Keeping Reptiles Ethically: a Much Needed Conversation

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 4 жов 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 53

  • @HunterHouck
    @HunterHouck  2 роки тому +8

    What are your thoughts on ethical reptile keeping? 🦎 Is the reptile hobby overall doing a good job, or do we need to improve in certain areas? Is there an ethical thought that you have that I didn't mention? Do you disagree with one or many of my beliefs? Let's talk about it! 💬

    • @notmyrealname4363
      @notmyrealname4363 2 роки тому

      Great video!
      For me (with your example of albino green iguanas) I don't think we should breed for traits we haven't got the research and knowledge to *know* enough about them to be able to determine if it's ethical to selectively breed for those traits.
      Cherry picking traits because of aesthetics comodifies living creatures who we have little basis if knowledge for and concerns around whether or not we can ideally care for them and their health condition and fulfil their needs and opportunities to thrive throughout the life span of a captive individual of its species with sufficient care.
      If we don't know we can do it right, we shouldn't be *choosing* to keep producing them at all. We should know what to do before we bring an animal into a situation at all.
      Albino animals deserve to live and to have special care for the life they have. We however do not have a need to enduce these genetic traits in young if we do not have in depth scientific research for their condition and subsequent care.
      It is a mutation, so even for those who breed responsibly and know the recessive genetic traits and general genetic profile of the individuals they breed should be able to know what health conditions may be emphasised and/or passed down to a clutch, can potentially have the small chance of producing one as genetic mutations aren't only just passed down from another with the mutation, but the mutation being well exactly that, a mutation in the DNA causing a new trait to be passed to offspring that wasn't present in the genetic material of its parents.
      Additionally, inbreeding as you know has this problem because a rare genetic condition or mutation may not be present in one generation, but if two related individuals breed then they can both have this same trait and it can be more present and expressed in the offspring. So any form of breeding should really be done with knowledge of where they were bred, and how closely related they may be by looking at the records of genetic lines that a responsible breeder of *any* kind should have.
      When I was deciding on what pet I may want in the future, I had a look into rat keeping before I settled on reptiles, and found out some fascinating stuff from the approach of a small community of rat breeders in the UK (where I am from).
      In the rat fancy (people who keep rats and breed and keep rats for pets and sometimes selectively colouration) I have heard from talks and interviews of some responsible rat breeders in the UK who do it as a hobby and not for profit (even with larger amounts of rodents than a general pet-keeper would have) who actually do it for a hobby as they go for sufficient care and providing that for new owners and their own animals at the cost of not making a profit. They sell their rodents but knowingly make a small loss on the overall costs because they provide sufficient care and do so for the love of their hobby and animals.
      They keep in touch with owners so that they can answer questions and provide support, and so that when years later, at the end of the rats life they can identify their cause of death.
      This provides essential data on which of their genetic lines are more prone to developing tumors (an issue that all rats are prone to) and then choosing to look at the genetic line and ancestors of that rat and by seeing these patterns they can over the years only breed from the lines less likely to have tumours in their lifetimes.
      This particular group of breeders in their part of their community also have a practice of taking in rodents if the subsequent owner down the line can no longer provide care for them, and in the case of rats (who are very *very* social and must live in groups and at absolute minimum in a pair) if one dies and the other is then left on its own, but the owner does not wish to get another rat that will then outlive the other meaning they will be keeping rats into the future if they don't wish to have any more rats after their current one, the breeder who still has contact with them is willing to take them in again so they can have the rat friends that they need for the remainder of their life (and if the owner wishes, updates now and again for their peace of mind to know they are happy in their knew home).
      The video was an interview on a channel called Emiology and her ethics and videos talking to breeders in the rat fancy I think are really interesting to see how another community approaches the ethics of breeding and what the reptile community could perhaps learn from them.
      Your videos have inspired the kind of research I'm wanting to go and do for my future pets (a ball python and a plains hognose), and particularly your live show on your channel that introduced me to Reptiles and Research gave me a starting point for exactly the style and approach to care and husbandry of any creatures that come into my care when I get my pets in the future (I haven't had any pets for several years) and I'm very glad to have found that video and others of yours that has inspired me. :)

  • @efgexotics
    @efgexotics 2 роки тому +1

    YES!! this is an amazing and much needed video! As reptiles keepers it’s our job to provide the best possible for our reptiles. Just cause they are surviving doesn’t mean they are thriving or that it’s okay. More responsible reptile keepers need to speak up and educate others like you are doing in order to help this “hobby” as well as save it. And reptile keeping isn’t just a simple “hobby” it’s complex and takes a lot because it’s caring for living being and it shouldn’t be overlooked! People are getting so caught up in the money they are putting aside the needs of LIVING ANIMALS and it’s ridiculous! You did an outstanding job with this video and i can tell you put so much work into it, great job!!

