those wooden wheels. Cheers

I was kidding ya man....

Woma? Didn't you forget the "n"? Yup I've heard those things can be expensive both types

So I take it, all this with the Woma was before Morph's came into play with the snakes?

What was the driving force with that purchase? What did you want to do with it?

I don't really mean to bombard you with all these questions...but not many people seem to be responding like you do.

>>I'm sure some of those prices are crazy wish prices...(someone really crazy enough to pay it that is) Who would really admit paying that much for a snake! That would be a very brave individual indeed!
>>
>>FR, what's the most you've ever paid for a snake?

...of dollars on snakes/reptiles over the years (including hognose, boas, balls, bearded dragons, crested geckos, leopard geckos, etc)

I spent $20K on a ball python last year. That's one snake.

I can also tell you LOTS of people buy very pricey snakes every year.

Buying a $20K snake is no different then buying a $20K baseball card or a collector car. People will/do spend money on what they love/enjoy.
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Hognose, Sand Boa & Ball Python Morphs

Greg Bennett | www.hognose.com

Oh I'm sure some people really do! I've seen the ads!

I know most hobbies are expensive...but my point is Wow! You've officially entered "The Brave Ones Club" .....ha!

Would you mind sharing a photo of that 20k snake? Or is it secret?

Out of curiosity how long does it typically take to make your money back on such a snake?

>>Oh I'm sure some people really do! I've seen the ads!
>>
>>I know most hobbies are expensive...but my point is Wow! You've officially entered "The Brave Ones Club" .....ha!
>>
>>Would you mind sharing a photo of that 20k snake? Or is it secret?
>>
>>Out of curiosity how long does it typically take to make your money back on such a snake?

Sure here he is as a baby. It's a pastel banana ball python. He is the most expensive single snake I've ever purchased. I've purchased many reptiles in the $5K-$10K range.

If I'm lucky and his females lay I could make my money back and then some this year. If they don't lay it could be 2-3 years as prices will drop over the years. This same snake cost $8-10K this year. Just 2-3 years ago they were $60K. The idea is when they are $1-2K I can sell 50 of them very easy. The sooner you buy into a project the more risk is involved but you also stand a better chance of making a lot of money.

You don't buy $10K snakes/reptiles if you just do this as a hobby.

I've been buying high-end reptiles since I was 13. At the age of 15 I got my first taxable job at Hardees flipped burgers just so I could buy high-end reptiles. I've never been a fancy car, clothes, etc person but I've always enjoyed owning and breeding high-end reptiles.

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Hognose, Sand Boa & Ball Python Morphs

Greg Bennett | www.hognose.com

I have to say, that's one very cool looking snake! Very nice indeed, thank you for showing it.

Wow 60k, that's alot for a snake indeed.... Most hobbies aren't cheap that's for sure. This one is no exception, so it seems.

When around did this snake morph craze really start to take off? Do you know? I see it spreading though Hog's from what I've been able to find in reading material.

When did you start getting into the Hog's?

>>I have to say, that's one very cool looking snake! Very nice indeed, thank you for showing it.
>>
>>Wow 60k, that's alot for a snake indeed.... Most hobbies aren't cheap that's for sure. This one is no exception, so it seems.
>>
>>When around did this snake morph craze really start to take off? Do you know? I see it spreading though Hog's from what I've been able to find in reading material.
>>
>>When did you start getting into the Hog's?

The reptile morph craze has been around for 10's of years. 15 years ago the big thing was colubrid morphs and even leopard gecko morphs. Bearded Dragons had a good run for some time. The balls started back in the early 90's. I'd say hogs didn't really take off until sometime in the mid 2000's. Maybe sometime around 06 or so when the anaconda hognose morph popped up.

I got my first pair of hognose at the Atlanta Reptile show back in the early 2000's sometime around 01 or 02. Back then hognose were thought of as garbage snakes to the colubrid morph people. My best friend (now brother-in-law) at the time bred highend king and milk snake morphs and he tried to talk me out of buying the hogs. I just loved there look and attitude. I've had hognose ever since then.
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Hognose, Sand Boa & Ball Python Morphs

Greg Bennett | www.hognose.com

Yes, I really like the look of them also. I also like the BP's patterns...I just don't really care for the size and girth.

I guess it's true, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder".

I'm going to have to attend a show or two near me. I've never been to a Reptile show outside of a Zoo.

Does your brother-in-law keep snakes? You ever rib em about it? ha!

>>Yes, I really like the look of them also. I also like the BP's patterns...I just don't really care for the size and girth.
>>
>>I guess it's true, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder".
>>
>>I'm going to have to attend a show or two near me. I've never been to a Reptile show outside of a Zoo.
>>
>>Does your brother-in-law keep snakes? You ever rib em about it? ha!

He got out of snakes a few years back, after he got a big promotion at his work he just didn't have anymore time. He's a corporate ladder guy.
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Hognose, Sand Boa & Ball Python Morphs

Greg Bennett | www.hognose.com

" I guess it's true, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder". "

Exactly! If some can get some ridiculous price for a reduced-patterned Western Hog, so be it. It is all about what you are willing to pay. The hog market, from breeders I do know, does get laughed at though, with the outgrageous prices, so it is not just you that notices this new fetish of hi-pricing.

