Clutch 26: My baby making babies!

I have been in the business for a while now, but it always takes the cake when a baby holdback that you produced produces more babies for you.

This gal is one of those. This isn't her first clutch, but she is one of my Black Pastel females that I have always loved. So she gets credit for being awesome again. 

She was bred to an awesome male to make some awesome combinations, so we shall see what happens with this five egg clutch. 

Black Pastel x Pastel x Mojaves should be kick ass.

Lets hope for a female to hold back so that in two more years I can fawn over that female too.

The incubator is completely full again, although Clutch #3 is pipping, and it looks like the Het TSK Axanthic actually is 100% het! Looks like three Axanthics out of eight eggs... Not too great, but not too shabby. At least I know she is legit!

Hopefully I will have some pictures to share soon.

Until then, I am going thru the collection and will be doing a "cleanse" of sorts. I have no more space, and this means other people may win out with some awesome animals.

We shall see...

Have a great day, my friends!

Clutch 25: Crystals

 Clutch 25 is on the ground, and it is from my largest female Mojave. She is a fantastic animal, and gave me good eggs last year as well.

This year was no exception. 

Seven good eggs from her to a Special male.

So I can hopefully look forward to more Crystals in two months. Fingers crossed.

Seven crooked eggs that I can't seem to right up with this blog program. I'm sorry.

Don't strain your neck. 

Speaking of more Crystals, I have to say that the more I look around at pictures of the hatchling Mystic Potions, I am pretty darned sure that the "Crystal" that is darker is really just a darker Crystal. It's interesting the differences in color between the two siblings.

I can't wait to take some pictures of them after they shed. Should be interesting to see them together.

So there you go, my friends. The next clutch due to hatch is due the end of the week or so, so lets see what happens with that.

Have a great day!

Clutches 23, 24 and the WORST MOTHER EVER

YAY FOR MORE EGGS!

This gal is a Het Hypo I picked up last year from a friend, and had a hard time getting her to eat. Luckily for me, she is a older female, and didn't have too bad of a time breeding.

Het Hypo of course was bred to my Pee-Oh-Gee, so this clutch should be a bunch more fantastic POGs. 

Seven eggs! Not too shabby!

But then I went thru and checked a few other females, and look what I saw when I opened up the tub?

Worst mother EVER.

Wasn't even coiled around them. She was a first time breeder, so I can't give her too much grief, but at least keep them SAFE! Oh well...

Three good eggs and two slugs to help prove her out. I hope she is a Het Caramel, but we will see.

So after that shock, I went thru the babies. You know how much I love silly sheddings, so I caught the Pewterbee looking ridiculously cute with his shed, and I had to take a picture. 

Awwwwwww....

How cute is he?

Anyway, we are at almost full capacity in the main incubators again, so I may have to go set up the extra one soon. We will see. 

Have a great day, my friends!

Clutch #22 and babies!

Clutch #22 is on the ground, and I am a little annoyed with this one. This Spider girl is the one that gave me eggs last season and all went bad from my Queenbee clutch. 

She gave me five good eggs this season, but not without making the tub absolutely disgusting and laying in her own waste. And of course the eggs are in the waste as well. 

I got them pretty quickly, I think, so here we are. 

And I also have no idea what the heck are in these eggs. 

I bred this female thoughtlessly. 

She was a female that I was debating about giving a year off, so I never wrote on the tub what I put in with her. 

AT ALL.

So of all the Mystery clutches I have, this one is the biggest mystery.

 These eggs better survive...

You can kind of see where they were in liquids?

Yeah.. Not happy about that. 

Anyway, here is clutch #1 shed out!

Again, we had 1.1 Pastels, 1.1 Super Pastels, 1.0 Super Pastel Lesser.

They look good, eh?

I will be putting them up on the available page soon.

And Clutch #2 has completely hatched out.

I am not going to call what they all are, because I do want to make sure I'm sure. Shedding is required for this clutch, so that I don't mistake things for other things.

But I did get two female Crystal Thingies, 1.1 Mojaves and 2.0 Thingies.

The reason why I am not calling both of them Crystals (the pink one I am sure of) is because of the color... The one on the right is just much darker and I'm not sure how it will turn out after it sheds. I am hoping its a Mystic Potion, but I'm not completely convinced. And since this is my first hatching of the morph, I am not 100% sure.

The same is being said of the normal looking animals. So I will wait and call them when they hatch out for now. Caution is important for morphs like this.

What do you guys think?

