Hello, I am considering breeding checkered garter snakes, and I would like to know if it is a good idea that will at least make a bit of money(don’t worry I’m mostly doing it because I love garter snakes!)
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No, it will not make money, realistically. The majority of startup breeders underestimate the sheer costs that go into preparing for and producing these animals. Unless you’re pumping out a lot of snakes with a quick turnover, which is neither ethical nor practical, you’ll be lucky to make enough to sustain what you’re doing.
Things to consider:
Garters are a livebearing species and only give birth 1-2 times per year. They need a more varied diet, they need feeding more often, and there are certain foods that need to be avoided. You’re going to need to account for feeders (fish, earthworms, mice, etc), enclosures, energy usage, vet care, supplies, shipping prices, shipping supply prices, time, and more. If you choose to vend at expos as well as sell online, you’ll have expenses for gas/flights/car rentals/shipping there and back (depending on how far you travel), table fees, table supplies, any required insurance, vet inspection fees if necessary, permits…
You also need to check your local laws, know laws/regs for anywhere you’re shipping, and depending on whether you rent an apartment or own a home, you will need to know what you’re allowed there. If you’re in the US, some states and municipalities have laws against keeping/breeding native species, or require permits to breed. If you ship, you have to be aware which states are illegal to ship to or have other requirements for import. If you rent, it’s likely you’ll be unable to breed reptiles, maybe even keep them. If you own a home, some insurance companies will cancel policies if they find out you have reptiles because of the risk.
That’s all without even touching on the actual registering a business/sorting out taxes side of things.
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Okay, thank you so much for responding and thanks for the tip!
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