  • @itssassysarah
    @itssassysarah 2 роки тому +7

    Reptiles can’t advocate for themselves so it’s our job as keepers to advocate for them and treat them the way they deserve to be treated - which is so much better than some people do. This video should be seen by every reptile owner and enthusiast. Loved this video Hunter!

  • @pauldelobelle9493
    @pauldelobelle9493 2 роки тому +1

    very good video full of common sense! I watch you from France and wish you the best for your channel which is great! It is necessary to have people like you who promote good practice on herpetology where some people make us have bad reputations with mistreatment of reptiles

  • @roughseas5915
    @roughseas5915 2 роки тому +1

    Great video Hunter!

  • @macimay3041
    @macimay3041 2 роки тому +1

    🐍

  • @Hardhatreptiles95
    @Hardhatreptiles95 2 роки тому +2

    I'm going to work on a bio active cage with my dad it would be cool to have a natural set up. I heard about you from Wiccan wicked reptiles.

    • @HunterHouck
      @HunterHouck  2 роки тому +1

      That’s great! Bioactive enclosures are a lot of fun to set up. Welcome to the channel! 😁

    • @Hardhatreptiles95
      @Hardhatreptiles95 2 роки тому +1

      @@HunterHouck THANK YOU!

  • @EmmysPets
    @EmmysPets 2 роки тому +7

    I’m absolutely obsessed with these more in-depth video. I really think topics like these will be the future of “reptile tube”. You worded everything perfectly, incredible video, Hunter!

    • @HunterHouck
      @HunterHouck  2 роки тому +1

      Thank you so much, Emma! I really appreciate your constant support! You’re the greatest best friend a person could ask for. 😌

  • @horsemanshipper
    @horsemanshipper 2 роки тому +1

    Very nice video which explains well how people should look towards the aspects of keeping and breeding and morphs. I noticed the same as you, that it's indeed mostly those with financial interests that insist it's okay to breed morphs that are directly linked to issues that decrease quality of life.
    I also wish people would start to understand the choices and control of environment and expressing natural behaviors is simply the only way an animal can thrive. So many people even call it anthropomorhizing if you say what the natural behaviors are and that expressing those behaviors are linked to welfare. So many people (mostly breeders or collectors) claim they don't care about their surroundings... And that's just a 100 percent wrong.

    • @HunterHouck
      @HunterHouck  2 роки тому

      Absolutely! Thank you for sharing.

  • @Emakura
    @Emakura 2 роки тому +1

    YOU NAILED IT

    • @HunterHouck
      @HunterHouck  2 роки тому

      Thank you! I thought it was definitely a worthwhile topic to cover.

  • @speedymadr6
    @speedymadr6 2 роки тому +1

    Really good good video 👍

  • @dino_theseawing
    @dino_theseawing 2 роки тому +4

    yay hunter uploaded!

