SNAKE FARMING
There are businesses which can't be done by the soft hearted.Some businesses need thrill-seeking entrepreneurs.Have you ever heard of a snake farm in Kenya or in any other parts of the world?There are about 42 snake farms in Kenya.Why do they rear these snakes?Someone may ask.Snakes are reared for their venoms.The venoms are used in pharmaceutical(production of anti venom,cancer drugs,drugs for heart attacks,drugs for parkinsons and alzheimer disease)and cosmetic industries(for making anti aging creams).I know our African cultures and also our religions forbid even getting close to a snake.Snake farming isn't for the average person.It needs a skilled person someone with great knowledge about snakes.It also needs skilled workers and the right environment.With over 3000 snake species in the world only 15% are venomous(about 700 species) and snakes can only be dangerous when threatened.There is one particular farm in Kitui, Eastern Kenya known as Kioko snake ventures with over 1800 snakes half of them pythons.The farm gets its revenue through exporting snakes to Europe and America for zoos and pet shops.It also get revenues from visitors and tourists.With an average of 350 people visiting the farm a day he charges 300kshs. for local tourists and 1000kshs. for foreign tourists.The venom is the most expensive snake product with 1gm selling at between 2000$-40,000$.A snake produces only 1.5gms of venom per year.Suppose you have 100 snakes how much would you fetch?Bottomline:There are some untapped business potential which can bring huge revenues if we open our eyes wide.This business isn't very easy to start as you would need quite some substancial amount of money(not less than 30,000$/3million kshs.).The banks are usually reluctant to give loans to such ventures as they are not common.
The only requirements are:
Temperature and humidity levels – Snakes require a temperature of 24-29 degrees Celsius during the day and around 21-24 degrees Celsius during the night.
The cages should be cleaned very often – This will ensure high productivity. The snakes need to be kept in optimum conditions, to prevent any health problems.A vet also needs to be on standby incase a snake gets sick.
Snakes usually eat around 3-4 mice at a time and need to be fed every 3-4 weeks. Snakes usually eat live mice, but they will also settle for frozen mice. At first, snakes love to play with their pray before eating it.
4.)You will also need a licence from the wildlife. department.KWS(Kenya Wildlife Service)incase you are in Kenya.
