Came in the shop with my lad and talked to this guy today. Great guy and knows his stuff. Will definately be going here when its time for my lad to get his first snake.
Completely agree Chaz. I told somebody last year she shouldn't have a Yemen Chameleon as a first reptile. Eventually after much moaning she accepted defeat (primarily down to equipment cost) and she got a Beardie despite me telling her to look at many other great beginner lizards. It died within 2 months coz she was told by the shop she didn't need a thermostat and ignored my advice. The next one bit her so she got bored and gave everything back to the shop. Fortunately now I believe she's given up on reptiles. People need to listen to people with experience more rather than only their favourite UA-camr.
Absolutely right! Sure, we all need as much information as possible, but the really important part is being able to “read” the animal. When I started with snakes, back in my early teens, I visited the reptile house at London Zoo EVERY WEEK, for about a year. Judging whether a snake is contented can be tricky: just because it’s feeding doesn’t mean it is in optimum condition.
Thank you guys taking it up for the animals. I'm an advanced frog, toad and lizzard keeper but am new to snakes. Like you where telling us almost 80 species for beginners you guys have covered for us. I am exited to get my first snake a Antaresia Maculosa male in two weeks. Starting out with a Python, that is the real thing in a compact package. Thanks you for the great and expert vids and introducing me in the wonderfull world of snakekeeping in a responsible way.
One aspect often overlooked, reptile keeping is a hobby. People typically embark on hobbies thinking they know what they want to do or accomplish, and often find they were ignorant of the of possibilities. I came into this thinking my dream snake was a Burmese, and that maybe someday I could breed them (lol). One of the many things I learned from my "starter snake" (corn snake whom I adore to this day) was that I much preferred the slender and manageable body of a smaller snake, and that I wouldn't actually like the hassle of dealing with a giant. Now I understand that a semi-dwarf boa is about as large as I'd ever want to go. Thank goodness I didn't take the stupid plunge when I started!
Great video and advice. Inexperienced people who haven't raised a non-neurotic dog in their lives aren't looking for snakes because of fascination with the challenge of fossorials or dealing with American water snakes. They typically want something big and/or dangerous. Hots, larger pythons - "pit bull" snakes. Or something trendy. Never mind the complex needs of these beasts. If the complainer thinking everyone should walk in and buy anything believes there isn't enough variety among so-called starter snakes, he doesn't know the range of sizes, needs and habits included in that category. Anyone who thinks that even a lower-end intermediate is a "p*ssy snake" has never taken eight bites in 30 seconds from a big bull or pine. Preparation with experience is needed in any biological-based management.Ultimately it's all about the health and safety of the animals first, and other life second. Period. If people need to swagger they can take a Viagra.
COMPLETELY AGREE. In fact we need this attitude with more animals. I've worked with mammals and birds for 13 years. I've seen Macaws, violent and plucked naked, Chows matted and untouchable even by their owners, a hissing Bengal, declawed. It's basically the Dunning-Kruger effect. Inexperienced people overestimate their ability to handle these animals and at the end of the day even if the owner gets nipped or scratched the animal is the one who suffers.
Hi from michigan usa, & thanks for another great video! It was very well spoken & sincere- I absolutely agree with your thoughts here. I've learned so much since finding your channel, thank you!
Really appreciate your input on this! Research and motivation can do a great deal to help a new keeper, but there are no shortcuts for real experience.
It's a good point you brought up in this video alot of peolpe dont realize the responsibility of keep more advanced species of snakes that grow large or need higher humidity setting yet some shops sell to anyone and bear no responsibility for the animals they sell good video
I work in a pet shop in the US, I personally keep and breed African rocks, Burmese, Reticulated and olive pythons. I seldom speak of it because its not relevant to the animals we sell but my coworkers like to bring it up to customers with questions and I've had customers ask about retics before, mainly because they saw Jay Brewer's either in person or online. I try so hard to explain why that's a bad idea without seeming like a gatekeeper, but people have ZERO idea what it entails. My principle is this, you should already be well versed in recognizing, diagnosing and handling husbandry issues, health issues or behavioral issues. You should already be capable with a hook and other tools, you should already be experienced in how to thaw and present food, reading snake body language, maintaining environmental parameters and so on. All of these should be second nature BEFORE you own a retic. Failing with some of these could end your life in seconds under the wrong circumstances. Retics have a steep learning curve, and the idea of someone trying to learn all the basics while raising one is sending me over the edge. Possible? Of course. Reasonable or responsible? Not in a million years. And I'd still beg that anyone looking to buy one get hands on with an adult first, because the mass and muscle and speed is, even among other giants, unlike anything I've experienced. Yet people all over nowadays recommend retics as beginner giants, even dwarf locales as entry level snakes. It boggles my mind. Love your videos man, responsible, thorough, digestible education on all aspects of keeping. We need more like it in the hobby.
