matt2 - Mr. Bob Clark, Pioneer python breeder is our Guest tonight
matt2 - 'and I would like to thank him for taking of his time to be
w/us
ratrace - www.bobclark.com
bobclark - I think a little faster than I type but I get in trouble
when I do either one fast, I'll do my best
aliceisgod - how is the black retic doing?
bobclark - I bought the black retic as a male but the snake is a female.
She's eating well and gaining weight
matt2 - BTW; Bob, if you could so I don't trip into your answer..could
you type "next" when finished w/response
bobclark - She has a couple of retained eggs from a previous breeding.
One has been passed and I'm still tryig to convince the last one to come out.next
Barry--4 - hello Mr. Clark, I have been hearing about hybreds retic
x rock python--is this a sound cross breeding, both species have a well known
record for ill temperament. your thoughts on this particular project
bobclark - I haven't seen one but I would expect the hybrids to have
some of the traits of the parent species
bobclark - Retics generally don[t have a bad dispositon if they are
CB next chssamv - when will you have albino tigers and supers?
bobclark - I own't have any until next year
bobclark - My friend Jay Brewer at Prehistoric Pets just hatched 2
this week
bobclark - They are nice looking snakes I think there will be a good
demand for them/next
djcboa - hey bob,i dont have a breeding question, but i just wanted
to say that i am fan of all that you do. I was wondering if you will have
any boas at the chicago show in october, redtails or albinos?
bobclark - Thanks! I've had a couple of litters born already this season
djcboa - albinos?
bobclark - Salmons, het for albino (double het for sunglow)
johnny5 - what new bob?
bobclark - also some albinos and het for albinos
matt2 - johnny: wait your turn, please
bobclark - I really like the salmon boas, they are nice looking and
varialbe/next
johnny5 - what new bob?
bobclark - This year I should have a couple of new things, pied balls,
striped balls, striped retics and hopefully a few others/next
Ophidiophile - Are you working with Papuans and wanted to get your
opinion on these large, not terribly popular pythons?
JP - JoPo
bobclark - I like them but I haven't been too successful with them.
I've had some breeding and follicle development but no babies/next
Pictus - Bob,how was it you first got interested in reptiles? Also
what is the snake on the July Cover of Reptiles Mag.?
bobclark - I don't remember getting intererested, I just WAS interested.
The snake on the cover of the July issue is a dwarf albino retic/next
Pictus - > hi bob can you please send some info on your breeds of pythonsin
my town we are hosing expo? are you going to daytona in august?
ratrace - www.bobclark.com
Pictus - > my e-mail is babygrizz88@hotmail.com
bobclark - I'll be in Daytona. You can see a price list and pictures
of amny of my animals on my website at www.bobclark.com/mext
ryche1983 - Are you planning on producing any albino bateaters?
bobclark - Its really difficult to make the hybrid between retics and
bobclark - Burmese and the offspring are n 't always fertile. I'm not
sure if it will work or not/next
ScottsReptiles - Ball Pythons seem to getting new morphs by the second..
do you see this trend happening with any other snake as well? (on a random
note.. Betsy teases me every day cause she knows I want one of your super
tigers.. she is an evil evil woman)
ratrace - thanks scott
bobclark - The frequency at which new morphs are found is proportional
to the effort put into looking for them in the wild
bobclark - There is a huge effort underway to find anything that looks
different in ball pythons
bobclark - This species is imported in much larger numbers that any
other python and as a result more new traits are found/next
scottyg - bob how often do you feed your adult ball pythons because
i've received differing opinions. also do you have a favorite type of python
personally? thanks for your time!
bobclark - I feed most of my snakes, especially the breeding animals
as much as they will eat.
bobclark - Breeders don['t eat during much of the year so when they
do eat I make sure they can get as much as they want
bobclark - more food makes them grow faster, mature earlier and lay
more eggs/next
SirRandal - Bob, were there not 3 albino retics that showed up within
a year or so of each other? (originally)
bobclark - There were three of the type 2 albinos found and imported
in a short period of time
SirRandal - I have a foolow up
bobclark - there has only been one of the lavender type imported
SirRandal - who named the Borneo Bateater? When I worked for Tom C,
we had a few in
Kattia - Could I ask a question on albino green burmese??
bobclark - HI Randal. I think at the IHS meeting in Columbus in '81
someone brought one and gave it a silly name to see if anyone could guess
what it was. Maybe it was Hank Molt/next
SirRandal - thanks Bob
skeetr - i just wanted to know what breeding projects you would like
to do in the years to come?and i just wanted to say i loved your article in
reptiles magazine awhile back.