I would pay $75 to $100 for some of these hogs that are over a grand. That is just me though. It is all about what you yourself think they are worth. Some may think they are worth that much, others may not. It is funny though, most people off of the street would not or could not pay the prices for these " hi end " morphs. It is all purchased from other breeders hoping to " cash-in " on the newest fad/craze. Reminds me a lot of the BP market.
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Genesis 1:1

I've really only starting following BP's and Hog's since March. It pretty much was with a video from Snake Bytes TV...that I just happened to run upon. From there I went to their web-site...I saw the prices on Ball's and just about fell out of my chair!

Now back in the olden days (70's) for me...ha! I remember a couple pet shops in my area...were selling Ball's(norm) for about 39 dollars...RT Boa's just a tad more at 49. A bunch of different colubrid's and so on. From what I remember the Ball's and Rainbow Boa's were the most popular at that time. Affordable! Prices really haven't changed over the years for these guys... But add a bit of color and change the pattern...Wolaaa it's a different world!

I'm not knocking it, I'm just amazed by it.

Is this happening over in Europe also?

Also did King Snakes go though this? I don't really recall all the different patterns I see today on them.

But all and all...I'm with you...I can't see spending a grand for same snake just different color....ha! Still not knocking people that do....I say if you got it, and want it...go for it!

Same here. It is all about what someone thinks something is worth. The most I have ever spent on any snake was $200. Was it rare? Yep, but I just had to have that actual one. I could have cared less about how popular, etc, that morph was.

But yea, even though I find the pricing absolutely ridiculous on some of the hog morphs, if that is what someone is willing to pay, then by all means. What is unfortunate is that it brings about attitudes that are only centered around the love of what supposed money one can make VS. an actual love for the animal itself. Not everyone shows that attitude, but yes, it does exist.

From what I remember, some kings experienced high prices as well. I remember seeing albino Desert phase California kings for $300 around 1994. Now, you can get them for around $40 or so. Albino Ruthveni kings...were $2000 or so at first, now $75 to $100 or so. My all time favorite albino milk, albino Nelsons, $2000 at first, now $50. In fact, I was all set to buy one at a local show in 1999 for $400, early on in the year, and had a gut feeling to wait. Later on, same year, bought a killer one for $200! Pays to wait.

All about what you like, and what you think they are worth. If I had the money, and was buying all of my personal favorite snakes in my collection all over again for a hugely inflated price, it would not be a concern, because that is what I think they are worth.

My 2010 $40 het-albino male hog I got in Daytona 2010:

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Genesis 1:1

Nice hog, looks like a female. Of course its a bad angle of the tail. But kinda looks like a girl. whatever, nice looking animal. Best wishes

Thank you sir! Much appreciated!!

Yeah, he is a male though. Was popped right before I bought him, afterwards as well, but his tail is a " tweener ", looks like either or. Poor guy...HA HA!!!!!
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Genesis 1:1

>>> What is unfortunate is that it brings about attitudes that are only centered around the love of what supposed money one can make VS. an actual love for the animal itself. Not everyone shows that attitude, but yes, it does exist.

Now that's a very nice photo! What did you use on that one?

Yup from what I've been reading, if you want to keep costs down, do it yourself! I'm thinking I'm going to go that route!

You have any offspring from that male yet? Have a site with photos? Would love to see em.....

Thanks man!!

Never bred that male, and have no plans to breed him.

For the pic, I used a Kodak 7.1 mp camera. That camera died earlier this year, so I now have a Canon. I was ticked, as I loved Kodak cameras.

Proof you can have some cool morphs and not shell out a ton. Not hogs but some of my personal faves. Range from anywhere from $50 to $125. Take these over any $1000 plus morphs, any day. Just my opinion :

Albino Sonoran gopher:

Mexican pinesnake, Deppei Jani. This is not a morph, btw:

Applegate San Diego gopher:

Stillwater, OK hypo bullsnake:

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Genesis 1:1

Very nice shots....

Do you handle all of your snakes?

Any stories that you recall funny or what not?

I still have a old dc120, from around 97 or so. It was my first digital camera. I think maybe 1meg-pix and a old Nikon 990 that I still use to this day. Not to mention how many old 35mm slr's....how sad

Thanks!

Yeah, I do handle them, some more than others. All are dog tame.

One funny story I can remember involves my first hog, who lived to be around 16. I come home one night, after being out all day, and he had escaped his aquarium, and just sat there beside the tank, curled up, staring out from the shelves, like he was waiting for me to pick him up..haha!! He did not even crawl a few inches away from his tank.

You have any funny stories?
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Genesis 1:1

Speaking of handling...Do any of your Hog's bite? I mean when not in feed mode? Are they prone to bite you? I've been talking to a couple other people that have Hog's and one wants to get rid of theirs because it bites so often.