Have a great day, my friends!

Out early...

Well, one of the Crystals is out. 

And out early. It has an umbilicus still hanging, but I don't expect it to be a problem. 

And guess what? 

With all that pink, it's a GIRL!

I hope the other one comes out with Penes, but we shall see...

Most of the clutch is still tucked in the egg with no movement, but two heads have been peering out, and they look like Mojaves. 

Fingers crossed that after this weekend I will have something more to share about the clutch than just this gal!

And of course, the first clutch to hatch is taking its sweet time to shed. So I took a picture of the jumble just for the heck of it. 

They should also be shed by Monday.

So Monday will be the day to see what is really going on, my friends. I expect another clutch or two of eggs as well, I think. 

Should be a good day.

Can't wait to see what more is going to pop out!

Come on, eggs... Really. I'm tired of waiting. 

Let's get going with some live action!

Clutch #21 and Clutch #2 pipping!

I am ashamed to say that I forgot to post up Clutch #21 on the blog. 

I've had Clutch 21 on the ground for several days, since Friday, to be exact.

I even caught the female laying! 

I had these photos, posted them up on the website, and went to the show... and forgot to write about it. 

WHOOPS!

This Black Pastel female is my original female that I had from the beginning, and she never bred for me until this season. I bought a 1.1 pair back in 2006 and this female was part of that group. She grew up but never big enough for me to want to put her in rotation. Until this season. 

So I caught her in the act, and was cheering her on. 

Four eggs is not too bad. She should have given me a few more considering her age, but I will get her up and running again for next year and see what happens.

Four gorgeous eggs! They are pretty large. I am excited to see what I can get out of this. 

Firefly is the Daddy, so Pewter Fires will be a great option! Fingers crossed. 

And clutch #2 is pipping, just with one head. Looks like the Special was the Daddy on this one. 

Fingers crossed for a few more heads in the next few days!

I did cut them, and there looks like there is another egg with a Crystal in it, but it's not moving (neither are any of the others), and that always gets me nervous. 

KNOCK ON WOOD.

Here's to some healthy alive babies in the next few days. 

Have a great day, my friends!

New and up and coming

It's interesting to see what projects some people are working on.

Things that I would have never considered doing in terms of combinations keep popping up with really interesting results.

Especially with the less popular things, such as the Spotnose, Vanilla or the Sable. Things that most hobbiests do not really take seriously have come out with amazing combinations!

I am floored by the amount of morph combinations that can be done, much less that of what has already been achieved, and what they look like.

I know also that there are plenty of morphs that have been produced once or twice that I have yet to see myself... The forums are a great tool, but there are many other things happening behind the scenes that people may not be aware of.

Shows help expose things like that, but of course, there are still those other breeders that don't do shows, don't do forums or internet things, and manage to produce amazing animals.

But of course, there are those that do, and the things that come out of the woodwork is very interesting to say the least.

And it does stoke the coals for people to do the same projects as well.

Case in point: The Axanthic Killerbee.

This morph was produced by NERD several years ago and when it did, everyone loved it. I know many many breeders, including myself, that are working to produce their own Axanthic Killerbee.

Now what I want to know is, what is the next big amazing project to be done? What inflames the masses to want to produce a specific morph and therefore assist the market in the production of said morph?

I would love to know.

But of course this is based upon people going on the forums, sharing their projects and so forth and so on...

It's an interesting situation really.

I know many people trying for the Vanilla Creme (Vanilla x Fire), the Killer Queenbee (Pastel x Pastel x Lesser x Spider), the Super Stripe (Spector x Yellowbelly), the Pastel Calider (Pastel x Spider x Calico) and many other really amazing morphs that once you take a look at them you go "WOW".

So again, what is the WOW morph now a days? What do you think will be the next WOW?

I'm intrigued and looking forward to those morphs to pop their heads out soon.

What do you think?

Have a great day, my friends!

Clearing out

Every year, I look over the collection and I try and see what would be safe to move on to a new home versus keeping and breeding for another year.

Today was one of those days.

It's especially hard for me, because every snake I own has a story... Every single one, be it that I produced it, or that I got it from so-and-so back in 2005 and did this to get the animal back to health or something like that.

Of course, this does not bode well for my sanity in terms of the animals I keep. I have plenty of animals, and sometimes do not feel I have enough time to take care of them all. But of course, I do it anyway, sleep deprived or no.

