From the JKR Mailbox:
Hello Justin! I’ve watched a lot of your videos on youtube, and I love them. Very informative! I’m trying to go into ball python breeding soon. I’m considering starting with blue eyed leucistics, as I think they are the most gorgeous. I’m also a sucker for black eyed leucistics, lavender albinos, and bumble bees. Do you have any advice for me in starting out with breeding? Maybe size recommendations for my first purchases, or how to get me name out there when I do start breeding? Thanks!!
Dear xxxxx,
Thanks for your message and kind words. Glad you’re enjoying the videos!
If you only want to breed Ball Pythons for your own interest and fun, then there is really no guidelines, just go out there and buy the ingredients or combos to make what your goals are. Be sure to spend enough on equipment / housing so that you don’t fail because of small problems along the way.
If you’re looking to make money or have a reptile business, then it will take a significant investment, well thought-out plan, and lots of patience. Its really like buying or starting any other business - You will need to invest in modifying or building a facility (it can be in your basement an extra room etc). Then you will need equipment (racks and husbandry supplies) and excellent employees (the snakes). In this scenario the “employees” are where the biggest investment should be. They should compliment each other and be well thought out, also the investment will need to be big enough that you can rise above the standard stuff that every other hobbyist is doing. You want to get noticed and have animals that you won’t have to compete on price in order to sell.
As far as marketing goes, the best thing is to just put yourself out there and interact with the reptile community. Ideally your animals should speak for and sell themselves with good pictures. Sales will likely start slow, but giving world-class service to your customers will keep them coming back and telling their friends about you. You need to be ready to reinvest in your business for at least several years before trying to pull money out of it. If you are patient, the earnings will be far greater when you’re ready to take a return on your investment.
Justin K.
