5 Reptile Mistakes WE MUST STOP Making | My Controversial Opinion

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Reptile keepers for the vast majority are really great at animal care and do an amazing job caring for their animals. But, as times evolve, science changed, information about UVB and enclosure size become more available, we as reptile keepers must change, grow and evolve with the times. What reptile care mistakes do you see? Have you ever made a mistake you corrected later?
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16 окт 2024

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Комментарии : 628

@WickensWickedReptiles 2 года назад

@KFrost-fx7dt 2 года назад

Can you link me to a video about rescue reptiles and issues they often have? And how to help them bounce back? What questions to ask the vet? For example: I'm getting a tortoise and pretty much all of the ones at shelters have pyramiding.

@treecko4ubers 2 года назад

Adam: "I'm gonna be controversial here" Also Adam "Give your animals what they need"

@alexlevin5466 Год назад

The funny thing is that it isn’t controversial if you use common sense

@bobbiec2829 2 года назад

Agree with all of these! Regarding #2 I know it happens way too often but I just don't get why a reptile owner wouldn't want to give their reptile(s) a huge enclosure...my brain honestly can't comprehend. My animals, furry and scaly, get the best life...heck they definitely eat better than me lol. I wouldn't have it any other way.

@WickensWickedReptiles 2 года назад

I totally agree!

@technoraptor7778 2 года назад

Heck yeah...the best of the best for my animals too..they are family

@Ryodraco 2 года назад

I think some people may get complacent and think that a snake that seemingly spends most of its time in one small hide doesn't have any use for a large space. What they may not realize is just how much many snakes move around when we're not watching. I have a baby spotted python in a 36 by 18 Exo Terra and while he spends all day in a tiny hide (poking his head out cutely to watch me sometimes), the way I see probe wires jostled most mornings shows he is actively cruising and climbing every available inch of space during the night.

@laurenscool1 2 года назад

because it's expensive and takes up space and time

@TheChillimouse 2 года назад

@@laurenscool1 maybe but most of it is time i am building bigger my corn snakes are in 90cm x 45cm so they are ok but i am building bigger and to be honoust i am building 5 new ones 130cm x 60cm and they are cheaper better and look better as a furniture piece and that is including the tablesaw and other tools i had to buy i never done anything like it before but just following a guy on RU-vid and if is not that complicated.

@Kitsune1989 2 года назад

Yep, I can definitely see why this video was necessary. When I took my chameleon to the vet for his first check-up (there wasn't anything wrong I just don't feel it's right to ask a vet to troubleshoot an animal they've never met and have nothing to compare to as far as normal behavior/appearance goes) the vet was so surprised that he was so healthy, no retained shed or eye caps, weight was on point, no nutrition/husbandry issues, all his little claws etc and that I had a record of everything he ate/didn't eat when offered, shed dates, when I cleaned the enclosure fully, what and when supplements were given, bulb changes and small behavior notes that they gave me a feeder voucher. Apparently they have seen so many badly kept animals with poor husbandry or critical mistakes that the vet paid out of pocket for feeder vouchers for people who took the time to properly research their animal and requirements, and then actually implemented them. Apparently over half the arboreal species he has seen this year have been in terrestrial enclosures. People aren't researching the lights/bulbs or heating requirements they need. He said the previous week he had a basilisk who wasn't given any water space and no protein yet the owner couldn't figure out why his lizard was having health and shedding issues or was stressed af!

@SRCReptiles 2 года назад

That is so sad, i could never be a vet cause i'd want to smack people, like adam said the internet exists and the info is out there they just dont care to look

@Kitsune1989 2 года назад

@@SRCReptiles I know, it takes a 30 second Google search to figure out things like lights and supplements and space requirements.... complete with brands, retailers in your area, pros vs cons, visual and audio examples complete with how to videos.... Yet people still fail to provide UVB and wonder why their reptile gets MBD. At that point it's just plain ass laziness. I could understand 30yrs ago where you would have to go to a library and hope they have what you're looking for and hope it's accurate. Where asking for help meant contact either reptile owners in your area physically or hoping that the vet/shopkeeper could provide good info. But it's not those days anymore. You post ANYTHING on the net now and within 5 minutes you'll have half a dozen people lined up to help.

@Paula-sw2tt Год назад

My late father had a ton of sayings. One of my favs "Experience is a dear teacher, but a fool will learn from no other." We need to be learning from keepers like you Adam.

@Joshs.exquisite.serpents 2 года назад

Completely agree with all points 👍 undersized enclosures are one of my biggest pet peeves personally, that and a lack of enrichment, I've seen enclosures that are dead small with only 1 hide+waterbowl and the person then complains that their snake just stays in the hide constantly and only comes out to drink or eat....😐 Also people buying reptiles without knowing the basic husbandry requirements and doing research grinds my gears hugely, some people came In to a reptile shop that I frequent the other day and were hugely displeased that the fish tank they bought and chucked some sand (literally that was it!!) in wouldn't be enough for 2 Herman's tortoises.... 😖 The reptile shop weren't having it thankfully and wouldn't allow them to buy one without proof of a suitable enclosure and UVB etc 👌 Sorry for waffling but I completely see why this video needs to exist. Thankyou so much for helping to improve the quality of life for so many reptiles, making people actually consider their husbandry and whether they're doing the best for their scaley pets 🙂 Keep the awesome content coming!

@WickensWickedReptiles 2 года назад

imagine thinking it's ok to keep tortoises in a small fish tank, wow. I'm glad that reptile shop stood their ground.

