Calling all Breeders

[TheDropkicker]

Hi, we're thinking of breeding leos as a hobby and we're wondering if any of you breeders find that you actually make a profit from breeding, or do you find yourself losing money? Also, which ones sell more and/or are more valuable? We're in Holland and have noticed that there aren't very many breeders with quality leopard geckos here, which is why we're motivated to start our own little breeding program. Thanks in advance!

 

[snowgyre]

If you're just going to have a small colony, it's very difficult to make a profit off any offspring you may get. Big time breeders can afford to purchase items in bulk, and therefore the cost per gecko is lower. If you invest initially into good stock, you have a moderate to good chance of breaking even, but it's highly unlikely you'll ever make a profit. I tend to reinvest any money I make back into my collection anyway, so I never recover from that initial 'cost', so I'm always losing money. I've got no regrets though!

 

[Olimpia]

I put "lose money" because we still don't have any hatchlings to sell, so until we do start selling all we do is lose money. That is something you'd have to keep in mind, that in the begining you probably won't make any money off of them until you start getting hatchlings. And that depends how ready your adults are to breed and whether the females are ovulating.

But people do make a profit off of their geckos, which is one of the reasons so many people get into this buisness. Good luck!

 

[Kristi23]

I hope to break even some year, but right now, I put lose money. I always have things to buy and new breeders to purchase. Racks cost a lot, so do good incubators. Website, advertising, supplies like food, vitamins, vet visits, etc all add up quickly.

 

[Olimpia]

Yea, I mean, I don't have several years of experience or anything of that sort so I'm probably no expert, but I can imagine that after the "initial investment," so to speak, things probably pick up. Once you have all your supplies and you already have a good breeding group, the additional expenses are just the basics like food. But if you get a feeder colony going then that becomes much cheaper also.

 

[Kristi23]

Yea, I mean, I don't have several years of experience or anything of that sort so I'm probably no expert, but I can imagine that after the "initial investment," so to speak, things probably pick up. Once you have all your supplies and you already have a good breeding group, the additional expenses are just the basics like food. But if you get a feeder colony going then that becomes much cheaper also.

You'll still need to add new breeders from other lines to outcross. Plus you have expenses like vet bills that could pile up. Heat tape could go out, etc. It does get better, but I don't think many breeders make much money each year.

 

[snowgyre]

Or you could just be like me and become so helplessly addicted that your small colony turns into a big colony. ^_^ Better watch those leopard geckos, they're like crack.

 

[TheDropkicker]

We are thinking of buying a pair of sunglows, a pair of giants and a pair of blizzards when we go to the fair in Hamm, Germany this December. Does this seem like a good way to start? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[GekkoGalaksen]

If you love Leopardgeckos...go for it!!!
If you want to earn money...drop it!!!

 

[ajveachster]

We are just starting, and we expect to lose money at first. We are doing it more for the love of the animals, and any money we do make will go right back into the hobby. I believe MOGL posted a thread at one time where she broke down all the expenses for one year. If I find it again I'll post it.

Found it:

http://geckoforums.net/showthread.php?t=37448

 

[ang3l3s]

that was an intresting article, thanks Angelicka.
i noticed that other big name breeders did not post anything hhhhmmm!!!

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

we're thinking of breeding leos as a hobby and we're wondering if any of you breeders find that you actually make a profit from breeding, or do you find yourself losing money?

If you are thinking about breeding geckos as a hobby, you may as well forget making a profit! A hobby is something you do because you enjoy it... a business is something you do to make a profit.

 

[snowgyre]

Well said, Marcia! And a business is mainly about cutting expenses, which unless you have enough geckos to buy supplies at wholesale prices, you really can't cut costs without sacrificing quality of life for your geckos.

 

[snared99]

I dont know what you guys are talking about i make $100,000 per year (totally joking here)

 

[ElapidSVT]

so far it's a total loss but i hope to change that in time

 

[T&KBrouse]

If you love Leopardgeckos...go for it!!!
If you want to earn money...drop it!!!

That sums it up perfectly.
Anyone that gets into any type of animal husbandry has to do it because they love it, not for the money. When it comes down to it, thats what its all about.
If you can make enough money at it to cover your bills, consider it an added bonus.

 

[Misstasha]

I would never start breeding to make a profit... You will lose money, not be able to sell babies, and soon get agitated. It's something cool to study and see!!! When I sell babies I only sell them matching other breeders prices just because I dont want to interfere with other breeders or get someone that doesn't really care about the animal and just wants it because its cheap!!

 

[GeckoGal]

So far I've lost alot of money and never plan to be getting it back, but really I could care less. I breed leos because I love them, not because I can make money off them. and even if you have a little plan of breeding them to make money... don't do it. you'll be dissapointed. I'm never dissapointed when I see a tiny little hatchling that maybe doesn't have the brightest colors, or the best pattern, I love geckos and thats why i breed, no matter if I'm loosing money.

 

[CSMGecko]

I started breeding leopard geckos as hobby and business. This is my first year so I have lost money of course, but I don't consider it losing money. It is an investment. If you love doing it and you allow yourself to expand as you can then eventually you should make money. That is the nature of starting up any new business, no matter how big or small. Don't go into the hobby or business thinking you are going to get rich because then you are just setting yourself up for disappointment. If you enjoy something, give it a shot and see where it goes. Set a cut-off limit for when you will drop the idea of investing more money than you would like. It all depends on your passion for the hobby and how far you are willing to take it.

 

[mainelygeckos]

I haven't started breeding yet. I plan to next season on a small scale just because I love these wonderful animals. Anytime you have a hobby or business the first few years are almost always a loss in any profit because you have to make sure you have all the equipment needed plus we need vet checks to make sure everyone is healthy and the feeders so to raise your own feeders and after getting all the housing you need and the animals you want to start with it most likely picks up after a few years to breaking even. Course this also depends on the quality of the animal in question and it's health (why would anyone sell a sick gecko anyway?)

I have 5 geckos right now and plan to get about 7 more total to start my hobby/business and I have never looked at it as a profitting idea. I love geckos and want to do this for my passion for them and have never thought about the profit I might make.

Good luck to anyone else that wants to start this hobby. I know there are many breeders that come and go not thinking about the loss they could make in the first year and that's too bad. This is not a money making get rich quick idea. If you don't have the love or passion for the hobby maybe it's best you don't get into more then having the pets without breeding.