Trouble deciding what to breed!

[youngster]

So I keep changing my mind as to what I'm going to breed. I was strongly thinking BPs for awhile, but now I'm thinking corn snakes or something else. Suggestions. What about BRBs? KSB? Hognose? Lampropeltis? I'm leaning towards a python or boa. Colubrids are good as well however.

[Gungirl]

I would go with corns
Reason 1-first time breeding
2-lower cost
3-easier husbandry
4-better feeders
5-simple sell of babies
6-If I am to help you sell the babies as I stated I would I could place corns in more homes than I could anything else

[youngster]

I would go with corns
Reason 1-first time breeding
2-lower cost
3-easier husbandry
4-better feeders
5-simple sell of babies
6-If I am to help you sell the babies as I stated I would I could place corns in more homes than I could anything else

Okay thanks, I've been leaning for towards corns in the past day. Mainly because I have one and it's cheaper/easier.

[CK SandBoas]

I'm very fond of the Kenyan Sand Boas myself. I just had my first successful breeding this season with my Paradox Albino Female, and a male from her first litter, and got 17 beautiful babies from her, 4 more than her first litter of 13. :)
Before i bred them, though, i made sure i had the time, the space, and the finances to care for the new little ones. In the end, though, there is no better feeling than coming home from work, or school, in your case, and seeing those little faces peering at you from inside mom's enclosure!


http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee6/crisscris/036-1.jpg

[stephanbakir]

Is paradox genetic in ksbs? it isn't in retics or bps.

[bladeblaster]

Is paradox genetic in ksbs? it isn't in retics or bps.

it is yes, only species to prove to produce gentic paradox

[blindfireak40]

It must be! I was excited too lol...in most cases, (based on what I've read) it's chimaerism; basically there were two embryos in one egg with two different genetic makeups, but at some point one absorbs the other. The majority of the animal exhibits the "winners" genetics, but there are patches that exhibit the other animal's genetics.

but I guess there is a gene for KSB's hahaha...probably waaaaaaaaaay too expensive for what Youngster's looking for right now though :/.

Edit: Or maybe not! There is a pair of Snow Paradox juveniles on youtube for $150! Could be more out there for that cheap...

[bladeblaster]

So I keep changing my mind as to what I'm going to breed. I was strongly thinking BPs for awhile, but now I'm thinking corn snakes or something else. Suggestions. What about BRBs? KSB? Hognose? Lampropeltis? I'm leaning towards a python or boa. Colubrids are good as well however.

If you don;t know what to breed, don't breed.

Unless you have a passion for it forget it.

Question exactly why you are breeding it.

[youngster]

If you don;t know what to breed, don't breed.

Unless you have a passion for it forget it.

Question exactly why you are breeding it.

The exact reason why I want to breed is simply because it will bring me immense joy in pretty dark times right now. I have a passion for snakes that I can't really explain. I'm very confident about this. I don't really get why not being positive what species I'm going to breed determines my incompetence?

[bladeblaster]

The exact reason why I want to breed is simply because it will bring me immense joy in pretty dark times right now. I have a passion for snakes that I can't really explain. I'm very confident about this.

thats good, but you can;t breed everything straight off.

Are you planning on buying adults to breed right away or babies to grow on and breed?

[youngster]

Figured out what I'm gonna do. My favorite kind of corn is a caramel so I'll going to try for caramels. Financially makes the most sense.

[stephanbakir]

What might make the most sense is waiting a year, till you are more financially stable and have another year under your belt, by then you should KNOW what the next step should be.

[youngster]

What might make the most sense is waiting a year, till you are more financially stable and have another year under your belt, by then you should KNOW what the next step should be.

It's not that I don't have enough money just with BPs it's kinda like taking a gamble. But caramelxcaramel = 100% caramel so I basically know how much money I'm going to make. That's what I meant by financial sense.

[Valvaren]

See I don't understand anymore cause first it was a school project and now it is because you just want to do and and now you are getting interested because of the money from what it sounds to me, I seriously think you should consider waiting a year. I don't know if you completely understand what you are getting into and i really don't mean anything by it but i've been your age we all have and we know what it is like to get excited about something and really want to do it and because of that we out pace ourselves and end up getting bit in the a*se over it.

I really think you should have a look around and maybe find a few people near you that have been breeding for awhile and like with the hots mentor under them for a bit, learn the ropes, the practice, get some tips and advice.

There are so many people out there breeding and there are so many animals that its starting to out weigh the buyers and even though I don't want you getting stuck with a bunch of animals with no where to put them I don't want a bunch of unwanted babies floating around more. You have to realize this is bigger then you and a school project breeding and bringing lives into this world is a very serious thing and I think a lot of people forget that. Just because they aren't human babies shouldn't mean their lives shouldn't be treated with the same respect.

[stephanbakir]

Bps are just as straightforward genetically as corn snakes.

