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Where can I find resources to get info on making money selling and breeding invertebrates?
I want to sell and breed isopods, vampire crabs, millipedes, etc. and make vivariums. Are there any good resources for how to get into this as an occupation, or, is there any type of schooling (other than entomology/zoology) that would help?
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Charl’s Answer
Hi Deacon!
Kyla gave you a great response to your questions, especially on the importance of having the necessary background in business management.
Here is a link to some of the career profiles you might be interested in:
https://onezootree.co.za/careers-with-animals/dream-career-according-to-interests-or-talents/starting-a-business-with-animals/
It’s still expanding and will include basic short courses on how to breed certain animals, take care of them and build environments. But for now, focus on the profiles and the links that may be included on each of the pages.
If you want to specialize in building enclosures, have a look at the Enclosure Designer profile.
You can also research the different breeding organizations in your State. Most of them should have great resources on their websites, as well as assist you with the legal side of breeding wildlife (the USS has strict laws on which species may or may not be bred).
Here are the basic steps you can take to choose and prepare for a career:
Do your homework! Read as much as you can on the career(s) you are interested in so that you know all the pros and cons.
Prepare! Try to align your high school subjects with the career requirements. Talk to your parents and school counselor about the choices. The best breeders took Biology in school!!
Gain knowledge! If you want to work with animals, try to learn as much as possible about each species. Learn what they require to urvive and reproduce to enure that your business thrives.
Gain experience! Volunteer at places where you can get hands-on experience and learn from someone that has actually been in the market for a while. Tap their experience!
Network! Join websites, online groups and organizations such as clubs or nature societies that regularly talk about the animals and/or career.
Kyla gave you a great response to your questions, especially on the importance of having the necessary background in business management.
Here is a link to some of the career profiles you might be interested in:
https://onezootree.co.za/careers-with-animals/dream-career-according-to-interests-or-talents/starting-a-business-with-animals/
It’s still expanding and will include basic short courses on how to breed certain animals, take care of them and build environments. But for now, focus on the profiles and the links that may be included on each of the pages.
If you want to specialize in building enclosures, have a look at the Enclosure Designer profile.
You can also research the different breeding organizations in your State. Most of them should have great resources on their websites, as well as assist you with the legal side of breeding wildlife (the USS has strict laws on which species may or may not be bred).
Here are the basic steps you can take to choose and prepare for a career:
Charl recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Kyla’s Answer
Hi Deacon! I don't have experience with the invertebrate industry but, from my research, entomology and zoology are great places to start to achieve this goal. It may also be beneficial for you to take some business management courses if you were interested in starting and running this as an independent company. You may also look in your local area to see if there are any exotic animal shops that could get you in contact with their animal providers so you could look into maybe shadowing or interning at their facility. This would give you an opportunity to see what the process is like behind the scenes and to see the logistical aspect of a career such as this one. Hope this helps and good luck!