Question About Visitors In Your Breeding Facility...

[Slim]

If you don't think that requires my level of security then I guess you are on a different level of comfort than I am.

Never said it didn't require a level of security. In fact, you should hire me to do your security. References available upon request.

SOC Rule #1 - Professionals are predictable, it's the amateurs that truly are dangerous...

[CD CONSTRICTORS]

Never said it didn't require a level of security. In fact, you should hire me to do your security..

Lol... Thats not happeninng any time soon......

[Dracoluna]

While I answered "Yes, with several exceptions," I feel that everyone's situation is different. I used to breed cats and it was common to have people come into the cattery, interact with everyone, etc. However, the chances of someone stealing a cat was very slim. Most people will pay a couple thousand for a dog but look at you like you're crazy when you say a 'pet quality' purebred cat is $500. The market isn't there to flip them like there is snakes. When I first started breeding, my corns were kept in my living room. The neighbors could even see them through the window and I lived in the ghetto. My neighbors also got to watch me run my dogs through protection training drills in the front yard. They didn't even step onto the sidewalk outside my house much less think about coming in. I would allow potential buyers into the house but at the same time, everyone who comes through my front door, close friend or complete stranger, has to meet my furry security system. I've never had an issue but then again, corns aren't nearly as valuable.

Now I live in Wisconsin, in a nice neighborhood where my neighbors are scared that there are even reptiles in the area. I have a separate snake room and 2 stepdaughters who would bring everyone through the snake room given the option. Being my collection is still small, I'm fine with people who are friends/family coming in and checking out the snakes. I don't think anything of pulling out every single one I have as they are used to it and get taken to educational programs as well. There are rules and those are 1) No scaring people with the snakes, 2) Either me or my girls take the animal out and put it back to ensure the tub is secure, 3) Only 2-3 animals out at a time, and 4) If someone gets stupid, things end there and quickly. I don't even have to enforce 4 since the girls will eat their friends alive if they don't have the well being of the animal first. As I start having baby bps to sell, most will be done at shows or online but I'm ok with people coming in, especially if it's their first snake. I know most people don't look at temperament in snakes but I've seen enough variation that that's extremely important to me. A young kid getting their first snake should not be given an animal that's high strung unless they know what they are getting into. Granted corns are more likely to strike than a bp but at the same time, it comes down to fitting the animal to the person. If it takes them coming over and handling 20+ babies to find the perfect one, then so be it. I've done it for corns and I'll do it for my bps. My goal is to have a customer that loves the animal and will get many years of enjoyment from them. In the case of an experienced owner/another breeder, then I figure they should know what they can handle. All of that being said, I do not go around saying "This snake is worth $x and that one is worth $y." When asked by people who aren't buyers, I make the judgement call on whether or not I know them well enough to trust them to start guessing the cost of my collection. Most are just curious and harmless. It comes down to common sense.