[youngster]

See I don't understand anymore cause first it was a school project and now it is because you just want to do and and now you are getting interested because of the money from what it sounds to me, I seriously think you should consider waiting a year. I don't know if you completely understand what you are getting into and i really don't mean anything by it but i've been your age we all have and we know what it is like to get excited about something and really want to do it and because of that we out pace ourselves and end up getting bit in the a*se over it.

I really think you should have a look around and maybe find a few people near you that have been breeding for awhile and like with the hots mentor under them for a bit, learn the ropes, the practice, get some tips and advice.

There are so many people out there breeding and there are so many animals that its starting to out weigh the buyers and even though I don't want you getting stuck with a bunch of animals with no where to put them I don't want a bunch of unwanted babies floating around more. You have to realize this is bigger then you and a school project breeding and bringing lives into this world is a very serious thing and I think a lot of people forget that. Just because they aren't human babies shouldn't mean their lives shouldn't be treated with the same respect.

1. It is a project but I'm not doing it because it is. The reason I'm doing it is because it's something that means a lot to me. My family is going through a lot right now and snakes are sort of an escape for me.

2. It's not that I'm greedy for the money I just need to make a profit to pay my parents back and if I were to do ball pythons I'm not necessarily going to make a profit. The potential ball python profits are more than corn snakes, however it's a gamble.

3. I know what I'm getting into, I have already found people that are interested in taking the babies. I do not plan on just throwing them out the window once they are born. I regard snakes as an equal to humans.

[youngster]

Bps are just as straightforward genetically as corn snakes.

Yes, but with pastelxspider there's four different types of babies. With caramelxcaramel corns there's only one outcome.

[UwabamiReptiles]

Just do as much research as you. I know you probably want to breed this coming season, but breeding isn't something you want to rush into. If you're gonna breed something, I think corn eggs only have to be incubated at 82 degrees so you won't need an incubator if you have a warm shelf in your house in a closet or something. Just try to map out everything you're gonna need to breed. Think about the cost to set up two adults with the feedings and electricity needed.

Then think about how you'll set up potentially 20+ babies and feed them once a week until they get new homes. How to deal with babies that don't start to eat. Think about how much time will go into caring for that many animals. Spot cleaning daily and changing water. I'm not at all trying to discourage you from breeding, its the most rewarding thing. I just wouldn't rush into it because it can be overwhelming if you're not completely ready.

My personal advice would be to sit down and write everything you will need and see if you can handle any obstacles that come with breeding. What if the female gets egg bound, will you have the extra funds to take her to the vet? Just an example. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for you having a breeding project, I would just hate for you to rush into it and have a bad first breeding experience and be turned off by the whole thing.

[Aaron_S]

I believe if this is what you want to do then just do what interests you most. If it's not highly expensive or potential for a huge money gain then your parents need to spend less money and you need to pay them back less.

[SnakeyJay]

Totally agree... breeding isnt something to be rushed into. Ive only had snakes 2.5 yrs n id love to breed, but i know not to atm. I think you should get some extensive experience with the species you intend to breed first.. not saying your totally not ready but your still learning how to care for what youve got, are you ready for 20 more, and issues that can arrise while breeding as has been mentioned. Good luck tho youngster, im sure youll make a good decision.

[youngster]

Alright, I'm sorta just going to speak my mind here. I feel like people are judging me by my age rather than the things that actually matter in the end. I've been doing research for 3 months straight and I feel completely comfortable caring for corn snakes. My parents are insisting that money is not a problem, because no matter how it turns out they will be getting payed back. I homeschool so time is not a matter either. I have planned everything I can imagine happening. There's a vet a few miles down the road from my house. I'm going to an expo so that I can pick out the healthiest parents possible. I know everyone is just trying to help but all I need is support from you guys!

[Valvaren]

How have you been doing three months of research on breeding when this has just come up in the past week. I'm sorry that I seem very b*tchy about this but its something I'm very serious about and as much as you say you think you are prepared no one ever is for anything, you haven't had to deal with sick animals and you haven't had to deal with babies, I haven't either and I only know what my friends go through and after hearing the problems and stress that go with it I don't even want to deal with it. I really think you should wait and when breeding season comes around find someone around you who is breeding and spend some time with them helping to care for the babies and dealing with the sick and ones that wont switch.

Like I've said earlier, I've been your age and I know who you feel about this but you really need to see the bigger picture and I know you think you are but you aren't.
Researching and experience aren't the same and I think people should get more experience before they start breeding. You are bringing lives into this world and selling isn't that easy, people say now they want one, and they don't always hold out. Please if you really want to know if you are read for this, and ready for the babies because this isn't about you, its about them they need you to be prepared because they are doing to depend on your time, your money, your knowledge.

You are going to do it regardless of what I or anyone else says and honestly that bugs me a bit because you seem more set on doing it then really thinking about it but that is just how I feel. If you think you are ready and you can take on and handle anything that's fine and I wish you the best. But it isn't easy and its not all fun and games like people think it is and when it gets stressful and makes your dark times worse don't blame them.