bobclark - Thanks for the feed back. Its hard to say what animals and
traits might make themselves available in the future
bobclark - As for now I'll be working with the unproven traits I have
and combinations of those traits
SMOOVE - Are there any advantages or disadvantages to breeding wild
retics as opposed to captive? Aside from parasiites and temper?Does a W.C.
generaly have a higher birth ratio?
skeetr - thanks
bobclark - Well, most new traits come from the wild and in those cases
its necessary to work with what you have. I don't think wild snakes brought
intocaptivity are any more fertile
skeetr - g2g thanks for your time bob
bobclark - in fact, they are less likely to breed that cb snakes because
they must first acclilmate to the captive conditions
SMOOVE - thanks
Spahr - Bob, have you ever tried to work with a Bolean's python, just
curious? My question is about albino ball pythons, how much longer do you
see their market value holding with all the different morphs and the fact
that shipping snakes is becoming tougher and tougher these days? Thanks for
your time, Ryan Spahr
bobclark - I collected some wild Boelen's pythons in '86 and wasn't
very successful with them
bobclark - I'd like to try it again but I haven't done it
bobclark - Its hard to predict the market but albino ball pythons have
been remarkably stable over the years
bobclark - One thing that is true, though, is that rare things become
common and expensive things become cheap over time/next
thewhitewolfe - To what do you atttribute the increasingly tame nature
of your captive bred retics?
bobclark - We might say that there is some artificial selection going
on in captivity and that the snakes that are being bred are the tractable
ones. They give birth to tame babies and the tamest of these are the ones
that are kept as breeders
bobclark - Now, I don't believe it
bobclark - Retics haven''t changed any its the retic keepers that have
changed
bobclark - Most people's experience with retics has been based on the
4' imports that were common in thte pet trade years ago
bobclark - these snakes after miaking a living in the wild for a while
weren't very friendly
bobclark - I'm sure they viewed their keepers and potential predators
bobclark - they were always trying to defend themselves against a precieved
threat
bobclark - I really know how to spell perceived!
bobclark - Im sure that 4' wild Burmese are agressive as well
bobclark - I think the CB retics are generally tame but myths persist
tom-j - do you plan on breeding the albino to the black retic and
what do you expect to come out of the breeding (color wise)
bobclark - That has to be done. The picture in the July issue of REPTILES
insn[t accurate colorwise. The snake is much darker and has no trace of yellow
pigment
bobclark - If it is possible through the black retic to take the yellow
out of an albino I think you could have a white or purple snake/next
Varanid - How are your Peregrine falcons, I would love to have some
, I remember talking to you about it at the last National breeders expo in
chicago. Is it worth all the work to get into falconry?
ratrace - by the way bob, there are plenty of geese up here for practice
bobclark - I really love falconry! I hunt every day during duck season
here. Fortunately duck season is at a time when the snakes don't take up all
my time
bobclark - My bird did take a goose this year. She weighs a little
less than 2 pounds and brought down a 10lb goose!
Varanid - sweet
kingjames - bob/do you think local/state ordinances will mandate tougher
laws as far as keeping reptiles like pythons and other large snakes
johnny5 - what is price range 4 striped retic
matt2 - wait your turn johnny
aliceisgod - what are your thoughts on cuban boas and why are they
not on your price list?
bobclark - They are $1500 this year. They just hatched 3 weeks ago
bobclark - I'm just starting to work with a group of Cubans I importedfrom
the Czech Repblic last year. I'm expecting to have my first babies anytime/next
amazoa - What do you typically do if one of your pythons ends up retaining
a few eggs? I entered the talk late so if you have answered this already I'll
pass. Thanks for the chat tonight.
bobclark - I stomp around a little, sweat and cuss then I just wait
to see if they pass
ratrace - funny bob
bobclark - I haven't had good luck with surgery so here , anyway, they
pass them or die
apython4u - is it resonable to expect my male het alb. ball to successfully
breed with more than one female in a season?
bobclark - In '94 I had most of my albino ball pythons stolen and was
left with one 8mo male. This guy successfully produced eggs with 8 females
bobclark - I don't want to cut off the followup questions......how
can I know if we are finished with the topic? Betsy?
apython4u - were they all normal size clutches
bobclark - Yes, I had good fertility from all of them. He actually
bred one more female that didn't lay
burmesepython18 - hey bob i am a big fan of your breeding of pythons
an was wondering i am gettin my first burmesepython from betsy i have a about
80 gal cage how long would that last the baby till how many feet an also are
ya gonna be at any herp shows here in southern california?