But this time of year, when the babies hatch and the younger animals get bigger, I stop and think, like most other breeders do, what should I do to make this colony more efficient.

Some people say get rid of all of your normal females...
Some people say get rid of your single co-dom males...
Some people say just get triple co-doms and raise them up....

All of these people saying all of these things.

Who to listen to?

Yourself.

Think about what YOU want, what YOU want to achieve. Think about the animals in your care and those you care about the most. Think about the animals and what you think is best for them.

That is my suggestion to those of you out there struggling with the same burden as I carry year after year.

Granted, my suggestions are not easy ones to follow.

I am still not sure what I want to do with what I have.

Should I move out a proven breeder male without the known guarantee of a replacement younger not proven male?

Should I move out my normals, some of which produce 10+ egg clutches, just because they do not produce morphs right off the bat?

What will happen if I do move out proven breeders, and those that are there to replace them do not produce as well as those that were sold? 

Yes, I still struggle with this, mostly because I care a lot. A LOT. I don't like knowing that these animals that have been with me for years could be run into the ground, or maybe even mistreated and abused.

It's a hard pill to swallow once an animal is out of my care... But I like to believe that this is a rare case, something that doesn't happen often. I like to believe in my fellow man, and of course, those of you out there that care enough to scour the internet for more information about the awesomeness that is the Ball Python.

So, I ponder, and think about the possibilities and opportunities that abound.

What I do know is that things will be up for sale. Things will be moved... But who? What morphs? I'm still not sure... 

What to do, my friends? What to do....

San Diego Reptile Super Show

I had a great time visiting at the San Diego Super Show this weekend. We only went on Saturday, and it was great to see the people that we did!

Of course, I wasn't vending, it was just a social call. I wasn't even there to do any business other than to make an appearance and see some old friends, so it was a great and relaxing time. 

Spent a lot of time talking, but I did bring my camera, and I did take some pictures. 

Here are a few morphs that were at the show that you don't normally see.

 

I really thought this would be more dramatic, but maybe its just not this one. This is a Mojave Calico. 

This one you may have seen around, the Bumblebee Calico. I really like this combination, and I'm pretty sure a lot of other people do too. 

This here is a bad picture of a Pastel Banana. I really love the Banana stuff, but I can't get into the projects just yet. Maybe soon. I can absolutely drool, however. 

This gal was a Killer Queen Bee. I really love how the colors looked on this one. 

Genetics are Pastel x Pastel x Lesser x Spider.

Some Phantom Potions, perhaps?

And the Killer Clown. I LOVE this guy... Really. One of these days soon.

My Clown needs to man up...

The True Ghost, the Hypo Axanthic. Cool idea for a morph, great looking animal. 

And of course, the Tri-Stripe. 

I like it.

Newest Recessive project in the morph world, so far. Would be cool mixed in with stuff... I hope to see some of that stuff soon. 

So there it is. Again, most of my time was spent blah-blah-blah-ing, so unfortunately, this is all I really took pictures of. 

I had a great time, and the next local show is coming up in August, which I may be vending at if the eggs hatch in time.

So there you go. Happy belated Father's Day to all you fathers out there!

Have a great day, my friends!

Los Angeles has hiking?

Why yes, yes it does. Joel and I had a day off together, and we went hiking in the Angeles National Forest area. Normally when you think Los Angeles, you don't think mountains and hiking, but it does exist, and I brought my camera to prove it.

This area was shut down for more than eight years because of a fire that took place and destroyed the ecosystem, as well as a road closure due to weather and flood issues.  So when it reopened a few months ago, we decided to take a look.

It is rather barren, but I think in a way, it really is beautiful. 

Nature recovering. How much more natural is that?

Here we are overlooking the Los Angeles area, but the area in question is covered by clouds and smog. So really, you can't see that you are in Los Angeles.

And I'm okay with that.

And we brought our trusty steeds... 

Actually, one not so trustworthy. Kona was NOT interested in going over that log. At all...

It took much coaxing and several minutes before she decided it was worthwhile.

We saw some cool wildlife, including this California something something lizard (I have no idea what it was, but it wasn't your typical fence lizard). This guy had no fear, as after I took the photo, we walked right past him and he didn't even budge. Yeah, he watched us with his beady little eyes, but he didn't run away like most of the others did. 

I shall dub him "Ballzy"

Hey look, a deer butt. 

Stupid thing started running away as soon as I took out my camera.

A few other overlooking the area shots...

Some burnt up Manzanita trees that looked like fingers... 

