Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

I was just curious if anyone out there had any advice, insight, or knowledge as to how to started with a breeding business. Any advice would be so helpful.

Thanks,

Chris

That's a loaded question. I started my herpetological career as a breeder but quickly changed gears and decided to focus more on education/research. I am not a director/curator of a nationally recognized wildlife center that specializes in reptiles (including venomous) and raptors. Breeding is simply a hobby of mine at home now and I enjoy it very much...."work" really isn't work at all for me; I am truly blessed to make a wonderful living in the herpetological field. But, if you are dead set on making a go at it, here are a few tips:

1) perserverence: most folks lack this very important trait
2) dedication: same as above
3) passion: w/out it, you will never be successful
4) resources: you won't be successful w/out the proper resources (MONEY)...you don't need to be rich, but you can't build a successful business by cutting corners. You may have to start off on a small scale, build your business and reinvest your money back into improving your operations
5) connections...VITAL: join as many herp societies as you can, become actively involved with various forums on the internet and project yourself in a very professional and respectful manner. Get to know the top breeders, pick their brains, attend breeder conferences/expos and even professional symposiums.
6) lead a healthy lifestyle: otherwise, you won't be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor. It still amazes me when I go to shows and see the full spectrum of "images" projected by the herp community. Projecting yourself in a professional image will put yourself in a much better position (and I don't necessarily mean how you look...if you are a guy and you have long hair, keep it well kept, dress nice, etc.). Look at the top folks in the industry...for the most part, they look professional.
7) EDUCATION: I am a firm believer in the power of education. WHile it isn't a prerequisite to become a professional breeder, it will give you an edge on the competition. I would not be where I am at in this field if I didn't have an advanced degree in the sciences.
8) Develop PEOPLE skills and computer/communication skills. If you can't communicate in an intelligent manner, you are done; period. Most young folks have computer skills and I am sure you are one of them (older folks like me seem to have a much tougher time getting the hang of it...I just got my first palm pilot, is that the right word, and I swear, it sat in my desk for the first month...but now I love it). Seriously, you must have excellent communication skills in order to succeed; both written and verbal. I absolutely an stunned by the lack of depth of many contributions I see on this and many other forums. Why don't people proof read their messages? Why do they want to sound like complete idiots? If you want to be respected, you must be able to communicate.
9) Don't cut corners (did I already say that?): start off with the best captive bred hatchlings/babies you can find. Don't start off with retired adults that were sold to you as "never been bred before (yeah right!)" It takes time to build a successful business and if you start off with the best, you have already increased your odds to succeed. Know who you are buying from....always ask for references.
10) There are many, many other factors (like having the best and most eye catching displays at expose) but this will at least give you some food for thought.

Alrighty, I'll get off the pulpit. I hope this is of help. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it....but just keep in mind that it takes the utmost in hard work and that is why most breeders fail.

Good luck.
Rob Carmichael, Director/Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
City of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation

,,,

"I absolutely an stunned by the lack of depth of many contributions I see on this and many other forums. Why don't people proof read their messages?"

Hehe. Funny set of sentences. I try to proof read my messages as well.
-Steve

A website should be one of the top things you invest in, because the ROI (Return Over Investment) is so huge. Sure, a good website costs money, but think of how many more animals you will sell because of it. Your website pays for itself. I am biased, as I am a web developer, but it is the truth. So many times I've heard people say "I would have never been as successful as I am now, without a website". Just think about it... how many people can your business reach in your town, surrounding areas, or wherever you advertise? Now think about how many people there are on the internet. It's a no-brainer. Get a web developer that knows the business too (has done herp related sites, or owns herps as well). You will not believe how much easier it is to deal with someone who is knowledgeable about your subject. Those are just a few of the many points that can be made about a website. If you need more, feel free to contact me.

-Matt
-----
matt@perfect7.com
perfect7.com - Website Design & Development - FREE Consultation!

1.1 Leopard Geckos ("Owen" - normal & "Wee One" - patternless)
0.1.1 Ball Python (both normal: Monty & Musota)

all i know about breeding is that my brother in law has succesfully bred about 3 of his ball pythons , going by weight wich he told me is 1200 grams for a male and about 1050 grams for a female ....

i am still raising my female shes about 750 grams but my friends male is already 1000 grams so i'm going to keep feeding mine rats so she will grow faster because rats are higher in fat...

let me know if you find any more info about breeding please