Breeder Confidence

[Douceboyz]

Hey everyone,

This is just a general thread but since Im thinking of breeding Nephrurus in the next couple of years Id thought of posting here. My question is how did you breeders develop enough confidence to breed and sell off some of your animals? I know selling and shipping animals can be risky business, so howd you get started? My intentions for breeding are far from a means to sell and profit, but I have to be realistic.

 

[knobfan]

After my first season all bad eggs and second season 1 egg hatched, I had low confidence. But when 3rd season came round and was hatching well it just seemed so easy and flawless. Levis levis, I'm talking about. Shipping isn't so bad, but I always get nervous about it, thats why I like to do local pickup, and plus I might not have the supplies handy at the time. I'm definitely in it for the money myself but boy do I sure enjoy these geckos very much. I learned from when I got my gecko shipped from goldengategeckos and shipyourreptiles video that got taken down how to ship animals well. Let me know if you want "my tips" on breeding strictly levis levis...Hope this helps.

 

[Douceboyz]

After my first season all bad eggs and second season 1 egg hatched, I had low confidence. But when 3rd season came round and was hatching well it just seemed so easy and flawless. Levis levis, I'm talking about. Shipping isn't so bad, but I always get nervous about it, thats why I like to do local pickup, and plus I might not have the supplies handy at the time. I'm definitely in it for the money myself but boy do I sure enjoy these geckos very much. I learned from when I got my gecko shipped from goldengategeckos and shipyourreptiles video that got taken down how to ship animals well. Let me know if you want "my tips" on breeding strictly levis levis...Hope this helps.

Thanks for the insight. Im going to start breeding amyae since I have a female already making this the most financially viable option to start with. Eventually I would like to become involved with other nephrurus as well.

 

[SamNabz]

As with anything in life, as time goes on you get better at doing things and better results the longer you stick to it. The same applies to breeding reptiles.

As for shipping, it is relatively simple and not as risky as you first think as long as you pack the animal(s) correctly and safely. However, it's always a bit of a nerve wracking task, and no matter how many times I've done it, I will always contact the buyer as soon as they're due to land to ensure everything has arrived safely.

If you are looking to breed, then shipping is a must, otherwise you'd be stuck with a majority of your new found stock

 

[SteveSharpie]

As was mentioned by the other two responses confidence will come with experience. The way you become confident enough to jump into breeding a species is study as much as you can about the natural history and husbandry of the species you are wanting to keep. It also helps to ask lots of questions, the forums are a great place but you also have to be careful who you take information from and how accurate that information is. It is helpful to speak with breeders who have proven themselves repeatedly with the species you plan to keep. You also have the right idea by starting with one species and focusing on that first. As you get good with that species start to add more. As you see success confidence will follow.

A good pointer for any future breeder. Make sure to hold back enough babies to continue your colony after your adults are gone.

Shipping is something that if done correctly is very safe, although I still worry about every animal I drop off at the FEDEX hub(but I have never had an issue and I have been shipping reptiles for almost 18 years now). Make sure and learn the federal laws and the correct way to package a shipment. So many in the herp community do not do simple things like mark the outside of the box in accordance with the lacey act or include an invoice. Become as educated as you can about shipping and again confidence will follow after several successful shipments.

Above all dont get discouraged, you will have setbacks when breeding repitles(this is normal and it will happen) some will be minor and some may be major the point is to not give up and learn from your mistakes. Hopefully if you have a good guide you wont make to many major setbacks.

If you ever have any questions feel free to email me. I am always happy to answer husbandry questions or help in anyway I can.

 

[Douceboyz]

Thanks for the advice guys. My male N.amyae should be arriving on thursday. Too excited