ratrace - your doing great bob!! :) :)
burmesepython18 - hey bob i am a big fan of your breeding of pythons
an was wondering i am gettin my first burmesepython from betsy i have a about
80 gal cage how long would that last the baby till how many feet an also are
ya gonna be at any herp shows here in southern california?
bobclark - I don't think well in gallons but I generally say it the
snake, when coiled covers more that 1/4 of the cage floor its time for a bigger
cage. I usually don[t travel that far to shows but I won't rule it out.
burmesepython18 - thanks
chssamv - What is the story with the "white" burm and what ever happened
to it?
ratrace - I had someone ask me about the WHITE burm the other day
burmesepython18 - hey bob befor ya go i would just like to say thanks
i have read alot of articles very intersting .
bobclark - In the early 90's I had a pure white Burmese. I tried to
breed it for several years and never got any fertile eggs. I eventually sold
her and heard that she died a few years ago
chssamv - thanks
SirRandal - Bob, besides your fabulous animals at your table (at shows)
what I get a kick is, your sons' "bugs? for sale!
bobclark - My son, 11, likes the bugs! He usually gets a little table
space at the smaller shows/next
djcboa - Hey, bob do you have any tips for someone getting into breeding
? Words of advice?
snake_huntress - I need this answered and I know you do pythons, but
I thought you could help me out
bobclark - I always say to work with the animals you like. It makes
for a lot less work and really I believe there is a customer to buy everything/next
Gormans - my wife's maiden name is clark can we get a family discount???What
kind of ball morphs will you have in daytona??
Johnboy1978 - lol
bobclark - Yes, all clarks get a discount
burmesepython18 - lol
bobclark - I will have albinos, maybe stripes, possibly a pied or two
and pastels/next
Gormans - great thanks!!
ratrace - By the Way bob Captian Rags says HELLLLOO (sorry im out of
line)
bobclark - I think it has the same root as alternate and refers to
the alternating bands of gray and orange
bobclark - Hello Cap!
herpbreeder - Bob, how hard is it to feel follicle development...
and any pointers that might help out? I try not to handle possibly gravid
animals, but would like to learn how, so that I'll know for sure if they are
gravid.
bobclark - Its not difficult but it does take a certain touch
bobclark - I usually take a soft cloth (shirt tail will do and usually
does!) and let the snake crawl back into the cage while I press gently against
the ventral surface
bobclark - as the snake moves you can feel the follicles travel through
your fingers.
bobclark - Remember these are delicate tissues so be careful!
jagman - Oh thanks I didnt know I would get a chance
jagman - here goes
jagman - given your expertise, what would you say the best python is
for beginnign breeders
bobclark - I think nearly all of the available pythons do well for
the first timer, Burmese, balls, carpets, bloods
bobclark - As with any pet make sure you know what is required and
are prepared to provide it/ next
Jaypo - whats the most exciting python you've heard rumor about (or
know of)...theres got to be some next big thing out there. Anything you can
share? Thanks.
bobclark - There is always some buzz about something but I can't bring
one to mind that has any credibility rihgtnow/next
Johnboy1978 - hey Bob!! i just wanted to say hi... i got a reg phase
from you back in febuary. i will be coming through oaklohoma in the fall and
was wondering if i caled like a week in advance could i stop by and see your
place? [and take some pictures of fluffy]
bobclark - We're not really open to the public ( as per agreement with
my insurance company) but I think we ca arrange something
bobclark - remind me I said that when you call!
Johnboy1978 - ok....Thanks
Kattia - I'd like to say that the albino greens you produce are just
gorgeous! I am in Canada and waited over a year to get one. The female I ended
up finding is your stock and she is just wondeful! In any case, do you find
it is true that that the albino greens stays smaller than the other burmese
morphs? If so why would this be? Also will you be producing green het albinos
any time soon?
bobclark - Thanks, None of the color or pattern mutations differ in
size from the normal ones
bobclark - I've got some albinos het for green now and some double
hets buT I won't have greens het for albino until next month./next
Kaysman - Thanks Bob for doing this. As for the Platium Ball that
Ralph Davis has how many more are here in the US? I have heard about 1 other
one. And how long until you think average JOE like me will be able to purchase
one, 10 years more or less? Thanks again
bobclark - I know Ralph bred his and has some offspring and another
wild caught animal has produced for Mark Bell. They will cost less in the
future, everything does, but I couldn't say how long from now./next
Kaysman - Thanks
matt2 - Bob, we're up on the hour..if you have time and would like
we can continue on for an additional half hour, max
bobclark - I can go for about 10 min then I need to head back home
matt2 - okies, say when.
