I don't want to be a breeder anymore

[hungba]

I have been keeping reptiles and amphibians since forever, and spent the last 6 years or so being a breeder. I have built up from just 2 snakes to now well over 200, not to mention tons of geckos and various lizards of many kinds. My goal was to become a big breeder like the big guys like BHB or Kevin one day. Now I come to the crossroads of whether to turn this from a hobby to a business or not, and I feel like my heart isn't there anymore.

Firstly, it is not really that profitable. And the care of all of them myself has become a chore. I do not have the confidence to start a business with employees who will share the work with me, nor do I really think it makes much financial sense given the current state of the morph markets (am I making excuses?). I want to be able to vacation and do other things again like I used to.

It is also heart breaking when I see some animals die (there are bound to be some when dealing with hundreds of them) or born with deformities, or even eggs that don't hatch. When these things don't happen, I am constantly worried that they will. It is doing my head in.

Yet, I have a problem letting it go. Because 1) I feel like I am just starting to get some success breeding and now I am quitting. 2) I feel very attached to the animals, even the ones I am meant to sell, let alone those that I keep as breeding stock or pets, some have been with me for over a decade (I don't see how it will free up my life if I still keep some? Will it?) 3) It feels like such a waste. Even if I sell all the animals, what will I do with all the racks and cages I have built, some used for less than a year? That I feel are very well made and I am very proud of? Also the years of effort put into this and raising breeders from babies. 4) From an ego standpoint, I feel like I would lose some status, as I have done things like made world first morphs, morph combos, bred species not bred before in my city, animals only I have etc., even though no one else seem to really give a crap (will they?).

I have listed a small percentage of animals for sale, but I am really not sure which direction I am headed. I do know that my current situation is such that, while I love the subject matter, I no longer enjoy the constant physical labour nor the psychological and emotional stress.

[Sallos]

If it were me, I think the deciding factor would be how confident are you that you have an alternative income lined up that will allow you to be comfortable and have the freedom to do the things you wish you could do now? If you have something that will provide those things, it might be time for a change of direction.


If not, maybe take a chance and hire someone part-time to help. Even if it is just a few hours a week, teaching them might be enough of a change to your routine to light that spark again. Once you trust that they can handle it, maybe have them work 2-3 days a week so you have a little time for yourself?



Either way, good luck!

[ballpythonsrock2]

I read your post and then I read it to my wife. I asked her what she thought. Since she is very objective has a lot of common sense that I am lacking many times. Her answer was quick. She said you need to get out of it. I agree with her. So unless you think you could hire someone and make money and let someone else do the work and worry like Brian and Kevin do then you should get out of it and bring it back to being fun and a hobby you can enjoy. It is not an enjoyable hobby to you and you said you don't really want to go full out and make it a business where you can let others do the work. It is remarkable that you have been able to do it this long. I couldn't imagine having all them to take care of myself. The most I had was 2 at one time and it was too much. There is too much competition around to make much money anymore. Many of them are dropping there prices a LOT which is good for us who buy but not too good for you sellers. Don't worry what others will think. Will they come and help you. No. It is your life and you need to make the change and not worry what others will think. That kind of thinking keeps you a prisoner) I really think you answered your own question when you posted your title. I would keep a couple which I think you could handle easily and make sure it stays something you enjoy, if not I would just get rid of all of it. Think of the enjoyment you will be giving to others.

It is no shame to get out many have gotten out. Some on here even. My wife's sister's boyfriend was a breeder and he got out. But he still likes animals and keeps some. Wish you the best, and only the best. And I agree. I would need a vacation too, with all that and by myself. whew.

[hungba]

Well income isn't the issue because this isn't even giving me much money. Can't just hire someone, I would have to rent a place, because right now it operates out of my home and I don't want employees in my house all the time.

I am pretty sure I want to get out, but keep a few. I just need help with overcoming the psychological barriers I listed. Maybe someone who has gotten out can chime in?

The decision left is whether to quit or to downsize. I am 99% sure I don't want to upsize.

[Albert Clark]

Wow! This is really sad to hear hung. You know what? 6 years is a long time but 200 animals is way too much for 1 person. Congrats on all your accomplishments and accolades. I think you need a vacation but I am not going to get on a soap box and try to persuade or dissuade you, that's your call. I do know that you have a passion for this hobby/ industry and that's proven. I do think it's important for you to downsize temporarily.

[hungba]

Not 200, WELL over 200 SNAKES. Then, geckos, lizards, frogs...

They are all taken care of properly, but it is taking up all of my time and energy, and I am exhausted.

I don't enjoy this anymore, not as things currently are. I really need someone who has been through this to talk to. Right now I am thinking "what was I thinking?" but not sure how I will feel tommorow.

Maybe I need to do this step by step? Downsize first and see how I get along or what? It is so daunting to think of this whole process at once, when on top of the animals I still have two incubators full of eggs, and more being laid all the time. What am I supposed to do, Sell the eggs? Make an omelette?

[PitOnTheProwl]

I know and understand your feelings.
I have decided to not do any pairings for a couple if years.
It will give me time to grow out my het Snows and others that I have produce and held back.
Only time will tell how you may feel.

I have also started to switch most of my collection to f/t as I have been debating on not producing rodents anymore either.

[hungba]

I am also afraid of regretting it. I mean, I am swamped with it right now, but if I quit, and take a nap and watch tv for 2 weeks, then what would I think?

[hungba]

Pitontheprowl, how many do you have?

[PitOnTheProwl]

Pitontheprowl, how many do you have?

Just light of 100 balls a couple hundred rats and then all the other pets.......