Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm trying to figure out whether or not to breed some of my adult corns this year. The market is so bad, I'm not sure I'll be able to sell the babies.

I have a pair of upper keys corns. They are very nice, perfectly clear bellies and no black outline on their saddles. Still, I can't decide whether to breed them. I could breed the male to my amel female, and the female to my w/c anery male. Or just not breed them... need to decide soon - they're both blue right now.

I only have the two adult males.

Any opinions out there?
-----
----------------------------------------------------------
Amy Claiborne

Don't let them take your wasted time. J.T.

If it were me Amy, I would keep them absolutely true to form "upper keys corns", but that's just me.

Can you show us a couple pics of the cool critters?. I have always liked the Keys (rosy rats) alot.

thanks!, ~Doug
-----
"a snake in the grass is a GOOD thing"

my website -serpentinespecialties.webs.com

you know, I had someone spot that I was breeding true to form Upper Keys and now both clutches are sold. Now granted that is going to be wholesale pricing. But better that than nothing at all. Perhaps you can find a buyer for them. I love the ones with no checking on the belly. I have one female that is bright red orange for her belly. Interesting snakes. Good luck!
Russell

I'm going to tell you what the other have said - do not cross the Upper Keys Corns. Not only will the babies have no value, but true UKC's have a following (although that following may be small, there are still some folks who like locality-specific stuff).

I would see if there are any pet stores in your area willing to buy snakes from you. I think you will have a easier time selling snakes if you have made some pre-arranged deals in advance.

Tim

Okay, I won't outcross them. And I guess I'll put them together. Thanks for the input and thoughts.
-----
----------------------------------------------------------
Amy Claiborne

Don't let them take your wasted time. J.T.

As with the other posters, keep like with like. Also, see if there will be any local or fairly local shows in your area you can plan on vending at. I am a small scale hobbyist breeder and may only produce as few as 30-40 animals a year. Still, I try to plan on doing a local show around the time my babies will be ready to sell. Remember, they are not ready to go out of the egg and its best to get them established and feeding at least three times before selling to anybody. Doing a show or two is a great experience and I enjoy interacting with the foot traffic and the other vendors as well. At the end, you may find a large scale vendor willing to buy off your unsold stock at wholesale prices and you can avoid shipping, or avoid having to shop them out a few here and a few there to various local petshops who might not want all of the babies if too many. At the shows you may also work out trades with other vendors, and its just another forum to meet local herpers with the same interests as you. I highly recommend doing at least one show!!