Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I realize this may bother some people. I apologize in advance. Also, I realize I will probably get flamed for this question, and I am ready to accept that. I'm curious enough about this to put up with being flamed.

So, the question is, why are people paying $1,000 for ball morphs that really don't look much different from normal, average, everyday balls? I mean, I understand morphs. I love them, and there are all types of morphs that are beautiful, but some of the ball morphs like this five thousand dollar specimen http://market.kingsnake.com/image/349400.jpg look pretty much the same as the $50 normal at Petco.

Are ball morphs new-ish and/or uncommon, and it's scarcity that drives the prices up? Or are some of the less dramatic morphs intergral components in the BIG money morphs like this $10,000 one http://market.kingsnake.com/image/335674.jpg (I can definitely see the big diff. in this one), so in effect they're being sold for what they could help to make?

Most likely the ones you are seeing are "hets" meaning they look normal but that they carry genes for one of the "morphs". IE the first picture is of a yellowbelly (if I remember the ad correctly), which when bred to another yellowbelly they will produce a lucy (all white snake). Hope this straightens things out for you.
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Tosha

"Of course, this is just my opinion...and I believe I am God." -- Christopher Bianco

6.24.0 Ball Python (Harry and Fluffy and gang)
1.0.0 Angolan Python (Skywalker)
0.0.1 Green Tree Python
0.2.0 Feline (Pippen and Pandora)
0.0.1 Dessert Tortoise (Pope John Paul)
2.2.1 Fish (1,2,3,4)
0.0.0 Pool skimmer rescues for this season

The market simply calls for the prices you see. Basic supply and demand principles perfectly apply.

Sometimes even thought the animal doesn't look much diiferent it may have the potential for producing something awesome when combined with another snake.

The ball market is fun and exciting. many new creations and it's only the tip of the iceberg. Spend the money and jump in to the fun.....
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Jim Perron
Python Passion Reptiles
pythonpassion@hotmail.com
www.pythonpassionreptiles.com

And no your not going to get hammered for asking the question. It has been asked many times....but it's a legitimate question. If I came in from the outside my eye balls would pop a little.

I remember the first time I saw what some of these animals were selling for....I was shocked. My second thought was...deal me in.
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Jim Perron
Python Passion Reptiles
pythonpassion@hotmail.com
www.pythonpassionreptiles.com

Thanks for the info. I appreciate it.