I liked the artistic way it looked.

More overlooks. Yes, we were climbing that mountain, and yes, I wanted to take a few breaks.. So what better excuse than to take some pictures, right?

And although I saw many small wildflowers, this one just caught my eye.

Not the prettiest flower in the world, but pretty none the less.

So I got home, sunburnt and tired, and looked in the snake room. 

Nothing is happening. Booo.

So that is why these photos are here. 

Hope you enjoyed them!

Have a great day, my friends!

Clutch #1 OUT!

First clutch of the season is out and about, my friends.

I am rather excited about it, if I do say so myself.

I really am enjoying seeing the tiny babies hatch out.

This clutch was the Pastel Lesser x Pastel pairing, and the results were not unexpected, per se, but the Lesser portion of the genetics was rather lacking...

Here is the outcome:

1.1 Pastels
1.1 Super Pastels
1.0 Super Pastel Lesser

This guy, who I was hoping was going to be a gal, is absolutely smoking! He is gorgeous, and similar in pattern to his older brother, who I have here to be a future breeder for next season.

Again, a group picture. The background isn't that great, and the colors aren't the best, but hey. It's a group picture!

 The Supers together...

And the Super Pastel Lesser alone in all his glory. 

He should be a great looking animal, like his older brother.

Isn't that the weirdest thing? These guys only have a year difference between them. The color change is staggering, but especially right out of the egg until now. Maybe we will do another color comparison after the first shed.

With joy comes sadness as well. My beloved Bobo, the white dumbo rat that I have had for many years passed away last night of old age. He was a good breeder and a good pet. Rest in Peace, my friend.

So with that, we have a great few days of nothing exciting happening quite yet, as the next clutch to hatch is due at the end of the month.

Have a great day, my friends!

Auctions

I have a Facebook page.

Yeah, I'm hip. I'm with it...

And on that Facebook page, I plan on doing a few auctions.

However, I will also be rewarding those that read the blog as well with a few special treats depending on the ideas that I can come up with.

The link to my Facebook page is here:


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Heathers-Herps/299969361494

I suggest that if you enjoy my work, that you go like that page so that you can participate in the auctions.

Note: They are solely for donations to USARK. None of this will be going into my own pockets.

While things are pipping and things are not quite happening super fast, I thought this would be a good way to get things going and people's blood flowing for the season of awesomeness that is to come.

So get ready, folks. It's going to be a fun ride.

AND YAY FOR THE FIRST HATCHLING OF THE SEASON!!!

It's a Pastel Male... I can take it!

Have a great day!

Clutches 18, 19, and 20

 Before I begin:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOEL!

Okay.. I'm done.

Oh boy! Well, I got back in late Sunday night, so I didn't really do much but prep some shipments and get myself a bit of rest.

So on Monday, I went thru to check on everyone, and lo and behold, MORE CLUTCHES had been laid. Some of these I wasn't even prepared for (meaning I didn't expect them to lay). 

Lets begin with Clutch #18.

This is my Pastel female bred to my Lemonblast male. I have yet to produce anything Killerblast, so this clutch will be fun to see what pops out!

Six eggs! They look great, and I can't wait to see what they hold. Here's to some Killerblasts.

For those of you who follow the blog over the years, do you remember the devastation of my last Queenbee clutch?

Lesser Pastel to Spider..

Last year, all the eggs went bad. 

This year, that better not happen...

Different Spider female, more hope for the future.

I have six chances to finally produce my Queenbee. 

Fingers crossed again for these.

And Clutch 20..

This clutch is the one that I didn't expect at ALL.

Take one look at this gal.

She is TINY.

She is a Pastel 50% possible het TSK Axanthic female I got in trade a few years back, and although I knew she was old enough, she was less than 1200 grams this season. She was not supposed to be bred, but apparently I put the TSK Axanthic male in with her once or twice.

So imagine my surprise when I see these eggs in this tub! 

She is even more tiny, clocking in at 703 grams after laying. 

And the eggs have more than likely been in the tub for a bit, since I didn't have her on egg watch while I was gone. But I wrote down the date I found the eggs as the lay date on these guys. We will see!

The eggs look great, albeit smaller than usual.

Now that they are here, I just hope that she proves!

Fingers crossed on this one too, as this will be (if she proves) a part of my Killerbee Axanthic project.

So there you go, my friends. YAY for being in the twenties for clutch count, but I need things to start hatching soon, or else I'm going to be running out of incubator space. 

Have a great day!