So I have decieded not to breed. Food for thought.

[Skyrivers]

So after doing much research and looking at numerous animals across several species a few things comes to mind.

1) All my animals are pets. This means that I take them out and spend time with them almost daily. If I start breeding then the time I have to care for each animal is shortened.

2) Housing quality and cost. The more animals I have, the less room and money I have to put towards making larger, quality enclosures for my animals. I have plans to build much larger more natural enclosures for Rainbow and Monty (housed separately). They need room to exercise and roam about to stay healthy and happy. I want to create more natural enclosures for my Ball pythons and RTB as well. I want to provide a quality of life for them.

3) Need for breeding? With all that is available and being breed, I can find almost anything that I desire morph wise. So many people are already doing it. I don't need to sell them to pay for the ones I already have. What if they don't sell (unintentional collection growth)?

4) Cost of feeding. Can I afford it? Yes but it does go up.

So Here is the question. For those who don't breed, why did you choose not to?

The future is not written and I might one day change my mind.

[Craiga 01453]

Short answer: I'm not ready.
I think to properly and responsibly breed you need years of experience. Granted I've got that, there are other factors.
-I'm not ready financially.
-My snakes are pets, bought to be pets.
-With BPs especially, the market is already over saturated

[Jaust]

Most people wouldn't even have this thought process with dogs/cats. You never have to justify why you wouldn't breed an animal. I think more folks should have to justify why they're choosing to breed animals.

I didn't breed for the first 5-6 years of owning reptiles because I had other things going on in my life, and I wouldn't have been able to give them the time they deserve. Now that I'm more stationary (dad life) I am able to breed First clutch should be late in the year.

Interesting question, and I'm excited to see what others have to say.

[Cheesenugget]

The thought never crossed my mind that I should breed. All of my furry pets except for the hamster were spayed before I even adopted them so I guess I transferred that "no babies expecting" mentality to my herps as well. I have other people make such suggestions with breeding my Merauke BTS but nah. I prefer to leave these kinds of things to those who take breeding seriously.

[Lord Sorril]

-With BPs especially, the market is already over saturated

Amen brother.

[AnnieHeart]

I think it would be okay as long as you have the time, finances, and places you know you could find each baby a nice home.

[Skyrivers]

Most people wouldn't even have this thought process with dogs/cats. You never have to justify why you wouldn't breed an animal. I think more folks should have to justify why they're choosing to breed animals.

I agree but I do think it should be said and others who might be considering breeding need to make sure that is a true path for them and have the dedication and resources to do it. Just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should.

First clutch should be late in the year.

Congratz. Looking forward to seeing them progress.

[Skyrivers]

I think it would be okay as long as you have the time, finances, and places you know you could find each baby a nice home.

Some are more prepared than others for rehousing them. I am focusing my efforts on the education aspect. I want to share my love of the animals without breeding at this point.

Thanks to everyone who gave information on breeding. If I ever change my mind, I am greatly more prepared to do it as a result. I know I ask a lot of questions. That is how I learn.

[AnnieHeart]

Some are more prepared than others for rehousing them. I am focusing my efforts on the education aspect. I want to share my love of the animals without breeding at this point.

Thanks to everyone who gave information on breeding. If I ever change my mind, I am greatly more prepared to do it as a result. I know I ask a lot of questions. That is how I learn.

Good for you! Wishing you success!!

[ladywhipple02]

I've bred crested geckos briefly in the past (on a small scale), and even that took time and money than I had at the time.

I may one day decide to breed but it won't be to make money. It will be solely small scale, with high end animals, and I will make darn sure I have the proper set up, time, money, food, and capability of keeping all the babies until/if they sell.

NOTE: I doubt I will breed BPs. I have mucho respect for the folks that do - and can actually make some cash on it - but I think I'd rather branch out into a market a little less saturated. I've always considered boas as something that would be interesting and fun, and I like their morphs. I've also considered geckos again, cresties or even leos. They're fun little critters. IDK, we'll see.