The allure of breeding...

[Craiga 01453]

First off, let me start by saying this is a question coming solely from curiosity and not a dig on anybody, since I myself fall into this category...

I've wondered since getting back into this hobby what the allure to breeding is. It seems like an extrodinarily high number of people who keep snakes have an interest in breeding, or are already breeding on some level.

Now I may be wrong, but it seems like the number is high when you look at it in comparison to people breeding other pets. I know plenty of people with other pets, and pretty much none ever talk about breeding their cat, dog, rabbit, guinea pig, ferret, fish, etc... It seems like there are countless people who are literally brand new to the hobby saying things like "I've had my beep for three weeks and love her so much. I want to start breeding, what should I pair with her?" or "Thinking about getting a BP or two, what morphs breed well together?" I've never heard somebody say "I've had my ferret (or other insert pet here) for a month and want to get another and breed them."

However, spend a little time talking to a few people who keep snakes as pets, and breeding almost always inevitably makes it's way into the conversation.

Another example would be time spent in pet stores. In all the time I've spent in pets stores, shopping for supplies, killing time looking at animals, etc... I've never overheard a conversation about somebody potentially breeding their new pet...except in the reptile section. And it has always been snakes with one exception when a guy was discussing breeding beasties.

Now, don't get me wrong, I've thought about it, discussed it, etc... so I'm certainly understanding of wanting to breed snakes. I have since decided against it, for the forseeable futire anyway...but what is the allure with snakes versus other pets??

Anybody willing to throw their two cents in please feel free, as this is just a curious thought I've had...