I know in order to keep breeding projects going everyone will need some sort of income to help offset expenses to keep their turtle/tortoise breeding projects going. Electricity, water, food supplies, and vet care ....for all owners/breeders we know that all of these add up in a hurry especially the last one. But here is my thoughts I have been pondering over the last year, out of all the breeding and profitable gains we earn from selling off hatchling/sub-adults....how much is really given back. Time and time again I see in the general reptile world ....leopard geckos and ball pythons etc...nothing but talk about profitable gains and newer methods to grow faster to sell faster (it's really sickening). The reason i'm bringing this up on here is to help people really evaluate what breeding or owning a turtle/tortoise is about....it's not at all about making tons of money or gaining social status...we are way better than that. Our shelled friends deserve a fighting chance in this world and deserve the best ( no cutting corners). So if your not planning to breed, give your turtle/tortoise the best care it can receive....this doesn't mean reading documents online and saying done deal....no get active and talk with other shelled owners "i promise you that you will learn something new!" If you feel even more driven to help our shelled friends, donate to rescues or TSA (turtle survival alliance) be proactive!
For breeders: conservation is of the utmost importance. What I mean by conservation is not find a certain species of chelonian and breed them, for the most part many people can do this. The only way to insure conservation is to inspire the youth, we understand as adults why we must save these species....but kids these days don't have a clue of whats going on in the world outside of the video game/movie realm...and thats the sad honest truth. So get involved with kids, get into outreach groups or get schools permission to show off your animals ( if anyone needs help with how to do this let me know as I can help guide you). My final and last note is to give back to your community, inspire people about our fellow chelonian species and if people are really into their care....gift them a species (yes i said it...give....as in no money). I know many will be against this whole gifting idea as sometimes things can go sour....but in all honesty think about all the animals you've sold in the past and ask yourself if the "people you sold them to" really took care of them (i.e. are they still alive). Here's an example of a gifting that took place with my buddy. His friend in florida breeds Indian Spotted Turtles, for those of you that don't these are ESA listed species which does not allow sales across state lines. Knowing this my friend was distraught as he had all of the breeding facilities set up for this species and all the financial backing to get going. Well there was a loop hole to where he could be gifted the turtles ( which means he could not pay for the turtle or the shipping, but the sender had to pay for all fees) and it be legal under ESA distributing laws. And guess what out of that act of kindness there is now a new established breeding colony. Random acts of kindness and some personal sacrifice is the key to successful breeding of all of our chelonian friends.
Pheww that was a lot to say, but I felt like it needed to be said. Sorry if i stepped on toes as this is in no way directed towards any single individual.
Godbless,
Austin
For breeders: conservation is of the utmost importance. What I mean by conservation is not find a certain species of chelonian and breed them, for the most part many people can do this. The only way to insure conservation is to inspire the youth, we understand as adults why we must save these species....but kids these days don't have a clue of whats going on in the world outside of the video game/movie realm...and thats the sad honest truth. So get involved with kids, get into outreach groups or get schools permission to show off your animals ( if anyone needs help with how to do this let me know as I can help guide you). My final and last note is to give back to your community, inspire people about our fellow chelonian species and if people are really into their care....gift them a species (yes i said it...give....as in no money). I know many will be against this whole gifting idea as sometimes things can go sour....but in all honesty think about all the animals you've sold in the past and ask yourself if the "people you sold them to" really took care of them (i.e. are they still alive). Here's an example of a gifting that took place with my buddy. His friend in florida breeds Indian Spotted Turtles, for those of you that don't these are ESA listed species which does not allow sales across state lines. Knowing this my friend was distraught as he had all of the breeding facilities set up for this species and all the financial backing to get going. Well there was a loop hole to where he could be gifted the turtles ( which means he could not pay for the turtle or the shipping, but the sender had to pay for all fees) and it be legal under ESA distributing laws. And guess what out of that act of kindness there is now a new established breeding colony. Random acts of kindness and some personal sacrifice is the key to successful breeding of all of our chelonian friends.
Pheww that was a lot to say, but I felt like it needed to be said. Sorry if i stepped on toes as this is in no way directed towards any single individual.
Godbless,
Austin