help

[geckoboy11]

im going to start breeding soon once i get some more geckos but i was planning to sell the babys on the internet. is their any better things i could do :main_huh:

 

[Russellm0704]

You could do years of research, financial planning, etc before you jump into breeding. Breeding is more than throwing a male and female together. First you need to acquire your pair. Second they need to be quarantined for a few months. Then you need to buy or build a heated hatchling rack. Then you need a thermostat. Then you need an incubator, and a thermostat for that. Then you need to be able to afford to feed all the babies. It's a lot of finances. Also you need to be prepared to pay an expensive vet bill in case of male prolapse or female egg binding.

 

[geckoboy11]

Thanks well that means am about half way their

 

[Dimidiata]

MAJOR emphisis on the QT. I would say 3months minimum to be sure none of the animals are carrying anything nasty.

 

[LeopardShade]

You could do years of research, financial planning, etc before you jump into breeding. Breeding is more than throwing a male and female together. First you need to acquire your pair. Second they need to be quarantined for a few months. Then you need to buy or build a heated hatchling rack. Then you need a thermostat. Then you need an incubator, and a thermostat for that. Then you need to be able to afford to feed all the babies. It's a lot of finances. Also you need to be prepared to pay an expensive vet bill in case of male prolapse or female egg binding.

Perfect summary, Russell, short and sweet.

There are a multitude of things to consider before breeding leopard geckos.

First, you need to realize that these are tiny, fragile lives you are dealing with. They are not disposable objects, they are living creatures that all depend on you for their every need. If you decide to go ahead with breeding, you are making the commitment to put all your finances, time, money, efforts, etc. to the many geckos you could possibly be caring for. It will be your responsibility to provide for the animals and ensure they are healthy.

Second, will you have the time, commitment, and money to care for the many geckos you could possibly have, as well as the heating sources, racks, tubs, food, incubators, vet bills, etc? If not, how are you going to get that money? All of those things can really add up. Plus, vet bills, as Russell mentioned, can be incredibly expensive.

Third, like Russell said, there can never be enough emphasis on research. You must research everything that there is to know about breeding and more. It is absolutely essential and mandatory for successful breeding and proper health of your geckos. Read books, browse the internet, talk to breeders, do everything you possibly can to learn all you can.

Fourth, a good knowledge in genetics is required. Otherwise you could end up with some surprises in the offspring! You must know the genetic outcomes of all your pairings and more, so you don't end up with muddy genetics or unknown hets in the offspring.

Sixth, do you have a trusted, qualified reptile vet you can go to? Like Russell mentioned, egg binding and hemipene prolapses can be huge issues that require vet care. Also, if not properly quarantined, one gecko could potentially infect your whole colony. If your geckos become ill, it will be your responsibility to provide proper veterinary care and treatment.

i was planning to sell the babys on the internet.

You will almost surely lose much, much more money caring for the many geckos you could have than making any from selling your possible babies. It can takes years and years for many gecko breeders to get their name out on the internet and successfully sell geckos online.

I am not way trying to discourage you from breeding. Just make sure you fully know what you are getting into if you end up making the decision.

 

[tiedxupxinxknots]

years of experience is good but if only people practiced what they preached though :/ Breeding leopard geckos isnt rocket science either lol its just knowing what you are doing because breeding can potentially kill your gecko. Anyways this is good advice, I would try to sell to petshops in you as area that know how to care for leopards, or try going to reptile shows. I would also recommend having your parents support because you will need money if you intend to breed them less you have a job or something. If you ever do have specific questions on breeding then i would recommend posting it on this site because there are some very knowledgeable people here.

 

[acpart]

There's been a lot of good advice. Another thing to consider is that if you're planning to go to University soon, you'll have to plan ahead what to do about the geckos. That said, if you get to the point where you're still thinking about breeding, here are 2 articles I wrote (1 about breeding and 1 about selling):
http://www.geckotime.com/breeding-leopard-geckos-on-a-small-scale/
http://www.geckotime.com/how-to-sell-your-geckos/

Aliza

 

[geckoboy11]

thanks eveyone im still looking where to sell them because the only pet shop near me that sells leopard geckos is the one i work at and they breed them their selfs and i cant find any shows in scotland