As for stories, the one that stands out for me is...I'm at a park with a few friends...with my 6ft boa, most people just like to watch and maybe touch a bit. There was this young girl that was very adamant that's she's handled snakes before and wasn't afraid to hold him...he was puppy tame btw. I was a bit hesitant, but she was insistent on holding him. So she was doing great, he wasn't moving much and everything was fine...she started to hand him back to me and he must had sensed a falling sensation...because all of a sudden his tail wrapped around her leg and started to grip/constrict not really bad or anything but enough that she didn't like it one bit! His tail was moving up her to her lady parts rather fast....Well lets just say it was a bit awkward...having to remove a snake from 16yr old, with me being 20. I don't know who was more embarrassed, my face was beat red, she was none to happy either! She wasn't scared, but I think she was a bit startled by how fast he gripped her and maybe where he was holding on...ha!

I didn't take Hercules on any park trips after that. Just the backyard and house. I have many more stories....but that's the one I will never forget! It didn't help matters, that my GF at the time was laughing her arse off at me...just glad there were no cell phones or youtube back then...

HA HA!!!!!!!!!! That story is superb my friend. I about spit my drink all over the console!!!

I only have my one male hog, which is my second hog I have ever owned. Never bites and loves being handled. None of my other snakes bite either.
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Genesis 1:1

Well funny now...maybe sorta....but at the time...no way! It pretty much scared the hell out of me!

Well glad to hear your Hog doesn't bite. I wonder if it's a case of not being handled enough or maybe handling when hungry or something.

Anyone else have a biting Hog?

I've been watching some youtube vid's and there is one (which I can't find now) where this young Hog is chasing a finger around a table top...duno if it was in feed mode or what...but it was really going after the finger....I'll keep looking for it.

Back away from Utube, That's the problem with those kinds of things. Hogs are not biters, defensively. Hogs do like food.

Like most animals, hogs are very trainable, or better yet, easy to teach successful repeatable behaviors. So yes, you can condition a hog to bite you, chase your finger. But to bite for biting sake, pretty rare.

AS you should know, anything can bite is it has a mouth. That said, you pretty much have to stick your finger in their mouths, They are just not good at it, even grabbing prey.

In the field, I have never had one attempt to bite. IF anything, they go stupid(play dead) I don't call it playing dead, because its not playing dead. In all reality its playing stupid or smart, Blood, crap, junk of all matter, weird fluids, all coming out of a snake flipping around and around. Hmmmmmmmmmmm not playing dead.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPDfaFr9VYY

I watched your video FR...nice!

This one you can really see feed mode in full gear..
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pjv_MnusNY

This little one is a hiss'er..
www.youtube.com/watch?v=20UOPpTj4Ws

I still can't find the one where it's chasing the finger around...I'm sure it was in feed-mode though, it was really going after it....I'm glad people take the time to post some of them, although feeding vid's get old fast.

I'd like to see some vid's with people doing stupid pet tricks with em

.
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You ever talk to me like that again...and I'll turn your balls into earrings. Understand?

Go for it.

.
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Genesis 1:1

The morph fan started with Bechtels albino corns. Althought, they did not sell for much more then normal.

Then I produced albino kings and I asked $300 and would not budge. At that time, mid seventies, that was a lot of money. I produced all cal king phases in albino. It started with Stripers, then I produced banded, coastal and desert of both phases, Newporters, etc.

That was the insane beginning. There was a buyer/seller, named John Ruiz, he bought animals and controlled the market. That was the beginning of all of this.

From there it went into all the Mexicana types, then morphs, etc. At one point in the late seventies, I had seven species of albinos. So on and so forth.

Once value was established, many types of reptiles made great investments. Back then, world first breedings where benefitual. As well as morphs.
Now there are very few snake species that are not captive bred, so morphs raise the value.

The world of varanids and lizards, is still wide open to species with value and morphs.

Also, don't forget the value of Bob M of sandfire dragon ranch. He pioneered the world of lizards which led to ME being able to fill hundreds of existing cages with varanids.

Ball pythons and hogs, were late in the game, but are doing great. So whats next?

Also how close do you speculate someone is in getting a "pastel banana" in a Hog? Is it even possible?

Greg...baseball cards cant have babies that you can sell.
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Greg Jackson

>>Greg...baseball cards cant have babies that you can sell.
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>>Greg Jackson

True that Greg. For some reason that was the first collector hobby that popped in my head. I guess I should have said breeding horses, cows, chickens or even pigeons. I have a really good friend that breeds pigeons. People think we are crazy but pigeon people are insane. They spend insane amounts on pigeons. They have races with them. He'll ship a pigeon to a place then they let them all go and the first one home wins or some crap. I don't really get it but he says the same thing with the snake hobby. LOL!
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Hognose, Sand Boa & Ball Python Morphs

Greg Bennett | www.hognose.com

Hog races, that's the ticket. When and where and whats the reward?

>>Hog races, that's the ticket. When and where and whats the reward?

Everyone head to Franks place for the first annual Western Hog 500.
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Hognose, Sand Boa & Ball Python Morphs

Greg Bennett | www.hognose.com

Where I will unveil my new hog morph, THE TURBOHOG

"""Quality """

captive bred ,and the breeders own blood line is what you pay for .......
and most breeder feel if you have to ask complain about prices
then don't bother
and hogs might not be your cup of tea....