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