How to Become a Reptile Breeder
Becoming a reptile breeder is generally more than just a hobby. It's a business. It's important to establish a good, healthy reptile stock to offer for resale. Being a reptile breeder requires knowledge, equipment and finances to cover your business cost. You will also want the proper space to set up your breeding areas.
Being a reptile breeder can be an expensive business. It is essential that you have the proper equipment for the type of reptiles you plan to breed. Many breeders do not come out ahead financially, especially the first few years.
Experience
Reptile breeders must have knowledge of the type of reptiles they plan to breed. It's important that you are able to distinguish the gender, and many times that can be difficult. There are no scientific methods in determining the sex. Generally breeders use x-rays or some type of probe to determine what gender each specific reptile is. Sometimes the male will have different characteristics from the female reptile that helps to identify the gender as well. The odds are you will eventually need a vet that specializes in reptiles, so it's a good idea to have a vet in mind before you start breeding.
Location
The right location and area is an important aspect of reptile breeding. You will not want to keep your reptiles in a family room. It's better to have a building or room dedicated specifically to your business. It's also helpful to have a door that locks. Use a building or room that has windows and plenty of space for cages and equipment.
Equipment
The right equipment is a necessity. Depending on the type of reptiles you plan to breed, you are looking at spending at least a few hundred dollars. You will need cages, heat lamps, accessories, water bottles, substrate and more. Many reptiles have to hibernate each year, so you will more than likely need refrigerators as well. You will want to have your equipment set up before you bring your stock in.
Stock
Your stock is the type of reptile that you plan to breed. There are reptile companies that are in business strictly to offer wholesale stock. You will want to search online for wholesale reptiles to locate companies that stock the types of reptiles you want to breed.
Business
To purchase wholesale reptiles you will probably need to be considered an actual business. Most wholesalers accept a resale certificate with tax number. You get these through your state. You might need to register as a business in your city and possibly get a business checking account as well.
Once you have your equipment and stock in place, you are ready to begin breeding. There are many associations out there for reptile breeders. To help spread the word about your business it's a good idea to register with a few as a certified reptile breeder.