Help! All feedback is important!

[Druzy]

Growing up I have always been fascinated with all living creatures, but reptiles seem to hold a very special place in my heart. Since of my love I’ve decided to start my own independent reptile shop. The shop that I am planning on owning will not have the same core morals of big chain suppliers. A good home means more to me than cash.
I’ve always supported and still do to this day captive bred and born. Now though I am realizing that some species are farm raised instead of being bred in captivity. I am trying to determine how I feel with “farm raised.” I am hoping with help among the reptile community that I can get a detail opinions about farm raised. Should I only carry captive bred reptiles, and never mind creatures that can only be raised in a farm. Also who are good vendors to purchase from? It’s extremely important to me to only purchase from people who love and dedicate themselves to these awesome creatures rather than just being a profit. I hope I can gain some helpful advice. Please give your opinions. Your feedback is extremely important to me!
Thanks!!

[Stewart_Reptiles]

I don't think that the average pet store customer cares if the animal is captive hatched (farmed raised) or captive bred, not sure if they would even know the difference.

As far as who sells to pet store, I think that you will without a doubt find people willing to wholesale animals to you, BP for example would be pretty easy to purchase, breeders often wholesale normals and low end single gene animals to store or seller that have more exposure, I know I do and I am probably not the only one.

Now is it true for other reptiles I would think so.

Now can you get everything you need in one place well it depend if you are looking for CBB only or imports as well.


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[Druzy]

I'm really looking to only supplying CBB, but will like to know a description of farm raised, since of my lack of knowledge of that term. My first fear is to be buying from a wholesale marketer that doesn't properly care for their animals.

I know PETA isn't the best at telling the truth, but this is my fear of buying from wholesale marketers that don't properly care for their animals

[Kat_Dog]

"Farmed" animals are animals that are bred in large numbers pretty much just to move stock. Like mass-producing in the animal world. Not all "farmed" animals will be sickly or badly bred, though it is commonly viewed as such.


Your safest bet would be to try to buy from someone near you, maybe a breeder who has extra stock, at least close enough that the animals can be picked up in person. Perhaps ask if you can see their breeding facility if possible. If you can have them supply birth/hatch dates and a feed record that's a plus.

[Druzy]

Its beyond difficult to get any advice from breeders or reptile stores. Seems like a lot of them are secretive. I even state that I am outside of their residency, but all times seem to fail. Someone did suggest Cal Zoo. Does anyone know anything about this facility?

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Its beyond difficult to get any advice from breeders or reptile stores. Seems like a lot of them are secretive. I even state that I am outside of their residency, but all times seem to fail. Someone did suggest Cal Zoo. Does anyone know anything about this facility?

It's not about being secretive as much as it is to getting to know people and establishing a good relationship. The herp world is a tight community but you can find the right people that can guide you, just don't expect it to be overnight.


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[angllady2]

One thing that would probably help you out is to start frequenting local reptile shows. Get to know breeders and such in your area. Share your dreams and goals. Once you become a common fixture at the shows, breeders will start opening up to you, and finding suppliers will become much easier.

If you are honest and straightforward with people, ask intelligent questions about care and needs of the different animals, find out what it's like to breed these animals and why they do it. You'll make good friends in the process, and they will almost certainly help you along.

Gale