Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm have been thinking about getting back in to breeding reptiles? But who is going to buy them? Where would I sell and ship them? If most states are moving to BAN ?? I live in Maryland,next to the W.V. border? Where is the market today? I love Ball pythons and Leopard Gecko? Investing hard earned money into a fading market?

This is my personal opinion. I’m sure some will find certain points arguable, but still, it’s my opinion.

First and foremost, do what you like.

Secondly, I wouldn’t suggest investing your life savings in a reptile breeding enterprise in any market, without a serious, SERIOUS, business plan.

Make sure you are not letting the concern you feel about “the market” become overwhelming and irrational, preventing you from doing something you’d otherwise enjoy. It’s like knowing damage from the sun’s rays may cause skin cancer, and adopting a vampire-like existence to avoid the potential harmful effects of the sun. The reaction does not match the threat. Unless you are investing a huge amount of money, the “threat” shouldn’t be your primary decision driver.

Most of us are involved in snake breeding at the hobby level, or maybe some of us enjoy a cottage industry business, where we try to earn a modest return on our hobby investments to at best offset some of the costs. Sure, some of us have invested more heavily, but for most of us, I don’t believe snake breeding is our primary source of income. Therefore, we should not be frightened into a state of paralysis by those that’d like to end our existence.

If we all start shutting down because of what may happen, then “they’ve” won, already. I say continue as if it is likely that we will prevail (as I do honestly believe to be the case). Invest in a hobby that you care about, and fight for your right to continue participating in that hobby at every opportunity. Engage in the fight yourself, also engage your family, friends, and all other freedom/liberty loving contacts you have. Stand up with your assets and actions for what you believe in, not cower to your enemies and admit defeat before the battle has truly begun.

(stepping off soapbox)

Thanks for listening…

Mark

Just for clarification, I want to make sure my "do what you like" comment is not misinterpreted as “snippy”. Growing up, I remember that phrase being used at times towards the end of an argument, meaning, "you're not listening to me anyway, so just do whatever you want to do!” It was intended in a positive light, such as "do what you enjoy!”

I may be overly sensitive, but I could see how it could be perceived either way, and I don't want to be misunderstood.

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Mark
uncommonboa.com

That was well put Just, trying to get some more feedback on the topic? Diffrent view points? I value you input. I own a pet grooming shop. This would be my 1st income, reptiles would be my 2ed. Again, I enjoyed your thoughts.