Why Captive Bred?
More and more stores – Evolution Reptiles included! – are now saying
that they supply captive bred animals only. And you might be wondering why this
is such a big deal, or perhaps surprised that there are any other types. So why
do we, and others, say it?
For a long time, the technology simply wasn’t available to
keep most species happy and healthy for any length of time – and breeding them
was pretty much out of the question. Supplying from the wild was the only
option; the statistics make for grim reading, but as time passed more and more
species began to thrive, and even breed regularly. An animal born in captivity
is always going to make a better pet than one that has had to survive on its
wits in the wild; the captive bred animal is used to seeing, hearing and
smelling humans at close quarters from the day it is born. Humans are just part
of the scenery!
Bearded Dragon - Bred by Evolution Reptiles
At the end of the day, we want to supply people with happy,
healthy pet animals that are not difficult to keep well. With the improvement in available equipment
(and some superb research into how reptiles use UV light (UV guide, Arcadia Reptile)) many species are
simple to keep happy. A captive bred animal from captive bred parents will,
when provided with the correct temperatures, lighting, and space, live out a
full and happy life, interacting with the humans that surround it without
becoming stressed.
Corn Snake - Bred by Evolution Reptiles
Stress kills. This is true of all animals – even us! – but it
is particularly bad in highly strung animals like chameleons. Being taken from
the wild, shipped to a holding centre, flown overseas, then another road trip
to a wholesaler, then to a shop to be stared at by all and sundry is a very
frightening experience for an animal. It’s a wonder so many survived at all.
Woma Python - Bred by Evolution Reptiles
But they did, due to the dedication and care of those who
admired these animals, and a large number of species began to reproduce in
captivity. Enough, in fact, to supply the pet trade; there is certainly a case
to be made for bringing in a small number of animals from the wild to be used
to prevent inbreeding, or to produce individuals that are
larger/smaller/brighter coloured. But when it comes to simply being good pets?
If you would like to learn more please come and speak to us.
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