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Originally Posted by Scubadiver59
I'm over 50 and I'm still waiting for more experience! But how do you get experience if you don't breed? Catch-22!!
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The experience thing is because this appears to be OP's first boa, and boas are one of the harder species to breed, even for experienced snake breeders. You do not need to ever breed a snake to gain experience, simply keeping the species will gain you experience. Although I understand the appeal of breeding (I plan on doing so soon), breeding doesn't have to be the end game for snake keeping. I think people put too much stock in breeding because of the presence of breeders in the hobby, but breeding is definitely not something you absolutely have to do to become an experienced keeper.
Having some experience keeping the species will give you firsthand experience on how to read your boas and potentially help you in your breeding endeavors.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BillyCostume
I don't believe I asked for a lecture on why I shouldn't breed. Your post is full of assumptions about both my devotion and care of my animals and oddly enough my financial status. I'm more than capable for caring for my snakes and their offspring. Thanks for the encouraging words.
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I'm sorry if it came off that way, I was not trying to assume anything, just giving my usual rundown when someone who appears to be new to the hobby and boas shows interest in breeding. Not many people realize just how much it takes to breed, so I try to point that out since I know nothing about someone's financial situation. Realizing it might be expensive can help someone determine for themselves if they're financially ready.
It can take a lot of money to make sure you're breeding legally, setting up a business account/taxes, properly provide for all your animals, and buying the animals themselves. I've spent over $3,000 on my breeding group alone, and cages for everyone as adults are going to be double or triple that. Food for a single litter of 20-26 babies is going to be $200-300 every 2-3 months. Plus, if you keep any/all of the babies, cages for adults are expensive. Boas get too big and are semi-arboreal, so cannot realistically be housed in racks their entire lives without sacrificing the animals' health, which can add costs to the housing. If you do everything right, it won't take quite as big a hit as nearly everything is tax deductible, but few keepers take that into account so I feel it's worth mentioning. If you're already prepared for that, then great. Just keep in mind this is my generic response when a seemingly new keeper says they may be interested in keeping and is not a personal slight against you or an assumption of your situation.
"These are animals, so their best interests should be at heart. If you cannot fully provide for a mating pair and all their babies, don't breed." Was said with the intent of making sure you're doing this while being prepared, because, again. I know nothing about your situation, statements such as this are designed for you to think and make sure what you're doing is in the best interest of the animals. I cannot decide that for you.
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