Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am glad that I have got some encouragement in the thread about the price of certain morphs when I wrote this is just the reward for the "hard work" the morph breeder do.

Let me explain to those who didn't read the corresponding threads in the past that my remark was meant ironically.

The reason for my irony is that in hot discussions with firm supporters of the "morph industry" I often was accused to tackle at people who are "hard working".

Such lines always gives me a sour taste in the mouth. In my opinion someone who sees this beautiful hobby (no matter if morphs or true boas are in the vivarium) as a hard work should get rid of his animals and start selling shoelaces.

Personally, I would rather buy from someone like Hoppy who see this labor as fun than from a "hard worker".

Sorry, but the "hard work" thing botheres me so much that I couldn't resist to mention it again.
Boa constrictor

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Beware of Commies and Mutts!

I work in my snake room to release stress and get away from it all. It my be physical work at times but it is also relaxing to the mind. Your right Hermann, if breeders/keepers do not enjoy the work that goes with the keeping of the animals then maybe they should not keep. it may not be the hobby they are looking for. Many newbies go into this looking to earn a quick buck easily, boy are they surprised LOL.
Do what you Love and love what you do!
Jim

I think they should get rid of their missions.

As I said below..."It all depends on your level of involvement" as to how hard you work at any endeavor? I proudly do business with "avid hobbyists",as well as "hard working breeders". to assume that those that work hard at this are inferior in any way to those that do not...or,vice-versa,is simply an unrealistic perspective,in my opinion,and,has little to do with variation in the perceived market prices of morphs/mutations?(or,true redtails for that matter.) if someone only has three boas,and,doesn't need to put forth as much effort...GREAT!...if someone has 500 boas,who are you to suggest that the work put forth to adequately maintain,and,breed them,is insignificant???! I would say your perspective is skewed by your level of involvement?

there is know doubt that caring and cleaning 100 snake cages is hard work, but what I beleive Hermann is referring to is that it should not seem like work if you truly enjoy the hobby. I know that when I am done working in the snake room, I don't smell much different then if I had been digging a ditch all day, but I enjoyed that snake room work much more LOL
Hoppy

Maintaining a large collection of snakes IS a lot of work and it is worth the effort. I have a full time job, attend Grad school, and own well over 50 snakes. A good portion of my free time is spent cleaning cages, feeding, washing water bowls, and breeding my own rats which results in more cleaning and work. I love working with these animals, but it is tiring and HARD work. I have put a lot of sweat, tears, money, and time into my collection. So I can appreciate all the hard work someone like Pete Khal put in to bring us the Pied Ball Python and the Albino Boa. I'm glad he's successful and has made a LOT of Money for all of his Hard Work!

You know Herman, your arguments are weak. You are constantly grasping for someway to attack the Morph Industry, but you are failing miserably. Why do you hate the Morph industry so much?
You are obviously bitter and angry all the time. I think you are jealous of some of the big Morph breeders' success.

Oz
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When I manage to find the time to go to the gym, I usually try
and avoid the hard core body builders. Not because I'm
intimidated or because of their BO but because it's a little
irritating that they take it so seriously. Working out is a
hobby for me, I do it for health reasons.

Boas are a hobby too, its a passion of mine. The whole morph
lunacy is slightly irritating in the same way. What to me is a
hobby, something that I truly enjoy is a cold calculated
business venture for other people. Dollars and sense, profits and losses, and hours spent on projects aren't my idea of
interesting boa related topics. They are better suited for
a business discussion. I'm just a casual hobbyist with six
boas, I'm probably in the minority here.

Thanks,
tc

i'd say you're in the majority, by far.
i'd say there are only a couple of people here that do this as their only source of income. the rest do it because it's a hobby.
jb
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Jonathan Brady
My Kingsnake Photo Gallery

I'm sure that most of the people on here don't make their living
solely by breeding and selling boas. I doubt anyone thinks to the
contrary.

I'm probably in the minority with regard to my annoyance with
the whole morph lunacy thing. Thanks......tc

for clearing that up.
And what morph lunacy? Haven't seen it... lol
jb
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Jonathan Brady
My Kingsnake Photo Gallery

But,in all my years of involvement with reptiles,I can honestly say I have never met any successful breeders that fit that description...none...

I've never met, and can't imagine, a breeder for whom reptiles are a "cold calculated business venture." There are far easier and less risky ways of making a living.

Certainly there are breeders who have some business sense and every intention of turning a profit. In fact, you aren't going to make it any other way. That doesn't mean they don't love the animals. I don't see how you could do otherwise and face yet another day of cleaning, feeding, handling of customers, traveling to shows, etc.

...........

Went to my first reptile show, the NRBE about 12 years ago in Orlando, when it was the only show of any significance around. So I guess the answer to your question would be "yes."

Kidding, that's impressive. Wow, 12 years ago, you must have seen
some major changes in this hobby. It has gone from a small hobby
to an industry.

I feel the same way about morphs as you do, and honestly most of
the people I spoke to at last years NRBE were very cool. It's
the unavoidable business side of this that I don't like. Seeing
all those 'lots' of imported Surinams, and BCI's marked up and
seeing the prices of all the Hog mixes is a little galling.

