Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I am 13 years old and starting a few breeding projects. Last year, I had a couple hi-yellow and hypo leopard geckos hatch. 2 of my females died from an unknown stomache virus.. So now I have 1.2 yearling hi-quality bearded dragons, that I hope to get started soon. I just recently bought 4 baby blairs phase greybanded kings, that are a good looking future project. They are by far the pride of my collection. And last, I am looking into corns. I have 1 normal and 1 albino okeetee, but sometime in the near future I am thinking about expanding my corn collection. Anyway, I have been into reptiles my whole life and kept my first snake when I was four years old, and just kept adding on to the collection. I dont yet have any boids or pythons but I was seriously thinking about it. Anyone want to give me some tips, or show me the ropes e-mail me. I live in Lexington, KY so if there is anyone in that area email me as well, because I don't know anyone even remotely interested in reptiles in KY. Kentucky has a terrible steriotype for calling everything a "black snake", or saying it's poisonous, and then blowing its head off. Believe it or not, I have heard way too many Kentuckians refer to a harmless colubrid as a venoumous cow-sucker. Also, I am looking to start a few more projects..Any suggestions? I am only looking to spend about $100 on a single small project so I want to keep it simple. Remember, I am thirteen and reptiles are burning holes in my pockets right and left. Thanks a lot! -Will

Sound's like you're off to a good start! I started out breeding colubrids and Bearded Dragons for a few years,before moving on to pythons,boas and chameleons.I think startng with a species(california kings,pine snakes)that's easier to keep,and more forgiving towards mistakes in husbandry,will give you a good base to work from.I know it did for me!Read everything you can on whatever species you want to work with,and don't be afraid to ask other breeder's questions.Especially the breeder you buy from,any breeder not willing to answer your questions isn't worth your hard earned cash!
This is just my opinion,but I hope this helps!

Thank you, this does help. Sounds like a plan! Also does anyone have any thoughts on rodent breeding and how many I would need to start? Thanks! -Will

my general rule to the question is how many do I need to start is answered by this formula....

1 male to every 4 females, I then count on my females producing 4 offspring per month (1 litter of 8 every two months). I then figure out how many rodents I will need per month and plug in the numbers. Keep in mind that it may take you several months to get your breeding group producing the size animals that you need and it really never hurts to have a larger breeding population than you need as you can always freeze then feed the extras at a later date.

Good luck, and great collection for your age.... Just don't forget about all those guys when you go off to college.....

Thank you for all your help! I will now start a mice breeding project of 3 males and 12 females. Your formula was very helpful. Thanks! -Will