I love this! I wanted a hognose snake and finally got one. I did research and was also confused by how easy they are compared to bearded dragons (which often get labeled as a "beginner reptile").
This is so important!! I also believe this about rodents too. I hate seeing people talk about beginner pets and giving things like small rodents to young children. There's so many stories about hamsters dying in god awful ways that people joke about constantly. Often times those deaths are due to neglect and parents not teaching their children to handle an animals life with responsibility and care.
@@theaveragecomment1014 👆💯😔 my goal is to nourish the concept of mindfulness and empathy towards all creatures, and to remind us that we are responsible for their lives when we keep them as pets. Since they did not make the choice to live in captivity as our pets, it’s on US.
Agree whole heartedly, ive never been huge on the term of beginner reptiles, most reptiles will be around you for years or even decades, and there is so much information and research available that people should just get what they truly want, as long as they can meet the care requirements, and are okay with both the common and uncommon personality of the reptile and not hope they will get a 1 in a million that they managed to see on youtube (fast or slow moving, docile or agressive, handleable or display)
I think the idea of beginner reptiles are those species that are hardy enough to endure beginner mistakes without keeling over dead, but it also has people thinking they *need* to get a species they don't want to have what they actually desire. Like someone wanting a tegu as their first reptile, but tegus are never on a beginner's list, so they're thinking they have to get a leopard gecko first and work their way up to a beardie and so on until they're "ready" for a tegu. Now they're stuck with animals they never wanted.
Exactly. I understand the idea that some species are "hardy enough to endure beginner mistakes without keeling over dead", but they shouldn't be treated as a trial run/expendable in order to learn, you know? Get what you love- because the more you love it, the more you are going to put effort into learning how to care for it well... and hopefully, before they actually get it. ❤ Thank you for watching and commenting!
You are right! But may I suggest that we start to talk about an easy set up? Some combinations of heat and humidity are easier to manage than others. A habitat with a water feature is so much harder to maintain. Etc….
That was my point with reviewing how Clint lays out his rating system! That's talking about the responsibilities and actions that are necessary for care, not the animal itself 😊 The problem with labeling the animal and NOT talking about those things is that people don't know what it will take, or they think it's easy and don't try to learn more.
I completely agree! As somebody who hadn't really owned snakes until I got my corn snake, I do think that I was led a bit astray on what snake would be a best fit for me due to these "beginner snake" videos, and I think a huge factor in that is what species are easy to breed. I think this is something that is now being discussed and hopefully will change for future new keepers!
I researched several different animals before deciding on my Chile' noodle. In my research findings, I considered my age and my physical abilities, the time I knew that I could give to a new pet, and the supplies needed and expsense of them! I had had 2 cornsnakes before...a male and a female...and let's just say that situation could have wound up very badly. Luckily, I found a middle-school science teacher that wanted them for his classroom and he had what seemed like good plans for them. I remembered how fun it was to handle the snakes and did double duty on the research with info that was new and current! Before, we didn't even have internet yet, so good proven information was impossible to find! I'm so glad you made these points about beginners snakes and beginner owners! The most important single thing to me is research your chosen animal for a few months before getting it, there might just be some little something that changes your mind and you will be glad you did the homework!
Videos like this are why you've become one of my favorite reptile channels on TH-cam. Really great points! And I love the idea of focusing more on how you can do research on your chosen species, or realistic views of care on specific species, discussions of research etc. Honestly I think we need a lot more of this in the exotic pets community in general.
im buying my first snake mid december, it is a boa imperator baby boy. the decision was made because of my research. first i have seen him and then i searched for reasons to not get him, unsuccessful. now i cant wait to build his first terrarium and pick him up.