Hey Chad, I know this is an old post...just popped up on my News feed. A few years ago at Kempton Park, there were some Council Environmental Health reps doing the rounds. They were asking me about a pretty but pissey Bismarck Python.....looking at the animals on "our club table", they said should I start with this(a Corn snake). Now I agree some snakes are difficult...the majority are not. My reply was...'if you want to keep "this snake", do your research, then keep "this snake".....because you have just decided this(the corn snake) animal is disposable. I obviously had made my point, as the "rep", was absolutely embarrassed and floundering.....I agree, some species need "some experience", most now available (as you acknowledged) are limited and, dare I say unproblematic....hey Royals have always been problematic.... hasn't stopped them being popular!!
I think people see the 'starter snake' as a snake to learn from and get rid of because it's not what they ultimately want. It would be far better to hold onto that first snake to show others how committed you are. I totally agree regarding the dangers to an animals health and to oneself regarding starting on an advanced snake. I've had a fair few and would love a retic morph, but the potential for it to kill me outweighs its appeal. As for reading books, one could read a whole library on beekeeping but my bees hadn't read those books. Same thing with falconry, having a 10lb eagle inches away from your face, or weight control on a 7 oz kestrel just isn't right. The possibility of the eagle killing or the kestrel being starved to death are very real.
great vid and well said I want to get into keeping a snake but i'm smart enough to know i'm out of my dept great to have people that know way more and suggest the right things it's foolish a first timer to get anything they wanted like if they get a reticulated python the size and what it takes to take care of at worst could prove to be extremely unhealthy for the animal and the rookie snake keeper
So what do y'all recommend as a beginner snake, especially with people who have young children? I have a bearded dragon that my children help feed and handle and I've had a chameleon before as well.
if you look in this series. Episode 49 i think there is a video running through the top ten beginner snakes. Hopefully it is helpful. It has been popular with other watchers.
I would never (as a beginner) keep anything beyond my means. Purely because the animal deserves the best care and I know what I'm confident in keeping. Cant understand anyone who just jumps into something they know fuck all about, I'd shit myself! Granted I did start with a corn snake! I also asked you if I was allowed a kingsnake 😂 anyone who doesnt listen to you is a fool. Wouldnt go anywhere else ☺️
Stay strong. Stay committed. Keep speaking truth to power. WE appreciate you. Thank you.
Well done. Plain and simple.
"Before I was fat and broken.." Lmfao i related to that line so much XD
Brilliant video!!
Came in the shop with my lad and talked to this guy today. Great guy and knows his stuff. Will definately be going here when its time for my lad to get his first snake.
glad to hear it. see you soon.
Completely agree Chaz. I told somebody last year she shouldn't have a Yemen Chameleon as a first reptile. Eventually after much moaning she accepted defeat (primarily down to equipment cost) and she got a Beardie despite me telling her to look at many other great beginner lizards. It died within 2 months coz she was told by the shop she didn't need a thermostat and ignored my advice. The next one bit her so she got bored and gave everything back to the shop. Fortunately now I believe she's given up on reptiles. People need to listen to people with experience more rather than only their favourite UA-camr.
Absolutely right! Sure, we all need as much information as possible, but the really important part is being able to “read” the animal. When I started with snakes, back in my early teens, I visited the reptile house at London Zoo EVERY WEEK, for about a year. Judging whether a snake is contented can be tricky: just because it’s feeding doesn’t mean it is in optimum condition.
Thank you guys taking it up for the animals. I'm an advanced frog, toad and lizzard keeper but am new to snakes. Like you where telling us almost 80 species for beginners you guys have covered for us. I am exited to get my first snake a Antaresia Maculosa male in two weeks. Starting out with a Python, that is the real thing in a compact package. Thanks you for the great and expert vids and introducing me in the wonderfull world of snakekeeping in a responsible way.
One aspect often overlooked, reptile keeping is a hobby. People typically embark on hobbies thinking they know what they want to do or accomplish, and often find they were ignorant of the of possibilities. I came into this thinking my dream snake was a Burmese, and that maybe someday I could breed them (lol). One of the many things I learned from my "starter snake" (corn snake whom I adore to this day) was that I much preferred the slender and manageable body of a smaller snake, and that I wouldn't actually like the hassle of dealing with a giant. Now I understand that a semi-dwarf boa is about as large as I'd ever want to go. Thank goodness I didn't take the stupid plunge when I started!
Great video and advice. Inexperienced people who haven't raised a non-neurotic dog in their lives aren't looking for snakes because of fascination with the challenge of fossorials or dealing with American water snakes. They typically want something big and/or dangerous. Hots, larger pythons - "pit bull" snakes. Or something trendy. Never mind the complex needs of these beasts.
If the complainer thinking everyone should walk in and buy anything believes there isn't enough variety among so-called starter snakes, he doesn't know the range of sizes, needs and habits included in that category.
Anyone who thinks that even a lower-end intermediate is a "p*ssy snake" has never taken eight bites in 30 seconds from a big bull or pine. Preparation with experience is needed in any biological-based management.Ultimately it's all about the health and safety of the animals first, and other life second. Period. If people need to swagger they can take a Viagra.
