Captive bred animals

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?

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