While I agree with some of your criticisms of calling certain species "beginner", I disagree with your notion that a monocled cobra (or any highly venomous snakes) can be a beginner snake. When dealing with dangerous animals, a lot can go wrong really fast, and no beginner is equipped yet with the skills to properly handle a venomous species. If someone got an internship in the reptile house of an accredited zoo- I can guarantee they'll be learning the skills of reptile husbandry and caretaking on non-venomous species first before learning with the very dangerous ones. This includes practicing using a snake hook on a boa or colubrid, etc. Beginner caretakers should do the same thing- build the necessary skills to care for snakes with a relatively "low stakes" species, before moving on to venomous species, very large constrictors, or species with extremely specific care requirements. One of the important factors of being a "beginner" is that beginners will make mistakes, as mistakes are a part of the learning process. It'd be best to make those mistakes when there isn't a direct threat to your life, and with an animal that won't die if the humidity is 1% off. But yeah- there isn't anything that makes, say, a ball python or corn snake, an inherently better "beginner" snake than most other pythons, boas, and colubrids with reasonable care requirements.
I'm sorry, I think you took that part of the episode a bit too literally. I am in no way advocating starting with venomous, and I personally don't think *anyone* should keep those species at all (barring Chrissweet), to be honest. I said you'd need to spend months and months learning and training, and I actually put "*And write a will" on the screen during that section to emphasize that I don't think it's a good idea at all- but it's about the person, not the animal. If the person wants to take that risk- as many people seem to do- then they are accepting that at some point, they might be seriously injured or worse... and anyone who *did their research* would know that. But that's not the point here at all. There is no such thing as a beginner snake- only beginner keepers, and yep, we ALL make mistakes- even those of us who aren't beginners. But no matter what, it isn't fair to label the animals as such and accept piss poor effort on the part of the person.
I was going to say she was definitely just making a point. Anyone who actually buys a monocled cobra as their first pet snake...well, natural selection will do the rest lmao. That's why Shira reminded them to write a will 💀😂
I agree. I would recommend something interesting and engaging over something "easy." Maybe not as interesting as a monocle cobra, but getting a pet you aren't really into just because it made some else's Top 5 isn't going to encourage best practices.
💯 and 😆 yeah, I would actually never actually recommend a monocled cobra to *anyone* (that’s why I put “write a will” on the screen during that segment). I don’t really think people should keep species like that as pets at all… but they do 🤷🏻♀️
I have said the exact same thing over and over again no matter how many times I see those videos thank you for speaking up😊v beginner sounds like okay get this one then get rid of it once you get better at it and move up and on like that I just don't even make sense
I do agree mostly I however don't think "any" snake is suitable for new keepers. You don't pass your driving test and jump straight into a Ferrari. Same with reptiles you can research as much as you like, but you need to get practical skills down. I just mean even with all the research in the world, it doesn't prepare you for real world experience. In that respect some species are definitely more forgiving than others, and are more likely to survive the inevitable mistakes new keepers are going to make. Research is good as a foundation to build on with practical skills. I hope this doesn't come across as overly critical it wasn't intended to be such. Just trying to expand on why some species are prehaps best left until the keeper has experience with more forgiving species, and they have got the basics of husbandry down, they then can start adding more components, to their skill set.
I hear you, but I've heard plenty of success stories about new keepers focusing all their energy on whatever snake it is that they are most interested in, even if not "easy". It's important that it comes down to the person, not the animal. Leaving it to the animal to be "forgiving" is a recipe for people to get an animal they're not really THAT crazy about just to "practice" on and possibly not invest their full heart and mind into caring for to the best of their abilities. Then later on, they get another one, and stop trying to do better for the first, or give away the first one... No matter what, you're going to have a learning curve- but the more you prepare, invest in, and take responsibility for the care, the easier it will be on the animal. I guess overall, the issue is even more systemic... that it should take a lot more effort to even be allowed to get a reptile than it does. You have to apply and be vetted to adopt a dog, but with Reptiles, people get them and forget them. A $45 gecko dies, oh well, you just get another one instead of taking it to the vet or investing in better husbandry. Just my perspective and food for thought...
