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I've read only a few posts about stolen snakes, so I'm wondering how common theivery is in the Ball Python breeding trade. Is there some underground black market Ball Python ring, or are the theives simple, common folk who think Ball Pythons would make an interesting heist?
Just curious as to whether I need to MacGyver some kind of snake alarm.
Chris
I don't know how common it really is. Some people go public some people keep it quiet.
I know I made a huge mistake not having an alarm w/ cameras. I will never make that mistake again! I don't know if that would have really helped but I know it wouldn't have hurt. Now we are well set, cameras, alarms and other stuff I am not going to talk about. 
If anything good comes of all this I hope it will be a wake up call for other breeders. I think that most people have poor security. I have talked to many, many breeders who had little or no security until this theft.
If you are not set up yet... do it! I really don't want to see this happen to anyone else.
When you discuss cameras and alarms, do you mean for a retail business or for your home. I'm not sure I can afford such a complex home security system.
Chris
My balls are kept at my home in my room. We have a gated community with security as well as a home alarm system. Besides getting past all that I'm not a heavy sleeper. Anyways good to hear you got all of your animals back. Where there is money involved there will always be those that want to get in "free" to say. There will always be a black market! To bad there is no way to shut down rings like this!
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John Light
Pristine Pythons
ristinePythons@Hotmail.com" target="_blank">Contact Me
I just have to say that this is pathetic how people would need to worry about alarms. Show tables should be able to openly display animals without the fear of them being swipped off the table when they turn their back. i know some shows it is like you need an ali to watch your table with you. This is a hobby we share and stealing from each other is pathetic (scammers on classifieds apply as well). I remember being in indy and someone took a bearded dragon off someones table. it is maybe a $20 steal but thats not the point. that animal was recovered but the sad thing is other vendors reported the same guy doing it. Once brian was informed the guy had left. This creates tension within the hobby we should all be supporting with each other. I know I do not like to lock up animals unless they are something it would be unsafe for hands to touch. I think people should feel comfortable looking at animals without having the worry of a vendor accusing them of stealing. I know I do not look for theft, as I don't expect it. This is nothing new but I just wanted to vent about it.
.
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John Light
Pristine Pythons
ristinePythons@Hotmail.com" target="_blank">Contact Me
I saw get the high end snakes micro chipped so if something does happen you can at least trace the snake. Being a light sleeper is fine, but what happens when you aren't even home which for most people is more often than the time spent at home.
better to be safe than sorry
Great idea! How much does micro-chipping cost? Where would I get it done?
Chris
my vet does the micro chipping it is the same that they use for dogs and cats. I think it is $49 to see the doctor to have it put in(normal vet visit cost) and around $12 to register the chip. This is Los Angeles prices so it might be cheaper else where.
Wow, i guess i am getting offered a DEAL then.
A herp shop local to me only wants $15 apiece to do it.
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3.12 Ball Pythons
0.1 Viper Boa
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Looking for 0.2 Phelsuma madagascariensis madagascariensis
I dont worry too much...
He sleeps with my ball pythons
this is obviously a joke but I tell people to NEVER go in my room because they have no idea what may be new. But this is another issue that is killing the hobby. People are dumb enough to keep hots like they would a ball python. And stuff happens. I wantched national geographics "natures horros: snakebite" last night and it was not pro snake keeping let me say that. Likely to do with Ohio. I also learned about rattlesnake roundups. WOW. I had no idea that many people were heartless to them. that is a sick festival.
Definitely need security. I use cameras and silent alarms on windows and doors that are wired to police. Home security now days is more affordable then the old days. Look into it!
Jason and Hillary
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J & H Reptiles
www.jhreptiles.homestead.com
Not a substitute for good preventative methods but I'm wondering of genetic testing could someday be an additional theft deterrent.
Currently individual snakes can have an id chip implanted which could identify them later if the thief tries to sell that snake. However, a thief could just keep the valuable morphs and breed them and sell the descendents later after they are more common without drawing too much attention.