  • @emilyscritters5350
    @emilyscritters5350 2 роки тому +6

    YOU NAILED IT!!!
    Literally yesterday at my work I had a guy come up and brag to me about how he was 17k snakes. He showed me images of hundreds of his racks and said “yea there is a snake in each of them!” And he’s smiling and bragging. He also showed me his 23ft long python. And it’s obviously OBESE. I legitimately wanted to puke and I legit cried later. Sadly I could not say anything because I was at work.
    This same guy went on to say how he’s in groups like USARK and works with some of the well-known reptile shops in my area.
    And this whole thing reminded me about my first time seeing this in person. My sis had a friend who’s whole family are snake breeders. And I remember seeing thousands of snakes in drawers basically. Only newspaper and water. It smelled horrible and I remember babies with defects. I regret not saying anything but we are no longer in touch with this person.
    I feel like EVERY time I mention I love reptiles, someone says “I love them too” but shows me images of their racks or horrid set ups.
    And you nailed it with the excuses these people make. I like to call them the puppy mills of the reptile world because that’s what they are.
    And for them to be one of the loudest voices fighting against animal rights people is TERRIFYING. Animal rights and animal welfare people can agree that this is wrong! And if this continues it’s going to threaten the whole hobby for everyone.
    It’s why I adore the Advancing Herpetological group, because I love seeing animals thrive and people pushing for them to do so.
    We need to support small batch breeders (I adore TC Houston) and stop supporting these “puppy mills” of the reptile world.
    And like you said, quit supporting people breeding morphs that negatively impact the animal’s life.
    If we don’t then animal rights folks will eventually win.
    Another argument though I wish you brought up is that some animals are endangered, and thanks to even the herp hobby that these animals that are endangered in the wild are doing amazing in human care. I have Neon Day Geckos and it’s crazy to me that they are endangered in the wild but breeding and thriving under (most) human care.
    Thank you for this video and what you do!
    Let’s support and aim for our animals to thrive!!
    (P.S. for anyone reading this. If ANYONE has a list of ethical snake breeders please let me know. Been trying to compile a list but so far I have only been given 2 places)

    • @HunterHouck
      @HunterHouck  2 роки тому +2

      Thank you for sharing this here and on Facebook! I really hope this will help someone decide to do better for their animals.

    • @pietandPrince
      @pietandPrince 2 роки тому +5

      I have heard the “i love reptiles too” *shows empty shoebox sized tubs* before too. And i’m like.. you and i have very different ideas of love.
      And i also get being scared to speak up, especially as a woman. It often seems women speaking up on animal welfare in the reptile community are being brushed off with the good ol’ “women are so emotional and irrational lol”
      Even when they bring evidence for their claims. Same people i have also heard “pet owners” being used as a way to discard What they have to say. Which is SO weird to me.

  • @apss5736
    @apss5736 2 роки тому +1

    awesome video

  • @jamielovesjohn
    @jamielovesjohn 2 роки тому +1

    Great video and I agree with everything. I don't know why people that would tell you a puppy mill is wrong would turn around and look at 100's of barren tubs and be OK with it. I honestly think large scale breeders could be the downfall of exotic pet keeping. As more and more animal rights activists see these large scale operations, it's ammunition for their cause. I myself am an animal rights person but I think there can be place for ethically keeping exotics. (not monkeys, big cats, crocodilian etc though). Removing large, mass producing animal breeders and removing exotics from large chain pet stores can only help the hobby. The welfare of the parent animals should always come first.

    • @HunterHouck
      @HunterHouck  2 роки тому +1

      Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I agree; people keeping their snakes so poorly is going to be the downfall of reptile keeping.

  • @Hell_Fury_13
    @Hell_Fury_13 2 роки тому +2

    Great video! I agree whole heartedly.

    • @HunterHouck
      @HunterHouck  2 роки тому +1

      Thank you, Mandy!

    • @HunterHouck
      @HunterHouck  2 роки тому +1

      Leopard geckos cannot eat vegetables at all. Please visit careguides.hunterhouck.com/leopardgeckos and click on my care guides. :)

  • @bobbiec2829
    @bobbiec2829 2 роки тому +4

    Great video! I've always given my animals the world...they definitely eat better than me (more well balanced) 😊 when I see people cite money as the reason their reptiles have subpar enclosure conditions (like small cage size) I just don't understand it. If you can't take care of an animal properly then you shouldn't get it. Owning animals is a privilege, period.

  • @anonplus1411
    @anonplus1411 2 роки тому +1

    I find every point in this video completely agreeable.
    Very good topic that is overlooked far too often amongst collectors and breeders.

    • @HunterHouck
      @HunterHouck  2 роки тому

      Thank you! I’m glad you agree. 🙂

  • @Nailsby_Moony
    @Nailsby_Moony Рік тому

    Should the more humid side be on the warmer or colder side? I'm upgrading a couple of enclosures (western hognose, bci boa, and Florida kings naked enclosures)

  • @zaba1959
    @zaba1959 2 роки тому +3

    Another good video.