I do agree people should get what they really want. I also agree being forgiving is no excuse for lax care. But realistically beginners are new, as you say they haven't done it before. I can read books on brain surgery for months, but I'd never be allowed to transfer that into practical experience, just on that basis. Amongst other things I keep African Rock Pythons, would you say they are suitable for beginners or even intermediate species? I only ask because people who have only read up on them will hear the females can reach 15ft etc. Unless you have seen a snake like that in the flesh, most people don't understand quite how vast that actually is, nor how strong an animal like that is. Throw in behavioral issues. No amount of reading will prepare you for that. When my big female decides she's not going to do something, she is not going to do it. That in inexperienced hands could have disastrous consequences on both sides. As I say I do agree with a lot of your points, I just think new keepers need to be realistic in their mindset regarding their abilities, and what they are actually capable of dealing with. Reading about something and actually doing it are 2 different things. This is where I think mentoring for a species you are interested in, is a brilliant idea. I use Afrocs, yes it's an extreme example, but illustrates the point. Giant species, especially require correspondingly large housing, food items. Large everything. Only a small minority of keepers can properly care for them. This I'd say even precludes most "experienced keepers,they are not for everyone. Sorry for the essay, it's something I feel strongly about and ultimately want the best for both parties in the equation. I think we agree we want the animals to be well cared for,but also want the new keeper to enjoy the hobby, but not get in over their heads and get discouraged.
I don't think large constrictors are good pets at all, *personally*, however, that's not the point here. If you did your research and were responsible enough to know the size these animals get to and prepared yourself, your space, etc to allow for them to have enriched lives, then they could be your first snake. That is the point- you can do whatever you want, but you need to be responsible about it, and some species may take less effort, others more, and understanding that in full before getting the animal is what I want to drive home here.
@@caughtafaygo I don't disagree with you! But I still don't think we should call the ANIMAL a beginner- and instead just focus on educating PEOPLE, providing the proper information, and even regulate what is sold to whom without a little more vetting. This is all healthy dialogue, though- I hope you agree! I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on the matter.
I agree that all species need adequate care and that the term "beginners species" is therefore misleading. But I fully disagree that all species are equally suitable as a "first snake". Any species that grows larger than 1,5 meter (5 feet) is ONLY for advanced keepers as it needs advanced handling skills and a large setup. Any very fast moving species and species that will very readily bite is ONLY for advanced keepers. Any venomous species is ONLY for advanced keepers. Any species that requires a different diet than rodents is ONLY for advanced keepers - and yes, this does include fish-eating species because of specialized vitamin requirements. This way, you end up with a group of species that is ok for "beginners who did their homework", which include only moderate-sized constrictors including ratsnakes, milksnakes, kingsnakes and smaller pythons and boa's. This list is fairly short and much shorter than many online sources write! When I google "beginners snake" some VERY WRONG suggestions show up, including rough green snake (insect eater with low life expectancy in the hands of a beginner), egg-eating snake (specialized diet; difficult to source captive bred ones), garter snake (specialized diet including vitamin requirements, difficult combination of dry and moist areas), boa constrictor (easy to care for, but too large adult size), hognose snakes (rear-fanged venomous snake; although the symptoms of a bite are usually mild - it is still NOT a beginners species). However, I think that we should also distinguish between someone who never owned any animals and someone who had other reptiles for many years, just not snakes. The latter is an advanced reptile keeper, and very likely has a good knowledge about handling, feeding and housing of reptiles in general - which is an excellent basis for snake keeping. Overgeneralizing: snakes tend to be a lot easier compared to lizards!
I love this! I wanted a hognose snake and finally got one. I did research and was also confused by how easy they are compared to bearded dragons (which often get labeled as a "beginner reptile").
Thank you for being a responsible caretaker!! ❤ ❤ what's your hoggie's name?
@@Snake_Therapy - Flaco
This is so important!! I also believe this about rodents too. I hate seeing people talk about beginner pets and giving things like small rodents to young children. There's so many stories about hamsters dying in god awful ways that people joke about constantly. Often times those deaths are due to neglect and parents not teaching their children to handle an animals life with responsibility and care.
@@theaveragecomment1014 👆💯😔 my goal is to nourish the concept of mindfulness and empathy towards all creatures, and to remind us that we are responsible for their lives when we keep them as pets. Since they did not make the choice to live in captivity as our pets, it’s on US.
Agree whole heartedly, ive never been huge on the term of beginner reptiles, most reptiles will be around you for years or even decades, and there is so much information and research available that people should just get what they truly want, as long as they can meet the care requirements, and are okay with both the common and uncommon personality of the reptile and not hope they will get a 1 in a million that they managed to see on youtube (fast or slow moving, docile or agressive, handleable or display)
@@Kurrchin exactly. Thank you for watching and commenting!
