Why do breeders help you?

[Gerardo]

I was asking myself why BP breeders usually are very willing to help you with your breeding projects. Wouldnt somebody who is breeding snakes with the intention of selling them be considered competition?

[TheSnakeGeek]

selling morphs is usually a breeders market. you wont usually see the average joe dropping a grand on a snake. its the breeders that do. people in the hobby. if you're getting started up at breeding, you're going to be buying a lot of snakes.

[CD CONSTRICTORS]

They are generally about 5 steps ahead of you on the advice they are giving. They are looking at 4/5/6 gene combos and recessive morph projects. They are more than willing to help you out producing those 2/3 gene bp's.

[Zombie]

selling morphs is usually a breeders market. you wont usually see the average joe dropping a grand on a snake. its the breeders that do. people in the hobby. if you're getting started up at breeding, you're going to be buying a lot of snakes.

This ^^^^^

Breeders sell to breeders, with the rare pet sale where someone wanted a high end pet. It's a tight knit community, why not help each other?

I have been astounded by the care and closeness of this community. Sure, there are always bad apples, but I have seen breeders come together to help out other breeders in times of need. We do auctions to help those that are hurt or when something else tragic has happened. We defend the good guys and gang up on the bad.

We all have each others' back!

[LadyOhh]

Bottom Line is this:

It's not all about the money.

I have more fun at the shows and thru e-mails talking to people than I do selling. Sure, money is great and exciting to have, but talking to like-minded people about things you both enjoy always makes for an entertaining and enlightening experience.

[h00blah]

This ^^^^^

Breeders sell to breeders, with the rare pet sale where someone wanted a high end pet. It's a tight knit community, why not help each other?

I have been astounded by the care and closeness of this community. Sure, there are always bad apples, but I have seen breeders come together to help out other breeders in times of need. We do auctions to help those that are hurt or when something else tragic has happened. We defend the good guys and gang up on the bad.

We all have each others' back!

Exactly. Perhaps many years ago, it was extremely competitive, and apparently a lot of back-stabbing went down. Nowadays it seems more of a hobby than a prospect. Remember, the folks who breed these reptiles first have a passion for keeping, raising, and breeding them. If they didn't care about the cool animals, they wouldn't bother helping anyone. The Bp.net community is definitely a good example of big breeders and newbie keepers coming together to ensure that good practice and knowledge is being spread in a friendly way. Not everyone will be friendly, as stated by Zombie . The majority of the posters are eager to help though .

[Inknsteel]

Bottom Line is this:

It's not all about the money.

I have more fun at the shows and thru e-mails talking to people than I do selling. Sure, money is great and exciting to have, but talking to like-minded people about things you both enjoy always makes for an entertaining and enlightening experience.

This is almost exactly what I was going to say. When I go to shows and I'm looking at animals I'm interested in buying, I start a conversation with the breeder. If that breeder is willing to give me five minutes of time just talking about potential projects, what I currently have in my collection, etc., I know that breeder is there because they have a passion for the animals, not just the almighty dollar. There are some big name breeders in the business, but I think if you go to reptile shows, you'll find that a growing number of "breeders" are just hobbyists who are using the shows as a venue to discuss their hobby, their passion, with other like-minded people.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Bottom Line is this:

It's not all about the money.

I have more fun at the shows and thru e-mails talking to people than I do selling. Sure, money is great and exciting to have, but talking to like-minded people about things you both enjoy always makes for an entertaining and enlightening experience.

^This^

Money is not everything for me either.

Over the years I have made some great friends whether they are customers, breeders or people I have helped.

If tomorrow it all stopped those are the things that would remain.

I also see this as a pay it forward, I have been mentored and I pay it forward by helping people who need help....sharing you passion only helps this hobby grows.

[mikel81]

Bottom Line is this:

It's not all about the money.

I have more fun at the shows and thru e-mails talking to people than I do selling. Sure, money is great and exciting to have, but talking to like-minded people about things you both enjoy always makes for an entertaining and enlightening experience.

^^ Exactly!

I love going to shows even if I am not looking to buy anything. Everyone is usually quite enthusiastic and willing to talk all day. Just think, when you go to a show we are in a room full of like-minded reptile keepers. I don't have anyone but my wife to talk to about snakes so I love having a bunch of people with a common interest at the same place.

[h00blah]

This is almost exactly what I was going to say. When I go to shows and I'm looking at animals I'm interested in buying, I start a conversation with the breeder. If that breeder is willing to give me five minutes of time just talking about potential projects, what I currently have in my collection, etc., I know that breeder is there because they have a passion for the animals, not just the almighty dollar. There are some big name breeders in the business, but I think if you go to reptile shows, you'll find that a growing number of "breeders" are just hobbyists who are using the shows as a venue to discuss their hobby, their passion, with other like-minded people.

Totally!! Heather and Tim were always busy talking to folks, and answering random questions. Seems like so much fun since I enjoy answering questions and helping people out . They always make time to say what's up, and talk about what they're excited about, it's awesome! Oh crap that reminds me, I have to post the reptile expo pictures O_O;.. Lots of awesome stuff, including an update picture of the vanilla cream spider that Scott Austin hatched!