Re: Looking into breeding as a lifestyle.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
CarrieAnnx3
Over the last few weeks, I have been looking into breeding. I have been doing this for two reasons... First and foremost, my absolute love of ball pythons. They are a beautiful creature that, in my opinion, is extremely misunderstood. My second reason was to possibly use my love of the animal as a way to make some sort of supplemental income so that I can stay home with my children and still help provide for them. I have been doing loads of research but I still have some questions, most of which really come down to personal preference, opinion, or dumb luck, but I do like to hear other's opinions and experiences with these things.
First of all, do you prefer maternal incubation or using an incubator? (I would probably use an incubator, but I am quite curious about this one.)
What incubator do you believe to be the best for incubating BP eggs?
If you were to make your own incubator, what did you use and how did you ensure that it was perfect for the eggs?
How many of you breed and make a reasonable profit from it? Do you believe that you made the right decision?
What suggestions or insight can you guys give me into the world of breeding ball pythons?
Oh... And, over the past few weeks, you guys have helped me grow in my knowledge and love for ball pythons and I want to thank all of you for not once getting frustrated with me for all the silly questions that I asked when I first got my babies.
So, thanks for all your help, and for continuing to assist me, and others, whenever we need it. <3.
I built my own incubator out of a Styrofoam cooler, thermostat and heat tape. I have need bred on a big scale but I have only ever lost one clutch and it's because I set the thermostat temp wrong.
If you are breeding on a small scale profit usually doesn't happen and if you are lucky you break even. It's mostly done for the love/experience of it, not money.
Most breeders that do make money are ones that breed on a large scale and have lots of selling connections. Also they generally built up to the level they were at over years of breeding. You rarely get into it and just start making money.
If you want to get into it you can try but also know you have a better chance of spending a lot of money on your breeding projects and not making that money back then you do making a decent profit off it. If you are willing to spend the money and be ok with a chance of losing it all then go ahead. Some people might not want that risk, especially if they have kids. Even if you breed successfully, it doesn't matter what you have if you can't sell it. Your babies could be worth hundreds or thousands but if no one will buy them, they are just gonna cost you money to care for them.
You still seem very new to the hobby in general. My advice would be to take more time to get the experience in just having the animals before you even consider breeding. Breeding really shouldn't be considered until you are a few years into the hobby.
Also a lot of people can get into the hobby to far/to fast and get in over their heads right away and that can end up leaving you with a bad experience that will make you wanna get out of the hobby all together. I have seen that happen.
Take time to learn everything you need to know and when/if you start breeding only start with one clutch and see how that goes to gauge how well you might be able to sell your product. Then decide if it's something you wanna get into more.