I think the idea of beginner reptiles are those species that are hardy enough to endure beginner mistakes without keeling over dead, but it also has people thinking they *need* to get a species they don't want to have what they actually desire. Like someone wanting a tegu as their first reptile, but tegus are never on a beginner's list, so they're thinking they have to get a leopard gecko first and work their way up to a beardie and so on until they're "ready" for a tegu. Now they're stuck with animals they never wanted.
Exactly. I understand the idea that some species are "hardy enough to endure beginner mistakes without keeling over dead", but they shouldn't be treated as a trial run/expendable in order to learn, you know? Get what you love- because the more you love it, the more you are going to put effort into learning how to care for it well... and hopefully, before they actually get it. ❤ Thank you for watching and commenting!
Great job Shira! Excellent video. Way to not give in to the tropes and click bait! I love flipping "beginner snakes" to "beginner keeper"!
Thank you so much! Oooooh click bait... that's on my list to rant about 😆😁
You are right! But may I suggest that we start to talk about an easy set up? Some combinations of heat and humidity are easier to manage than others. A habitat with a water feature is so much harder to maintain. Etc….
That was my point with reviewing how Clint lays out his rating system! That's talking about the responsibilities and actions that are necessary for care, not the animal itself 😊 The problem with labeling the animal and NOT talking about those things is that people don't know what it will take, or they think it's easy and don't try to learn more.
I completely agree! As somebody who hadn't really owned snakes until I got my corn snake, I do think that I was led a bit astray on what snake would be a best fit for me due to these "beginner snake" videos, and I think a huge factor in that is what species are easy to breed. I think this is something that is now being discussed and hopefully will change for future new keepers!
Thank you for sharing that! And yes, I do very much hope to see a change. We can't move backwards, but we can change what's coming next. ❤
I researched several different animals before deciding on my Chile' noodle. In my research findings, I considered my age and my physical abilities, the time I knew that I could give to a new pet, and the supplies needed and expsense of them! I had had 2 cornsnakes before...a male and a female...and let's just say that situation could have wound up very badly. Luckily, I found a middle-school science teacher that wanted them for his classroom and he had what seemed like good plans for them. I remembered how fun it was to handle the snakes and did double duty on the research with info that was new and current! Before, we didn't even have internet yet, so good proven information was impossible to find! I'm so glad you made these points about beginners snakes and beginner owners! The most important single thing to me is research your chosen animal for a few months before getting it, there might just be some little something that changes your mind and you will be glad you did the homework!
100%!!!! I love this!
Videos like this are why you've become one of my favorite reptile channels on TH-cam. Really great points! And I love the idea of focusing more on how you can do research on your chosen species, or realistic views of care on specific species, discussions of research etc. Honestly I think we need a lot more of this in the exotic pets community in general.
What an incredible compliment, thank you so much... I want more of it too! Be the change, right? ❤
im buying my first snake mid december, it is a boa imperator baby boy. the decision was made because of my research. first i have seen him and then i searched for reasons to not get him, unsuccessful. now i cant wait to build his first terrarium and pick him up.
That's so awesome and exciting!! congratulations! And good for you for getting what you want because you're passionate about that particular animal.
Best video I have seen in a while. Keep up the great content. Really, enjoy your channel
Thank you so much! I'm so happy you're enjoying it. 😊
@Snake_Therapy I tried to respond to the survey letter but kept failing to send 😔
@@wescollins really? When was your submission? (My contact info is actually on my channel description- so go ahead and email me!)
Great Info
Glad you think so! Thank you for watching!
While I agree with some of your criticisms of calling certain species "beginner", I disagree with your notion that a monocled cobra (or any highly venomous snakes) can be a beginner snake. When dealing with dangerous animals, a lot can go wrong really fast, and no beginner is equipped yet with the skills to properly handle a venomous species.
