Question(s)

[Sidoni]

So... I'm curious. If I someday decide that I want to breed Iris, what do I need to know. For starters, since I don't know her age, how long do I wait to ensure that she is at least 4? I only know of her history for the past year, but is it safe to assume she's at least 2 because of her size? (She was 4 feet as of 2 months ago). Or based on her size, is she possibly older? The extent of her heredity that I was given was CA but she has since been identified as Nic. Do I have to find a male Nic to breed her to? All of the male Nics I've seen are rather unappealing IMO. Like I said, I'm just curious at this point.

[SublimeBoa]

Originally Posted by Sidoni

So... I'm curious. If I someday decide that I want to breed Iris, what do I need to know. For starters, since I don't know her age, how long do I wait to ensure that she is at least 4? I only know of her history for the past year, but is it safe to assume she's at least 2 because of her size? (She was 4 feet as of 2 months ago). Or based on her size, is she possibly older? The extent of her heredity that I was given was CA but she has since been identified as Nic. Do I have to find a male Nic to breed her to? All of the male Nics I've seen are rather unappealing IMO. Like I said, I'm just curious at this point.

Well, you said you know her history for 2 yrs, so if you just waited 2 more, she'd be 4 yrs old AT LEAST, and that's a mature age for breeding.

Shedding...as they get older, they shed more and more infrequently. So a Boa that's a neonate might shed every month (for example, not literally because other factors play a role) until they reach an adult age and size, then it slows down, and they go further between sloughs as time passes.

Breeding...it's up to you what you breed her to, but many people frown upon cross breeding, so you might keep that in mind if you decide to breed her. I think she has that Nic look too, so...

But, our market is sorta screwed at this time, so you might consider the following before you go and breed her. Do you have the room to house 15-20 neonate Boas (possibly even more)? Are you prepared to feed them if they don't sell for say a year or two? If they don't sell, are you in a position to buy 15-20 more cages and thermostats as they grow, until they do sell?

Many a keepers have put themselves into a real bind by not fully thinking it out, and then breeding anyway, just to find out that they are an unknown entity in the community, and people are just reluctant to buy from an unknown, when there are so many more out there that are known and have good reputations.

Anyway, some things to ponder for you.

Good luck!
Rick

[Sidoni]

Like I said, I was just curious at this point. No plans to breed her. However, you did bring up a good point... how does one make a name for themselves? I mean, there are literally hundreds of sellers in the market.

[Snakesitter]

*Excellent* points, Rick! I'm always amazed by the amount of "breeders" who only show up on a forum when they have babies to sell, post their litter and one or two other comments over a week, and then disappear never to be heard from again. Again, *great* comments.

So, umm, just how does this "chi" thing work to express that?

[Snakesitter]

I think the best way to answer that question, Kate, is to look at it a from a buyer's perspective. What would *you* want to see in a breeder? In my eyes, the three keys are great babies (which only come from great parents), a positive reputation as expressed through both formal ratings and general forum comments (which suggests someone is a known and trusted entity), and an ongoing helpful attitude (which suggests great customer service and support). No amount of pricing will trump those concerns for anyone with a brain. I'm sure others will have different lists, but that's my initial take....

[natsamjosh]

Originally Posted by SublimeBoa

But, our market is sorta screwed at this time, so you might consider the following before you go and breed her. Do you have the room to house 15-20 neonate Boas (possibly even more)? Are you prepared to feed them if they don't sell for say a year or two? If they don't sell, are you in a position to buy 15-20 more cages and thermostats as they grow, until they do sell?

Many a keepers have put themselves into a real bind by not fully thinking it out, and then breeding anyway, just to find out that they are an unknown entity in the community, and people are just reluctant to buy from an unknown, when there are so many more out there that are known and have good reputations.

Rick

Totally agree, I was actually discussing this on another forum yesterday and today. It kind of boggles my mind how so many people put no more forethought into breeding than "I hope to cover the cost of my hobby" or "I just want to make a little money." I always suggest to people to make a spreadsheet of projected expenses and several projected scenarios (worst case, medium case, and best case) with different litter sizes and prices of babies, and that another breeder snake might have to be purchased. Or figure out how many babies you need to sell to "break even." Given we are talking about living creatures, it's a bit disturbing many people don't put more thought into this stuff.

[SublimeBoa]

Originally Posted by Sidoni

Like I said, I was just curious at this point. No plans to breed her. However, you did bring up a good point... how does one make a name for themselves? I mean, there are literally hundreds of sellers in the market.

Originally Posted by Snakesitter

I think the best way to answer that question, Kate, is to look at it a from a buyer's perspective. What would *you* want to see in a breeder? In my eyes, the three keys are great babies (which only come from great parents), a positive reputation as expressed through both formal ratings and general forum comments (which suggests someone is a known and trusted entity), and an ongoing helpful attitude (which suggests great customer service and support). No amount of pricing will trump those concerns for anyone with a brain. I'm sure others will have different lists, but that's my initial take....

That right there goes a long ways in the industry. Reputations are gained by conducting good business, having a good set of morals and ethics. Doing your customers right, and being active and displaying said good morals at the sites you wish to sell your animals at (if you plan the internet route). Just something that comes with time.

Unless of course you have mom and dads money at disposal like a couple big named breeders did when they started out. Then you can get all the best animals, advertise in magazines and on web sites, afford to make yourself seen EVERYWHERE herps are sold, and go to all the shows on the planet....if not, you go the long route like most of us. LOL

Originally Posted by Snakesitter

So, umm, just how does this "chi" thing work to express that?

The scales above the post on the right. If you agree with someones post, click it and select good post, and it adds to their Chi. If you don't like the post, you can select the other option, and subtract a little from their Chi.
(pretty rare around here)


I hear you Ed. You can find out real fast just how expensive it can be if you don't plan things into it.

[Snakesitter]

Originally Posted by SublimeBoa

The scales above the post on the right. If you agree with someones post, click it and select good post, and it adds to their Chi. If you don't like the post, you can select the other option, and subtract a little from their Chi.
(pretty rare around here)

Thanks, and done!