Reptile & Amphibian Forums

And Temprament? Thanks.

I had a pair that I got from Steve Fowler a few years back (2001). Nice attitudes, especially for Bullsnakes, BUT unfortunately I got 2 nice, very sick snakes from Fowler and after spending $287.75 in vet bills, they died in 2002.

Kerby...

Bob,
I don't know the history but I can speak to temperment, at least of mine. My pair are both real flighty, always ready to take off. Once I get a hold on them they act more like a racer, always moving. If I hesitate going in I get tagged every time. But hey, that's what I love in Pits--ATTITUDE!!!!! They are also very much aware of my presence in the snake room, constantly watching me and following my motions. I don't know if mine are typical or not. That's my $.02.

Pat

np

Are they checking you out in the snake room for signs of you offering food or do you think it's curiousity at what you are doing in general?

Hey Bob,
I would really like to think it's curiosity. They will watch even after being so full that they refuse food. But it probably has to do with anticipation of a feeding. They are just a year old and already 33-36" long. They are going to be a real giggle to hold when they are 5-6'!!!! Are you thinking of getting some???

Pat G-C

Technically I'm downsizing. Got rid of everything except my colony of Black Milks. Haven't kept any Pits for a very long time.I find my self wrestling with the idea of going for some. Thanks.

Bob, you are so right about them being very aware of my presence. My female is pretty nice overall, that is once I pick her up. LOL!!! Her feeding response is very strong.

Scott Robinson

HI Bob
My Axanthics are my favorite Bulls I have . These are most aggressive feeders I have ever owned , they eat every thing I put in there cages and then allways want more . They do nip when opening the cage but once I pic them up they are totally claim .
take about fast growing snakes too, at least mine where .
And like Pats said they are very alert and watch me walk around in the room

Jason

My curiousity is certainly piqued. thanks

One more thing Bob,
My wife is less than excited about my hobby and she absolutely hates Pits and loves Corns!!! So to keep my sanity and compromise I got rid of some of the nicest Pits around. I only kept my absolute favorites: Two pairs of Sonoran Gophers from Jason and Gregg, 2 pairs of Stillwater Hypos from Ronda and Jonel, and my pair of Miami County Bulls from John Cherry. She's happy! I'm so, so!!! But the Miamis are awesome!!!!

Pat

Thanks Pat,

Theres something special about the soft browns on the plain old Sonoran gophers and those Golden Hypo, I guess Stillwater Bulls,look amazing. I'm struck by how much the Miami countys look like a rattlesnake. Also those "Monster Bulls" sound appealing.

Just not sure I am up for feisty snakes anymore as well as more animals. I am struck about everyone saying Pits smell bad. I don't remeber them smelling any worse than any other colubrids I was keeping when I had them a long time ago.

Oh well. Thanks for your time.

Bob.

Whoa Bob!!!! There's nothin' plain about Jason (Envy Reptiles) or Gregg's (from Envy stock) Sonorans. I have Triple Het Hypos and a Hybino male. They can throw hypos, ghosts, blizzards and hybino. Scroll down and you can see a typical clutch from Tom Stevens. But I do agree that even a plain old Sonoran is an awesome snake. Sonorans are my favorite Pits. Looks, attitude and all at a reasonable size--the perfect Pit!!! Go to Jason's site or to Gregg's (Gregg's Reptile Basement) and you can see some awesome photos of all kinds of different Pits. Of course that will make your choice more difficult!!! Good luck!!!

Pat

Thanks Pat,

Wasn't trying to insult. Just pointing out the subtle beauty of the non-fancy non anything Sonoran. I appreciate the input.
Bob.

Not to worry Bob!!! I'm not sure I can be insulted--too fat, dumb and stupid I suppose!!!LOL But you bring up something I have been thinking about lately.. It is humerous to me how people get so excited about the newest morph. On one hand you have the kind of excitement that is expressed when one sees a form/locale specimen/morph and the particular snake is liked for its own value. For instance, give me the choice of "a plain old Sonoran" and a high dollar Honduran Milk, I'll take the Sonoran everytime. Somebody who is into Hondurans will go with Honduran. In both cases money is not the thing. And that's OK. On the other hand what really tickles me is what happens when dollar signs are seen along with or in front of the snake. I like Ball Pythons. I have been lurking around the Ball Python forum for a few days and it's wild over there. I know some day I'll own Ball Pythons again. Will I spend Thousands for one??? Will I worry about how the market will stay/go/whatever???? Those are not happening things for me. I respect and celebrate the actions of those keepers who are trying to make a living at breeding and selling high end stuff. I feel sorry for those who are trying "get rich quick schemes". Personally I can't take the pressure. So I'll stay with my favorites, the Pits, because they are awesome no matter what they cost!!!

Pat

Same here. I realize Gaigeae are old news, but I love the laid back easy going demeanor of the adults, their ease of maintenance and stunning black glossiness that shimmers in the light.

That being said though I am drawn to some of the Pits lately for the challenge perhaps? It is nice now to have fewer animals. I guess I better be careful.

Another appeal about the Pits is that like the Indigo Forum there seems to be a lot of nice folks like you over here that just enjoy the animals and like to talk about their snakes without huge personality clashes like the kingsnake Forum. That gets real old and for me takes away from the joy of the hobby.

Always appreciate your time/info. Hope to meet you one day.

Bob.

Pat,

I clearly hear what you are saying in regards to having snakes that you like and then having snakes for the current trend or money making venture.

There is nothing wrong with making money selling them but if someone owns snakes and the snakes are only there for the pure monetary aspect, then the beauty of owning snakes went over their heads. The ones that are always on the go, never keeping anything for long only to get into the latest craze on the newest morph.....they treat it like a drug or fad. It is not about that. To me,..it is about liking what really sticks out to you, no matter what the cost.

Pits are what changed my snake hobby. They struck a chord in me like never before. I bred kings, corns, and milks but seeing and holding this beyond incredible Applegate Gopher at a show I was selling at back in like 97 I think, that was a life changing experience.

My all time faves are northern pines. I have 6 black and whites that differ from each other and to me, I feel like I have it all.

On a side note..you guys keep talking about pit attitudes and all....I only have one that gives me any grief. The rest are sweethearts.

Take care! Good post bro!

Billy
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Genesis 1:1

Hello Bob,
I really like my Miami Co axanthics, in fact they are the only pair of bulls i kept when downsizing a while back. I now have a patternless one with the Miami genes in it and picked up a pair of normals double het for true snow from Josh Martin recently. I agree with everyone else that posted, mine are always watching me and always hungry. My female is close to if not over 5.5 or more feet, I will try to get a new picture of her soon to post. As for temperament, my pair are both flighty most of the time and don't hesitate too much to bite. But after they are out for a little while they usually settle down.

I hope you end up picking some up, they are great snakes to work with. Have a good one,

Gregg F.

>>And Temprament? Thanks.
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Gregg F.

www.greggsrb.com

Thank You guys for taking the time to give me your info. Look forward to seeing a pic maybe.

Bob.