Curious about breeding, good idea?

[Simplex]

True that they need bedding, but that's about it. My rats mostly lived on leftovers and garden scraps (I eat healthier than what's in most rodent food anyway).

And I know it sounds crazy but I was recently thinking how awesome it would be if ball pythons could be bred with boas. Probably not possible, but they'd look sweet.

Not including the bps themeselves, but only housing, feed bedding and time. rodents are a bigger investment. I spend WAY more time with my asfs, plus there destructive if they get out,

[iCandiBallPythons]

Theres really two options, people breeding for hobby or people breeding as a business that is something that is your decision. Mike Wilbanks video is a great example of operating as a business. This industry is like any other business it takes time to mature, however, like any other business you must be capable of absorbing alot of costs for however long the amount of time it takes for you to begin seeing a return. How long? That depends on what you put into the initial investment and what level you can come into the market. I have had a few business' in the past and have done well but I have never seen anything quite like the potential returns on an initial investment like the potential one can have with ball pythons. Some people have the mindset once they start breeding that by breeding and selling they are going wake up to a pot of gold overnight, it doesnt happen quite like that ( I'm in it 5 years, and will finally be in the green this year) but my collection grows every year, I have more for sale every year, and I hold back more each year , so while my "potential to earn," increases every year, so does my cost. Personally I think the sky is the limit with anything that someone chooses to do whether it's a rocket scientist or a mechanic as long as they have the dedication and are willing to put in the work to make it happen having a little bit of business sense does not hurt either. Theres a ton of different variables in the industry risks, loss, profit etc. as with any business.Owning or operating a business is not for everyone.

[EverEvolvingExotics]

Theres really two options, people breeding for hobby or people breeding as a business that is something that is your decision. Mike Wilbanks video is a great example of operating as a business. This industry is like any other business it takes time to mature, however, like any other business you must be capable of absorbing alot of costs for however long the amount of time it takes for you to begin seeing a return. How long? That depends on what you put into the initial investment and what level you can come into the market. I have had a few business' in the past and have done well but I have never seen anything quite like the potential returns on an initial investment like the potential one can have with ball pythons. Some people have the mindset once they start breeding that by breeding and selling they are going wake up to a pot of gold overnight, it doesnt happen quite like that ( I'm in it 5 years, and will finally be in the green this year) but my collection grows every year, I have more for sale every year, and I hold back more each year , so while my "potential to earn," increases every year, so does my cost. Personally I think the sky is the limit with anything that someone chooses to do whether it's a rocket scientist or a mechanic as long as they have the dedication and are willing to put in the work to make it happen having a little bit of business sense does not hurt either. Theres a ton of different variables in the industry risks, loss, profit etc. as with any business.Owning or operating a business is not for everyone.

Well said!

[Andrew21]

I personally don't consider the first rack and supplies as part of the breeding scheme. Like, they were pets when I bought them, (still are) and everything else comes with that. So I spent money on a personal want. that is not the same as an investment imo. And now the hatchling racks and setup will be what I'll hope to pay myself back for. So instead of $1000+, It's only like 300. Just one way of looking at it. And with just my corns and the 1 clutch i aim to produce next year, it'll take a few years just to break even on that.

If I just dove in head first and produced 3 clutches then I might be able to pay for it in one year. But I don't want to jump the gun and end up with 30+ snakes that won't sell.

[h00blah]

I personally don't consider the first rack and supplies as part of the breeding scheme. Like, they were pets when I bought them, (still are) and everything else comes with that. So I spent money on a personal want. that is not the same as an investment imo. And now the hatchling racks and setup will be what I'll hope to pay myself back for. So instead of $1000+, It's only like 300. Just one way of looking at it. And with just my corns and the 1 clutch i aim to produce next year, it'll take a few years just to break even on that.

If I just dove in head first and produced 3 clutches then I might be able to pay for it in one year. But I don't want to jump the gun and end up with 30+ snakes that won't sell.

I completely agree with your first point haha. I'm not in debt from snakes. I don't NEED to make the money back that I spent. It would be awesome, but unnecessary . I saved for a long time to buy some snakes I want. My enchi lesser male will probably never be replaced . He's a beast feeder, and is completely awesome looking to me .