    • @HunterHouck
      @HunterHouck  2 роки тому +1

      Thanks, Roman! I’m glad you enjoyed. 😁

  • @loispadgett6306
    @loispadgett6306 2 роки тому +2

    I have 2 spider ball pythons one has no wobble the other one has sever wobble that is why I got it because it needed some special love. It eats well and has thrived with me for several years how. It my move fun but love it just the same. Can't help but love those that are in need.
    Great video for people to learn on.
    GOD BLESS🐍❤🐍❤🐍❤

    • @HunterHouck
      @HunterHouck  2 роки тому +1

      I’m glad they found a good home with you!

  • @mickiem6833
    @mickiem6833 2 роки тому +4

    This is a very good video. I appreciate that you took the turn away from the negative and focused on the positive opportunity list. Although I don't agree entirely with the albino iguana I am 100% with you on the spider balls. I think because albinism occurs in nature, we need to study and understand it. But when I see spider balls at shows, I cringe. I don't understand why anyone can think that is ok. But you hit it on the head, unfortunately. $$$$

    • @HunterHouck
      @HunterHouck  2 роки тому

      Thank you, Mickie! I definitely agree that we need to study the effects of albanism more. I appreciate you watching!

  • @neilchace1858
    @neilchace1858 2 роки тому +2

    Great video like always, Hunter! As someone who has been a volunteer at an AZA zoo and also pay attention to the reptile and aviculture hobbies, I think it is a shame the AZA doesn't allow more collaboration with private sources. Many private facilities not open to the public can keep many animals, especially hoofstock, reptiles, and birds, in habitats just as good as, or even better than, AZA Zoos. Furthermore, the AZA in recent years has had to phase out a lot of species, especially various hoofstock and birds, because as exhibits become larger, Zoos cannot keep as many species and the AZA doesn't have enough spaces to maintain sustainable populations for these species. If the AZA was willing to certify and work with private owners, it'd solve a lot of problems and allow them to help save more species. Especially when it comes to birds, some species also don't breed well in traditional zoo enclosures, specifically walk-through aviaries, and need to be kept behind the scenes for breeding. Unfortunately, many Zoos don't have the space to breed birds due to this, meaning allowing cooperation with respectable private breeders would solve this problem and allow them to breed species that truly need our help.

    • @HunterHouck
      @HunterHouck  2 роки тому +1

      Thank you! I absolutely agree. I would love to see more AZA collaboration with high-quality private hobbyists like is often seen in Europe. It’s very true that some private zoos and hobbyists have better care for their animals than AZA facilities. I immediately think of the leopard gecko enclosure at ZooMontana, which was disappointing at best. Thank you so much for sharing!

    • @neilchace1858
      @neilchace1858 2 роки тому +1

      @@HunterHouck I've never been to ZooMontana and it isn't a zoo I'm super familiar with, but I can easily imagine it being subpar. I've seen subpar habitats in AZA Zoos for everything from Leopard Geckos to Lions. One thing I would be interested in seeing though is the long-term institutional collection plan for Zoo Montana though. Many AZA Zoos privately (or even openly) acknowledge certain habitats as below modern standards, and are hence phasing a certain species out of their collection. The zoo I volunteer at, for instance, has a number of habitats that no longer reach the modern standards, but are keeping the elderly residents until they pass away and then replace them with a smaller animal with less size requirements. Most notably is our 3,000 square foot lion habitat, as a few years ago the AZA's standards increased to 10,000 square feet, which would give a much better home for lions, but is unreasonable for our small zoo. Currently, both of our lions though are in their upper teens, and after they pass away the zoo will no longer keep lions. While ZooMontana probably has some subpar exhibits, they may be in a similar boat of phasing out animals or waiting to perform renovations until they have better funding.

    • @HunterHouck
      @HunterHouck  2 роки тому +1

      That’s very interesting, and I didn’t know about that! I’ll have to ask next time I’m there. Thank you!

    • @HunterHouck
      @HunterHouck  2 роки тому +1

      I got the notification that you added another reply, but UA-cam seems to have marked it as spam and deleted it. (Thanks, UA-cam. 😒😂) Would you be able to repost it? If it had a link, that could be why. (If so, feel free to send me an email with the link!)

    • @neilchace1858
      @neilchace1858 2 роки тому

      @@HunterHouck Yeah, I tried to post the comment three or four times and UA-cam deleted it each time. Sometimes I don't understand the algorithm! Anyways, I emailed you what I was trying to say.

  • @MrPeter924
    @MrPeter924 2 роки тому +2

    Awesome great pets animals reptiles room 👍