If someone got an internship in the reptile house of an accredited zoo- I can guarantee they'll be learning the skills of reptile husbandry and caretaking on non-venomous species first before learning with the very dangerous ones. This includes practicing using a snake hook on a boa or colubrid, etc. Beginner caretakers should do the same thing- build the necessary skills to care for snakes with a relatively "low stakes" species, before moving on to venomous species, very large constrictors, or species with extremely specific care requirements.
One of the important factors of being a "beginner" is that beginners will make mistakes, as mistakes are a part of the learning process. It'd be best to make those mistakes when there isn't a direct threat to your life, and with an animal that won't die if the humidity is 1% off. But yeah- there isn't anything that makes, say, a ball python or corn snake, an inherently better "beginner" snake than most other pythons, boas, and colubrids with reasonable care requirements.
I'm sorry, I think you took that part of the episode a bit too literally. I am in no way advocating starting with venomous, and I personally don't think *anyone* should keep those species at all (barring Chrissweet), to be honest. I said you'd need to spend months and months learning and training, and I actually put "*And write a will" on the screen during that section to emphasize that I don't think it's a good idea at all- but it's about the person, not the animal. If the person wants to take that risk- as many people seem to do- then they are accepting that at some point, they might be seriously injured or worse... and anyone who *did their research* would know that. But that's not the point here at all. There is no such thing as a beginner snake- only beginner keepers, and yep, we ALL make mistakes- even those of us who aren't beginners. But no matter what, it isn't fair to label the animals as such and accept piss poor effort on the part of the person.
I was going to say she was definitely just making a point. Anyone who actually buys a monocled cobra as their first pet snake...well, natural selection will do the rest lmao. That's why Shira reminded them to write a will 💀😂
@@lizardman6515 💯
I agree. I would recommend something interesting and engaging over something "easy." Maybe not as interesting as a monocle cobra, but getting a pet you aren't really into just because it made some else's Top 5 isn't going to encourage best practices.
💯 and 😆 yeah, I would actually never actually recommend a monocled cobra to *anyone* (that’s why I put “write a will” on the screen during that segment). I don’t really think people should keep species like that as pets at all… but they do 🤷🏻♀️
Subscribed right away! I agree so hard with everything you said!! I hope you're the first video that pops up for ppl searching that topic!
Thank you ❤❤❤
I have said the exact same thing over and over again no matter how many times I see those videos thank you for speaking up😊v beginner sounds like okay get this one then get rid of it once you get better at it and move up and on like that I just don't even make sense
So glad you agree... This episode was... a bit of a rant 😆
@@Snake_Therapy you nailed it.
@@Snake_Therapy Soory to butt in but keep those rants up. More people should listen.
@@tdmveenstra7590 haha Thank you!! 🥰😁
What snake were you holding ? I didn't catch it
Sorry, in this video you’re asking what snake is in my hands? That’s my Sanzinia volontany, Zenith.
Known as western Madagascar tree boa
I do agree mostly I however don't think "any" snake is suitable for new keepers. You don't pass your driving test and jump straight into a Ferrari. Same with reptiles you can research as much as you like, but you need to get practical skills down. I just mean even with all the research in the world, it doesn't prepare you for real world experience. In that respect some species are definitely more forgiving than others, and are more likely to survive the inevitable mistakes new keepers are going to make. Research is good as a foundation to build on with practical skills. I hope this doesn't come across as overly critical it wasn't intended to be such. Just trying to expand on why some species are prehaps best left until the keeper has experience with more forgiving species, and they have got the basics of husbandry down, they then can start adding more components, to their skill set.
I hear you, but I've heard plenty of success stories about new keepers focusing all their energy on whatever snake it is that they are most interested in, even if not "easy". It's important that it comes down to the person, not the animal. Leaving it to the animal to be "forgiving" is a recipe for people to get an animal they're not really THAT crazy about just to "practice" on and possibly not invest their full heart and mind into caring for to the best of their abilities. Then later on, they get another one, and stop trying to do better for the first, or give away the first one...
No matter what, you're going to have a learning curve- but the more you prepare, invest in, and take responsibility for the care, the easier it will be on the animal. I guess overall, the issue is even more systemic... that it should take a lot more effort to even be allowed to get a reptile than it does. You have to apply and be vetted to adopt a dog, but with Reptiles, people get them and forget them. A $45 gecko dies, oh well, you just get another one instead of taking it to the vet or investing in better husbandry. Just my perspective and food for thought...
