For those of you looking to do your part in expanding the ball market… here’s an idea!
Most High School Biology classes teach sections on “Reptiles and Amphibians” and on “Genetics.” They love having someone come in as a guest speaker for a day and share some cool ball morphs.
My Experience…
As I’ve said before on this forum, I’ve done this with an all girl high school with great results. Some girls use the opportunity to simply confront and overcome their fears. Some see the great personalities the snakes can have (LOL). I love hearing a kid say “I can believe I actually held a snake.” Of course, I use my most outgoing animals for them to hold. Others, what to take one home right away. I politely tell them I’m not there for sales and tell them they would need their parents approval and have to contact me through my website. Remember your not there for sales, but to spread the word on this wonderful hobby and awesome animals.
On the Genetics…
Most students are taught how to do punnett squares for both dominate and recessive genes. But, like many subjects, students find it hard to understand how they would ever use this information. Ball python morphs provide them with a visual reference. This visual reference can be with morphs you have or pictures shown on a simple power point presentation.
This, along with your experience and enthusiasm for this awesome hobby, creates a positive view of the hobby to young people who one day might become customers or tell someone who might become a customer. It might only be for one of your normals that you produced through a co-dom project. But, it’s a start. I’ve actually done private high schools (higher economic base) were students have contacted me later to acquire (with parental approval) high-end morphs.
Bottomline
A good high school presentation can be worth its weight in gold. It promotes the hobby and your efforts (and your name) as a supplier of these wonderful creatures. It also helps the students associate what they’re learning with what you (and this hobby) are doing.
Try it!!
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Larry Walker
WebSite
