breeding degree

[rex322]

is there any kind of degree for breeding snakes? i mean, i know that you dont need a degree to, but if say you were to wanna own a breeding business such as alex hue reptiles, is there a degree that would help ya with it? just wondering, thinking about breeding in the future. hey, im still young, and anythings possible, right?

[RobertCoombs]

The degree that matters most! as much hands on experience as you can get! other than that your basic biology and herpetology degrees would come in handy , especially if you were looking to get hired on to a zoo or something of that nature
and on the business end, a business managment degree would come in handy.. but in my book nothing beats hands on learning and grow as you go

[Marla]

I'd think that either Zoology or Biology as a major and business as a minor would be an excellent combination. As Robert says, experience (and learning from it ) is going to have a lot to do with success, but being able to manage a business budget, handle taxes and paperwork, calculate the value of investments (both fiscal and physical), organize all your valuable information, provide the needed husbandry in a cost-effective manner, etc., all these things need to be balanced in order to be a successful breeder, and your performance at any one of them can significantly impact your business' success, so even if you don't get a degree, some classes or an internship period would probably be highly beneficial.

[rex322]

thanks guys. im a senior in highschool and really thinking about breeding as a career. i wanna start with BPs, and my mom might let me get a female soon...which would make 3 snakes for me . how much are racks? i know i would need those for offspring eventually, or some rubbermaids. i plan on just breeding normals at first, and sell them to petstore, over the internet, or through classifieds in the newspaper. i figure with the petstore thing, itll prevent people from getting imported snakes. if i get the female, i plan on breeding rex down the road. how do you heat a rack system anyways?

[Marla]

Racks are frequently heated with flexwatt, and sometimes with heat rope. Prices for pre-built are all over the map, but you can build one yourself for about $75 and up, depending on the type you make. Rack plans can be found online. I'd love to be just starting out and with a good idea that that's what I wanted to do for a living. Good luck with it.