COMPLETELY AGREE. In fact we need this attitude with more animals. I've worked with mammals and birds for 13 years. I've seen Macaws, violent and plucked naked, Chows matted and untouchable even by their owners, a hissing Bengal, declawed. It's basically the Dunning-Kruger effect. Inexperienced people overestimate their ability to handle these animals and at the end of the day even if the owner gets nipped or scratched the animal is the one who suffers.
Hi from michigan usa, & thanks for another great video! It was very well spoken & sincere- I absolutely agree with your thoughts here. I've learned so much since finding your channel, thank you!
Really appreciate your input on this! Research and motivation can do a great deal to help a new keeper, but there are no shortcuts for real experience.
This deserves so many views! Great video and I agree 100%. Get what you the ability, knowledge, and funds to care for
I want a black tail cribo! Should I get one? LOL. I don’t think so. Keep the great vids coming! You’re doing a great job.
It's a good point you brought up in this video alot of peolpe dont realize the responsibility of keep more advanced species of snakes that grow large or need higher humidity setting yet some shops sell to anyone and bear no responsibility for the animals they sell good video
Hi, Chaz. Another great video.
I work in a pet shop in the US, I personally keep and breed African rocks, Burmese, Reticulated and olive pythons. I seldom speak of it because its not relevant to the animals we sell but my coworkers like to bring it up to customers with questions and I've had customers ask about retics before, mainly because they saw Jay Brewer's either in person or online.
I try so hard to explain why that's a bad idea without seeming like a gatekeeper, but people have ZERO idea what it entails. My principle is this, you should already be well versed in recognizing, diagnosing and handling husbandry issues, health issues or behavioral issues. You should already be capable with a hook and other tools, you should already be experienced in how to thaw and present food, reading snake body language, maintaining environmental parameters and so on. All of these should be second nature BEFORE you own a retic. Failing with some of these could end your life in seconds under the wrong circumstances.
Retics have a steep learning curve, and the idea of someone trying to learn all the basics while raising one is sending me over the edge. Possible? Of course. Reasonable or responsible? Not in a million years.
And I'd still beg that anyone looking to buy one get hands on with an adult first, because the mass and muscle and speed is, even among other giants, unlike anything I've experienced.
Yet people all over nowadays recommend retics as beginner giants, even dwarf locales as entry level snakes. It boggles my mind.
Love your videos man, responsible, thorough, digestible education on all aspects of keeping. We need more like it in the hobby.
Well said! I agree 100%!!
Hey Chad, I know this is an old post...just popped up on my News feed. A few years ago at Kempton Park, there were some Council Environmental Health reps doing the rounds. They were asking me about a pretty but pissey Bismarck Python.....looking at the animals on "our club table", they said should I start with this(a Corn snake). Now I agree some snakes are difficult...the majority are not. My reply was...'if you want to keep "this snake", do your research, then keep "this snake".....because you have just decided this(the corn snake) animal is disposable. I obviously had made my point, as the "rep", was absolutely embarrassed and floundering.....I agree, some species need "some experience", most now available (as you acknowledged) are limited and, dare I say unproblematic....hey Royals have always been problematic.... hasn't stopped them being popular!!
Well said Chaz
Totally agree. 100%
I think people see the 'starter snake' as a snake to learn from and get rid of because it's not what they ultimately want. It would be far better to hold onto that first snake to show others how committed you are. I totally agree regarding the dangers to an animals health and to oneself regarding starting on an advanced snake. I've had a fair few and would love a retic morph, but the potential for it to kill me outweighs its appeal. As for reading books, one could read a whole library on beekeeping but my bees hadn't read those books. Same thing with falconry, having a 10lb eagle inches away from your face, or weight control on a 7 oz kestrel just isn't right. The possibility of the eagle killing or the kestrel being starved to death are very real.
Agreed , people should do far more research to truly understand what they are getting into. Thankfully we have your series.
thanks Ron..Top man.
Can you do a video on crested geckos?
we have already done one somewhere. Look in the introducing series.
great vid and well said I want to get into keeping a snake but i'm smart enough to know i'm out of my dept great to have people that know way more and suggest the right things it's foolish a first timer to get anything they wanted like if they get a reticulated python the size and what it takes to take care of at worst could prove to be extremely unhealthy for the animal and the rookie snake keeper
What species of snakes would recommend to people instead of a ball/royal python?
So what do y'all recommend as a beginner snake, especially with people who have young children? I have a bearded dragon that my children help feed and handle and I've had a chameleon before as well.
if you look in this series. Episode 49 i think there is a video running through the top ten beginner snakes. Hopefully it is helpful. It has been popular with other watchers.
I would never (as a beginner) keep anything beyond my means. Purely because the animal deserves the best care and I know what I'm confident in keeping. Cant understand anyone who just jumps into something they know fuck all about, I'd shit myself! Granted I did start with a corn snake! I also asked you if I was allowed a kingsnake 😂 anyone who doesnt listen to you is a fool. Wouldnt go anywhere else ☺️