[Lankyrob]

Maybe talking about it on here was the LAST bit of research and thats why we have only known about it for a week? :)

[youngster]

Maybe talking about it on here was the LAST bit of research and thats why we have only known about it for a week? :)

:) Yeah, doesn't really matter I'm just gonna do something else.

[Lankyrob]

Youngster, dont let anyone put you off something that YOU want to do. As long as YOU research it to satisfy YOUR requirements and YOU are happy doing what you are doing then the rest of the world and go jump.

This is a lesson that some people never learn and have to fit in with the majority without ever sticking their head above the parapet. Those that realize that whilst other peoples opinions are worth listening to, they are not the be all and end all of things tend to be happier more successful people in life because they push boundaries and questions the "norm".

As long as you are not hurting anyone or anything then do what YOU want to do.

[KD35WIN.AS.ONE]

Ive never bred any snakes. Ive seen it be done, i understand the process and can care for newborns. If any of the newborn snakes have feeding issues, i have extensive experience force feeding.. and About 90% of that time was with venomous snakes. Yet knowing all this ive never made the decision to breed. I find that it is a big commitment, you need time and money. Im not going to degrade you if you try to breed corn snakes haha. If you decide to attempt to breed and have any questions just ask on here.

[Gungirl]

:) Yeah, doesn't really matter I'm just gonna do something else.

So your letting people talk you out of what you want to do?

I offered to help you seeing as I am only 1 hr from you and I am still willing to do so. Feel free to send me a PM if you want to discuss it out of view of the entire forum... hope you didn't let everyone crush your dream.

[youngster]

I dunno, I'll be just as happy doing another snake related project with less responsibility than breeding.

[Aaron_S]

It's a big undertaking to breed. I was once a young guy wanting to breed snakes and such but ended up not doing it. Mostly because I had to fund everything myself if I wanted to.

I think it's cool your parents aren't worried about the cost but let me ask you this, how would they get their money back if your female doesn't produce? Your adults die for any reason? Your eggs are all slugs? Your babies don't eat and die? Can you answer these?

We're all willing to help you but just really think about it. I like the fact you're only thinking of one pair. Maybe buy a female cornsnake so you are still with just two snakes of the same species that you already keep. That way you don't need to learn a whole new species as well as breeding.

[youngster]

It's a big undertaking to breed. I was once a young guy wanting to breed snakes and such but ended up not doing it. Mostly because I had to fund everything myself if I wanted to.

I think it's cool your parents aren't worried about the cost but let me ask you this, how would they get their money back if your female doesn't produce? Your adults die for any reason? Your eggs are all slugs? Your babies don't eat and die? Can you answer these?

We're all willing to help you but just really think about it. I like the fact you're only thinking of one pair. Maybe buy a female cornsnake so you are still with just two snakes of the same species that you already keep. That way you don't need to learn a whole new species as well as breeding.

Can't answer those questions, however that's why I was looking for a proven breeder.

[Aaron_S]

Proven breeder means nothing! There's a higher chance that if she laid in 2011 that she may not go this coming season.

I had a proven breeder male here who upped and died on me a week and a bit ago. He was my favourite and well taken care of and yet he's gone. No illness that I know of and none of my other snakes show any signs of anything. Sometimes random events happen.

[youngster]

Proven breeder means nothing! There's a higher chance that if she laid in 2011 that she may not go this coming season.

I had a proven breeder male here who upped and died on me a week and a bit ago. He was my favourite and well taken care of and yet he's gone. No illness that I know of and none of my other snakes show any signs of anything. Sometimes random events happen.

Oh wow! Thanks for the heads up. Sorry for your loss I was under the impression that previous mothers were less prone to a problem.

[UwabamiReptiles]

So we all know things happen in this hobby. We have this covered pretty good from what I've seen here. From what I've gathered throughout this thread is that he has researched and knows that things can happen that are out of his control. It also seems like he is looking at this as a one time project just to get the experience of it, so if he is just going to breed once, why would he not try to get proven breeders? It would be smarter for him to get proven breeders so he knows they are mature enough to breed instead of maybe pushing a younger female that may not be ready. Of course the proven breeders would have to be healthy and have the appropriate amount of weight but I'm sure thats a given.

[Aaron_S]

Again I state just because it's proven doesn't mean it's going to go for you. I bred 4 females this year and got eggs out of 3 of them.That's 75% success. All were doing it for their very first time. It isn't difficult to try it.

I still stand by if it's just for "fun" then go with cornsnakes. You already own one, might as well continue down that path.

[youngster]

Again I state just because it's proven doesn't mean it's going to go for you. I bred 4 females this year and got eggs out of 3 of them.That's 75% success. All were doing it for their very first time. It isn't difficult to try it.

I still stand by if it's just for "fun" then go with cornsnakes. You already own one, might as well continue down that path.

Yeah I'm doing corns. Makes a lot more sense to do corns. And it's not really for fun, (even though I'm going to have a lot a fun doing it) my parents are only funding it because it's gonna be a huge project which I intend on sharing with you guys when I finish. Lots of pictures coming your way :D