The Open Reptile World
Where is the best start to getting to know the breeders and all the work going on in the reptile community? The shows of course! Everywhere you go at the shows there are breeders advertising themselves and they needed people to work for them they probably wouldn’t deny you, but each breeder usually does for different projects.
So if your looking for opportunity, go to the next reptile show in your area, make a good impression on all the breeders you talk to, and tell a bunch of breeders your experience with reptiles and that you want to work with them.
Afraid of getting denied? Don’t be! Not everyone is going to want you. You usually have to keep searching and searching until you find the right place. I applied at about 6 different places before I got my first job. It was worth it because I really enjoyed that particular job for over 2 years.
If you don’t have much experience working with reptiles and don’t have an impressive resume, there are certain steps to taking and should go for certain breeders first. Here are some examples!
Start Simple!
- Corn snakes are probably the best starter snakes for those looking to start working with snakes.
- Don Soderberg owns South Mountain Reptiles and he exclusively works on corn snakes. So there is no particular snake species in his collection that should be to difficult to work on.
- Don’s business is located in Canyon Lake, Texas. Right in between San Antonio and Austin, as it is in the heart of Texas Hill Country. Since Texas is so large, not every business is conveniently located. For those who live in Central Texas, this might be your most convenient corn snake location.
The Next Step
- Ball Pythons are probably the next level after the beginner level making them the intermediate level. However, they are easily the most popular snake in the pet trade due to their mild temperament and crazy color schemes.
- Klayton Mai is a professional MMA fighter who fights for a living. But he does his own Ball Python business called Caged Constrictors on the side as a hobby, simply because he loves Ball Pythons.
- Klayton’s business is located in Dallas, Texas. For those who live in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, this might be the most conveniently located Ball Python focused breeder in your area.
You have advanced past beginner status
- The next popular snake in the pet trade that is to advanced for beginner level is the Boa Constrictor. They require bigger tanks, bigger meals, and bigger responsibilities overall. Think your ready, here is something that could be for you!
- Joseph Champlin owns a company called Gopher Your Pet, and he works on pretty much every snake species there is, but he has a very large boa collection in the business.
- Joseph owns his business in Kingwood, Texas. One of the larger suburbs in the Houston metroplex. If you live in Houston but want access to boas and more, Joseph’s business may be for you.
At last, your an expert!
- The final step on your reptile journey is the big pythons! The biggest snakes are the biggest responsibility in the pet trade, and nobody below the level of expert should be taking care of them. You think your ready?
- Bob Clark owns a large python business called Bob Clark Reptiles and primarily focuses on Reticulated Pythons. He once produced the largest captive snake in the world named Fluffy as it was displayed at the Columbus Zoo in Columbus, Ohio.
- Bob Clark’s businees is located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He claims no one loves snakes more than he does. His history of working with them just might prove himself right.
Happy Trails Serpents!
There you have it! Just some ways to get yourself involved and put out there, you are on your way to becoming what you want as long as you feel determined. Do not EVER let someone tell you, you can’t do something. All you have to do is go get it.
Lone Star Breeders 