kidsolo - what do you think about the ban on reptiles that might be
passed in New York State? Everyone please sign the petition at www.petitiononline.com/9673/petition.html
we cannot let this pass
bobclark - It important to fight these kinds of ordinances at the local
level when they are proposed
bobclark - Dont' think someone else will do it
kingjames - bob/do you think state or local ordinances will make tougher
laws as far as keeping large snakes such as pythons?
tom-j - THANKS BOB!!!!!!
bobclark - Things are getting more restrictive and people seem willing
to be regulated. They expect to be regulated. Really, though, do they really
have the right to tell us what we can do in these matter?
bobclark - I say they don't. There are risks involved in keeping big
snakes. We accept the risks and if any one is affected by it it is only ourselves/next
kryolla - what do you find is the most challenging in keeping and
breeding boids and congrats to you and mike wilbanks on the new boa
bobclark - Breeding reptiles is not like breeding dogs or hamsters.
It takes some skill and manipulations here and there, I hate it when I've
got to wait another year after I screw up!
bobclark - The striated boa is great, growing quickly and looking good!/next
Madi - Have you had much experience with sawu pythons? Any tips on
breeding them or general words of wisdom? Thanks.
bobclark - I've had good luck with them. Actually most pythons
bobclark - and boas, for that matter, have the same breeding requirements.
bobclark - Cool slightly at night in the fall and introduce them in
the early winter
bobclark - breeding usually follows. Now it doen'st seem so special,
does it?
Madi - I hope it's that easy....
ratrace - Thanks Bob for the guest chat tonight!! I would like to
say that all the snakes that Captian Rags and I have gotten from you are doing
great!! :) I would like to know what kind of bugs does your boy have??? Tell
him i might be interested.... (by the way my patternless green that bred with
the striped albino burm laid 17 eggs on may 8th all are fertile)
ratrace - thanks bill
bobclark - That's it for me, guys. I've enjoyed it. Sign up for the
email list on my website on my website for updates
snake_huntress - I need this answered and I know you do pythons, but
I thought you could help me out: I have a year old male boa and today I took
him out. He seemed to be acting grumpy, so I stuck him back in his cage. When
I did that he used his spurs to grab onto things in his enclosure. I took
him out an hour later and picked him up by his tail because he wouldn't let
me pick him up any other way. And he started flipping out! I set him
Madi - Thanks Bob.....
ratrace - thanks bob
ScottsReptiles - Thanks Bob!
matt2 - Bob, on behalf of Jeff Barringer, myself and Kingsnake.com,
thanks so much for taking of your time tonight
ratrace - really appreciate it
burmesepython18 - bob
bobclark - I'll keep you posted on sales, births and acquisitions.
Thanks again! www.bobclark.com
matt2 - BTW: tonight's attendance has broken all records for Guestchats
in 4 years
amazoa - Thanks see you in Daytona
djcboa - thanks bob
snake_huntress - wow
bobclark - THANK YOU!
Snakebyt - night bob
burmesepython18 - see ya bob
snake_huntress - cya
SirRandal - ThaNKS bob
ratrace - for more reptile chat just type /join #kingsnake
burmesepython18 - nice chattin with ya
burmesepython18 - oh hey bob
snake_huntress - I'm your biggest fan!! lol thanks for comming
burmesepython18 - one question
djcboa - i am headed to the web site right now
Kattia - Thank you Bob!
ScottsReptiles - good job to bill as well :)
SirRandal - yEAH bILL
amazoa - thanks Matt for keeping tact of the roll
matt2 - Bob, if interested we'd love to have you for dec.'s Guestchat
week
ScottsReptiles - run away while you can Bob!
ScottsReptiles - don't let bill suck you in.. we have all been trying
to leave for years now
ratrace - for more reptile chat just type /join #kingsnake
ratrace - www.bobclark.com
burmesepython18 - hey bob i just gotta say i am a big fan of yours
ratrace - for more reptile chat just type /join #kingsnake
matt2 - thanks, Betsy for your help w/Bob and tonight
snake_huntress - man, I can't go in that room and I have an important
Question!
burmesepython18 - read alot of you articles
ratrace - for more reptile chat just type /join #kingsnake
matt2 - those of you who wish are welcome to join us in #kingsnake