However, there are currently genetic tests (paternity etc.) available for most domestic animals. If anyone has a genetic lab connection try to talk them into developing a commercial paternity test for snakes. You could start keeping an offsite catalog of shed skins now with the idea that some day if your snakes are stolen and you identify some suspected offspring a test could be done to confirm if your stolen animal is a parent and if confirmed would probably be enough to justify a search warrant (or perhaps even get a conviction on it’s own). A ball python paternity test could also be an added assurance when selling high dollar hets and would allow use of multiple recessive males in multi paternity clutches.
He's the head of my security crew!!
Another member of the crew.
And another member of the crew, and the only female. The whole crew consists of a 4.1 pitbulls!!
This is a BAD picture of me at my LARGEST
These are my rat terriers, but an OLD picture, the male red and white is now DOUBLE that size right around 19lbs.
The female is around 14lbs.
Holly and Camron, Holly is super shy, always has been, Camron is a nut, he was the largest male in the litter when we purchased him.
He is so ballsy in plain english, goes after everone. He is actually starting to bite which worries me. I've always had female dogs even prior to Holly, Camron is a hand full.
LOL thats what I am talking about...... no one comes into my house without my main man letting me know...
He was still a pup in this pic
I can't resist! All these great dog photos...
There's nothing like having a Doberman as a guard dog!
It's too bad we don't live during the times when you could leave your door unlocked and didn't have to worry. Knowing your neighbors is actually a wonderful security feature. If they see someone they don't know around your house, they can alert you or call the police. We are lucky to have great neighbors on our street.
Hillary Webb
I really have to say...I feel pretty at ease leaving the doors unlocked. LOL!
I am a huge fan of APBTs and Hillary, you have a very nice Dobie there (they don't make many like that anymore!). For anyone interested, the dog pictured is a Belgian Malinois (and SHE was only 10 months old when this picture was taken).
>>I can't resist! All these great dog photos...
>>There's nothing like having a Doberman as a guard dog!
>>
>>
>>It's too bad we don't live during the times when you could leave your door unlocked and didn't have to worry. Knowing your neighbors is actually a wonderful security feature. If they see someone they don't know around your house, they can alert you or call the police. We are lucky to have great neighbors on our street.
>>
>>Hillary Webb
Trespassers will be fed off. 
Enjoy!
K & K
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www.newenglandreptile.com
The Most Extensive Collection of Ball Python Mutations in Captivity
Here's my home security
Lol!
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-Lauren
Howdy, I could not help but post a little bit of help in people looking for security systems. You can as mentioned earlier get a security system fairly cheap nowadays, something like $99.00 for door and motion sensors with a small monthly fee for monitor service. In addition to this you can get small time-lapse (security) cameras online fairly cheap as well. Try direct websites for security and eBay as well. Another option as far as cameras go, is you can set up a security camera to a network and record on a computer as well as access from the internet anywhere in the world. There are MANY, MANY inexpensive choices available, and you really have to consider that protecting your investment is more important than investing more without protection. As far as the various "security crews" pictured remember this, poison does not affect hardware. The most important thing a dog is able to do is to bark, which is more a preventative measure, and can be duplicated via electronic means. This is all just my opinions, please do your own research and plan appropriately..... Matt
I currently own around 50 snakes ranging from completely normal cheap snakes to some striped albino applegate gophers of which their are currently three people who have them. For my security I have a hot cage directly in my foyer when you walk in my door. Usually keeps anyone who doesn't know me from trying to come in. Also I have an alligator that is left free in the main hallways (I shut off the bedrooms, snake room, etc.) and I have a very inexpensive BB gun that looks like a real handgun and is completely legal for me to carry in a hip holster when I set up a stand somewhere. It will deter just about anyone if they think they're risking they're life. And just in case the real handgun is loaded in a locked drawer and has a trigger lock (gun safety is too important to take for granted). So if you are high risk for theft then maybe a security system is for you but I think for smaller breeders and dealers try just carrying around a cheap BB gun. Its worked for me and my friend who gave me the idea for over 20 years put together. Thanks Sera
Here is my Guard Dog
And no, that is not the wrong pic, that is a dog and not a big rat He will do some serious damage to your ankles, and can jump waist high with easeguys:can you say wear a cup
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