I do agree people should get what they really want. I also agree being forgiving is no excuse for lax care. But realistically beginners are new, as you say they haven't done it before. I can read books on brain surgery for months, but I'd never be allowed to transfer that into practical experience, just on that basis. Amongst other things I keep African Rock Pythons, would you say they are suitable for beginners or even intermediate species? I only ask because people who have only read up on them will hear the females can reach 15ft etc. Unless you have seen a snake like that in the flesh, most people don't understand quite how vast that actually is, nor how strong an animal like that is. Throw in behavioral issues. No amount of reading will prepare you for that. When my big female decides she's not going to do something, she is not going to do it. That in inexperienced hands could have disastrous consequences on both sides. As I say I do agree with a lot of your points, I just think new keepers need to be realistic in their mindset regarding their abilities, and what they are actually capable of dealing with. Reading about something and actually doing it are 2 different things. This is where I think mentoring for a species you are interested in, is a brilliant idea. I use Afrocs, yes it's an extreme example, but illustrates the point. Giant species, especially require correspondingly large housing, food items. Large everything. Only a small minority of keepers can properly care for them. This I'd say even precludes most "experienced keepers,they are not for everyone. Sorry for the essay, it's something I feel strongly about and ultimately want the best for both parties in the equation. I think we agree we want the animals to be well cared for,but also want the new keeper to enjoy the hobby, but not get in over their heads and get discouraged.
I don't think large constrictors are good pets at all, *personally*, however, that's not the point here. If you did your research and were responsible enough to know the size these animals get to and prepared yourself, your space, etc to allow for them to have enriched lives, then they could be your first snake. That is the point- you can do whatever you want, but you need to be responsible about it, and some species may take less effort, others more, and understanding that in full before getting the animal is what I want to drive home here.
I agree to a point. I think there are definitely some snakes that warrant some hours under the belt first.
@@caughtafaygo I don't disagree with you! But I still don't think we should call the ANIMAL a beginner- and instead just focus on educating PEOPLE, providing the proper information, and even regulate what is sold to whom without a little more vetting. This is all healthy dialogue, though- I hope you agree! I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on the matter.
❤
❤❤
I agree that all species need adequate care and that the term "beginners species" is therefore misleading.
But I fully disagree that all species are equally suitable as a "first snake". Any species that grows larger than 1,5 meter (5 feet) is ONLY for advanced keepers as it needs advanced handling skills and a large setup. Any very fast moving species and species that will very readily bite is ONLY for advanced keepers. Any venomous species is ONLY for advanced keepers. Any species that requires a different diet than rodents is ONLY for advanced keepers - and yes, this does include fish-eating species because of specialized vitamin requirements.
This way, you end up with a group of species that is ok for "beginners who did their homework", which include only moderate-sized constrictors including ratsnakes, milksnakes, kingsnakes and smaller pythons and boa's. This list is fairly short and much shorter than many online sources write!
When I google "beginners snake" some VERY WRONG suggestions show up, including rough green snake (insect eater with low life expectancy in the hands of a beginner), egg-eating snake (specialized diet; difficult to source captive bred ones), garter snake (specialized diet including vitamin requirements, difficult combination of dry and moist areas), boa constrictor (easy to care for, but too large adult size), hognose snakes (rear-fanged venomous snake; although the symptoms of a bite are usually mild - it is still NOT a beginners species).
However, I think that we should also distinguish between someone who never owned any animals and someone who had other reptiles for many years, just not snakes. The latter is an advanced reptile keeper, and very likely has a good knowledge about handling, feeding and housing of reptiles in general - which is an excellent basis for snake keeping. Overgeneralizing: snakes tend to be a lot easier compared to lizards!
TH-cam must not like me today, my comment keeps getting deleted 😭
?! That’s weird… try replying in this thread? I’m seeing this one..
@@Snake_Therapy it won't go throughhhhh. Shira you have no idea the war I've been through trying to get this comment posted
@@lizardman6515 send it on discord. It’s happened to me before too.