When Gavin officially launched Balls2U in 2014, the name was meant to be cheeky, short, and memorable. It’s a clever play on words, especially appreciated in the UK. What began as a casual interest in reptiles quickly grew into something far more meaningful. Like many in the hobby, Gavin didn’t initially plan to become a breeder. He stumbled into ball pythons by chance, and after engaging with online reptile forums, he felt inspired to not only keep reptiles but also support the wider community.
Today, Gavin is best known for leading one of the most exciting recent discoveries in ball python breeding: the Rhino gene.
The Accidental Discovery of the Rhino Gene
In 2017, Gavin set out to produce Super Pastel Clowns. However, one of the snakes he produced looked different from what he expected. He suspected it carried something new, even though many people believed it was just a Pastel Clown.
He eventually sold the original Pastel Het Clown, not knowing it carried what would become the foundation of the Rhino gene. Later, a friend of his purchased a female from that same line. Gavin told him to keep an eye on her, as he believed something unique was going on. When she was bred, she consistently produced offspring with unusual traits. Through repeated breeding and the use of shed testing, they confirmed the gene was unique.
Over time, many of the animals connected to that original project made their way back to Gavin. This pattern reinforced his belief that the Rhino project was always meant to be in his hands. He now leads the development of the Rhino gene and continues to explore its potential with passion and focus.
A Thoughtful Approach to Breeding
Gavin’s breeding philosophy focuses on long-term goals rather than short-term profits. He aims to create powerful and visually stunning morph combinations that push the boundaries of what’s possible. His strategy involves introducing strong and dominant genes to see how they interact with the Rhino gene.
In 2025, he plans to introduce Spotnose into the project to further expand its possibilities. He’s especially excited about potential combinations like the Rhino Ultramal Sunset and the Rhino Monsoon Clown. Despite the complexity of these pairings, Gavin has not observed any neurological issues in his animals. He relies heavily on shed testing to verify genetics and make informed breeding decisions.
Bridging Markets and Building Community
Gavin has traveled across the UK, Europe, the US, and Canada, connecting with breeders and enthusiasts around the world. He’s noticed a key difference in market dynamics. While the US and Canada are more commercially driven, the UK market remains heavily focused on hobbyists. This hobbyist-first mindset has deeply influenced Gavin’s own approach to the reptile industry.
Through Balls2U, he has built more than a brand. He has created a platform rooted in education, exploration, and a genuine passion for reptiles.
Watch the Full Story Unfold
To hear Gavin share his journey in his own words, including details about the Rhino gene, breeding insights, and his vision for the future, watch the full podcast interview.
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llZuKtVGvhk
Gavin’s story is a powerful reminder that great breakthroughs often come from curiosity, patience, and a deep love for the craft.
