BREAKING NEWS

After considerable thought and reflection, Bryan's Cornsnakes has made the decision to significantly reduce its involvement in cornsnake breeding and collection projects.

Over the past several months, we have already substantially downsized our cornsnake collection, and that process remains ongoing as we continue to evaluate the future direction of our projects and collection.

For many years, cornsnakes formed the foundation of our collection and breeding efforts. They provided countless memorable experiences, successful projects, several South African firsts, and opportunities to connect with fellow reptile enthusiasts across the country, and the globe. They have played an important role in the growth and development of Bryan's Cornsnakes.

Unfortunately, the past several years have also brought an unprecedented number of challenges and setbacks.

Since 2021, we have experienced substantial losses within the collection, including the loss of key breeding animals, the emergence of a serious and ultimately unrecoverable disease that resulted in a significant portion of the collection being euthanized, and further reductions to the collection over the years that followed as genetic defects were identified within certain breeding projects. Numerous projects were also affected by unexpected animal losses, failed breeding outcomes, misidentified animals, incorrect sexes, animals that never reached breeding size, and long-term projects that ultimately failed to materialise despite years of planning and investment.

While setbacks are an unavoidable part of any breeding programme, the cumulative impact of these challenges over an extended period led us to carefully reassess our goals and priorities.

This decision is not the result of any single event, individual, breeder, or transaction. Rather, it reflects the combined effect of years of challenges that gradually shifted our focus away from the aspects of the hobby that originally brought us the most enjoyment and fulfillment.

As a result, Bryan's Cornsnakes has already significantly reduced its cornsnake collection and will continue to downsize further as existing projects are concluded and animals are placed into new collections. We have also stepped away from the majority of future cornsnake breeding projects and have no plans to return to large-scale breeding operations.

We will, however, retain a small number of carefully selected animals for personal enjoyment and a limited number of long-term projects that remain of particular interest to us. These projects will continue on a much smaller scale and without the pressures associated with maintaining a large breeding operation.

This does not mean that Bryan's Cornsnakes is closing its doors entirely. Our passion for reptiles remains unchanged, and we will continue to keep and enjoy a select group of animals. Going forward, our focus will be on maintaining a smaller collection, pursuing projects that we find personally rewarding, and enjoying the hobby without the demands associated with extensive breeding programmes.

We would like to sincerely thank everyone who has supported Bryan's Cornsnakes over the years, whether through purchases, trades, advice, friendship, collaboration, or simply by sharing a passion for reptiles. The support and encouragement received from the reptile community have always been greatly appreciated.

While this marks the end of a significant chapter in our cornsnake journey, it is not the end of our involvement in reptiles. Instead, it represents a shift toward a more sustainable and personally rewarding approach to the hobby.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey.

Bryan's Cornsnakes