Thanks,
tc

Wow ... what a can of worms I opened up!!!!!!!
This all started with
sayyedn... ASKING
How are prices going up in such a bad economy? I threw my cents in looking at it from my little "3" collection...NOT from a view of 50,80, or "120!!!!" so sorry bout that ... and YES i could see how that could be a lot WORK! rather it's
a Hobby or Business.
Once again sorry for even going there.......I'm sure all you guys work very hard at what u do...
So I'll ended by quoting
"Do what you Love and love what you do!"

The few full-time professional reptile breeders I've actually gotten to know (not necessarily morph breeders) are among the hardest-working people I've met. It takes a certain kind of person to actually make a go of a business like reptile breeding.

Whether you enjoy the work or not isn't the point. I enjoy my work (in science, not reptile breeding) but it's still hard work. So is breeding reptiles on the sort of scale that will support you financially. Enjoying it doesn't change the amount of time you need to spend cleaning, feeding, dealing with customers, etc. These things are called work, and 99.9% of the people in the world probably lack the drive to make it in this business. The rest just stick with a safe income from their day jobs.

I imagine the morph craze has made it a little easier for breeders to make a living. So be it. I personally find morphs boring and silly, but I don't think they're hurting anybody.

Your one of the only people here that have posted to this thread that makes good sence (or has proper grammer!). I dissagree with your opinion on morphs, but that's alright. Being successful at something you love, especially in the form of a business that supports your family, is the very definition of success! It is hard work to be sure, that's why they call it a labor of love. Like one guy said earlier, can you not work hard at something you love? Sure you can... you better or you won't make it! I know a lot of people that are full time reptile breeders. Believe me, they love it, and they work hard !!! Granted, few are getting rich, but a great number are doing quite well for themselves. They generally don't post here too much because of everyones idea that being involved in the business of breeding & selling reptiles is somehow bad (or not hard work). Most here are hobbiests, but with out the breeders, they wouldn't have much of a hobby. It's too bad there isn't a forum out there just for the more advanced herpers, or maybe just the morph people. Purhaps then we wouldn't have people like Herman trying to knock everybody down so much. Go away Herman !
I was at the first Expo too, had a table in fact. Lots of changes...most to the good, but not all. That's life though.
Paul Edwards

your aversions on certain individuals here. Your lines are not worth further reply.
Boa constrictor

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Beware of Commies and Mutts!

And,it is YOUR words that don't deserve further reply! but,you know what? every time you post some stupid,half cooked attack,you will get one,and,you expose your self,and,what you have become,for everyone to plainly see. I think he's got you pretty well pegged! you should devote your energy to doing something positive,put some of your passion to work with your "true boas",and,maybe you'll find the love that started you on this path.if you can't find anything interesting to say,post pictures of your animals? I'll bet not one single person has anything negative,or,derogatory to say about them!

that I don't stoop to a level like many of the people who reply to my postings.

If you read my postings thoroughly you will find out that I utter inconvenient opinions but you will never find me calling names or terms similar to that.

That's the difference. And no matter what replies I get, I will carry on utter inconvenient and usasked opinions and I will not stoop to calling names in replies to people who did it to me.

And if I see fit to post a photo I will do it.
Boa constrictor

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Beware of Commies and Mutts!

The pot often thinks the kettle is much blacker...There's nothing "noble" about cutting off the heads of others to make ones self appear taller? think with your heart instead of your brain,with any luck it may be the stronger of the two organs? just a suggestion,from another that won't stop posting unwanted opinions...(you don't fool me.)

Your should not use this forum to run free ...your aversions on certain individuals here. Your lines are not worth further reply

You have proven that you can say a whole world, but can't do what you said.

Your should not use this forum to run free ...your aversions on certain individuals here. Your lines are not worth further reply

Those people that I mentioned paid for their advertising on this web site. In addition, their names are listed in the Morph Page due to their contribution to this hobby. What better can I do with my aversion?

On the other site, I couldn't find your name or your "Boa Constrictor" addy anywhere in this site beside this "Boa Forum." Who the one that run free aversion here????

>>> If you keep and raise snake, and sell it w/ a higher price later (even if you do it so that you can get into other project), it's full of crap if you claim it as hobby.

Well that's one of the dumber things I've heard said here. Because you sell some of your personal property for more than you paid for it does not make it a business. A business (according to the IRS, as well as common sense) is an activity you _regularly_ engage in with the _intention_ of making a profit.

Likewise, selling for less than market value doesn't make you a hobbiest. It just makes you stupid.

no text
Boa constrictor

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Beware of Commies and Mutts!

Well that's one of the dumber things I've heard said here. Because you sell some of your personal property for more than you paid for it does not make it a business. A business (according to the IRS, as well as common sense) is an activity you _regularly_ engage in with the _intention_ of making a profit.

Likewise, selling for less than market value doesn't make you a hobbiest. It just makes you stupid.

selling for more than you paid for it is not as same as making a profit

Wow!!!

It just makes you stupid when you think people believe in your activity with the intention of making a profit is a hobby. Just like I would make a fool out of myself when I tell my neighbor that I keep 14 snakes (a pair of everything) is a hobby.... C'mon, who would believe that kind of joke???