@Joshs.exquisite.serpents 2 года назад

@@WickensWickedReptiles I know, it's crazy 😢

@SwissStrawberry 2 года назад

you would be surprised how many people have no clue how the basic care for cats and dogs should look like. or a good diet for them. see to many people feeding their cats kibbles and be like " why did my cat die at the age of 6 because of kidney failure??" Cats and Dogs are so common pets but even with them people won't educate themselfes how to keep them properly. For Reptiles it's even worse i guess... this makes me really sad tho

@Joshs.exquisite.serpents 2 года назад

@@SwissStrawberry I know what you mean, cats, like snakes are obligate carnivores and there are cases of how some morons have tried to convert cats to vegan diets..... and ended up nearly killing them 😭 Some people....

@nogames8982 2 года назад

Not to mention you should never keep Herman's tortoises in pears. Or most tortoises in pairs as far as that goes.

@josephd4340 2 года назад

Definitely agree with your rant about space. Twenty years ago I used to keep my two crested geckos in a 100gallon tall and people would look at me like I was crazy. But it was a lot of fun watching them jump around and IMO they just seemed happy. Thanks for speaking up!

@WickensWickedReptiles 2 года назад

Totally agree!

@deathhimself1653 2 года назад

As long as its not *empty* space. If your enclosure is wide open and big, you will kill your animal from stress. Especially snakes. A snake wants a hole that's not too warm, not too hot, that it can move from cool to hot in if it wants, with some food every now and then. With the exception of tubs(in which they can't really see out of, so it doesn't feel as wide open to them) or snakes that burrow(in which case god damn it give them something to burrow in)

@deathhimself1653 2 года назад

In my opinion that's the most important part about enrichment. Let the snake feel comfortable in its space, have things to hide in and on and under. I happened to keep my old ball python in an 800 gallon (because I had one). I did not care for it well, it had a hot spot and a cool spot, but humidity was bad. Impossible to control in a tank that big reasonably.

@josephd4340 2 года назад

@@deathhimself1653 good points! I used a ton of silk vines and plants. Easy to clean and plenty of hiding places during the day. Let the animals do what they do in nature as much as you can. Of course the caveat is that you have to be more vigilant in checking on them. But if your not checking on them daily, then why do you have them? I totally agree.

@lexlovesvintage 2 года назад

I agree ball pythons definitely utilize the space! They will even utilize vertical space and branches. And you can avoid the whole "getting lost or scared in a big enclosure" but just providing lots of enrichment and decor so they can still feel secure.

@WickensWickedReptiles 2 года назад

100%

@lexlovesvintage 2 года назад

@@WickensWickedReptiles you sir are super cool and also funny :) I think thats why I gravitate towards your vids and others that have humor like clint and SD. Funny help me absorb and learn!

@jjhill001 2 года назад

The logic 20 years ago with Ball Pythons in a 20 gallon made sense for the time in a way. They were wild caught and likely weren't coming out hardly AT ALL. However with captive bred and thus more comfortable animals obviously are gonna use that space. Totally agree with the evolving care methods one!

@isaacmuth7097 2 года назад

I have the opinion that a 4ft corn snake should be kept in a minimum 4 ft by 18in lay out or proportionate equivalent. They’re active creatures who like to explore! They should have more than a 20 gallon!!!

@lilydrawsart5756 2 года назад

This!! My corn snake is in a 45 gallon. Any less would be borderline if not abusive. She is 5½ feet and loves to explore and its just unacceptable to put an animal in something too small. The bigger the better. For all animals.

@midnightbel 2 года назад

Atm mine has a 40g, but make sure there are tons of places to climb. Might upgrade to 75 when he is an adult.

@frejulundr6851 2 года назад

Thank you so much. I started keeping reptiles this year and did so much research to start from scratch, because growing up in the 90s and early 2000s there were so many short lived reptiles in my household, bought from Petco and kept with things like heat rocks, calcisand, red “night lights” etc. RIP and I’m so sorry to them. I love your videos and thank you for always advocating for our animals’ needs.

@JTheCat 2 года назад

Some of my friends keep telling me not to get a bigger enclosure for my ball python because they "get lost" if the enclosure is any bigger than a 20 gallon. He is in a 20 gallon for now because he's still young, but as he's been growing, I can tell that he needs a bigger space. I'm also planning to put in an automatic mister because his humidity has been low lately.

@WickensWickedReptiles 2 года назад

The old "They will get stressed in a big enclosure" silliness

@Little_Duck_Duck 2 года назад

Who cares what they say, in the wild snakes would have the whole world. Just provide pots of clutter with hides and plants and he'll be just fine. I'm not sure how old he is, but you could probably move him into his adult tank. I would go with something nice and spacious.

@JTheCat 2 года назад

@@Little_Duck_Duck Yeah ik I just haven't seen the right tank for sale anywhere nearby and I'd rather find it in person than order it. He's got lots of clutter and 2 hides but I'm going to give him a 3rd one soon (probably before the new enclosure) so he can feel safe in the middle, too, instead of just the warm and cool sides

@sickgit66 2 года назад

Can't believe this rubbish is still spouted about the Web. I think most comes from breeders with dozens of snakes in racking systems who don't want to admit the truth to themselves let alone others. Our 18 month old royal is in a 5x2x2, if he's not in the hollow log with his tail under the che he'll be in his ARBOREAL hide. He'll spend most of the night in the branches waiting for something furry to scuttle passed. These are active snakes given half a chance.

@NikkyTikkiTavi 2 года назад

@@WickensWickedReptiles It's worse with fish. Just today I saw a post where someone was claiming they thought their betta was stressed out in a 20g tank so they moved her to a 5. 🤦‍♀️ There's no such thing! My first betta has a 35g and my current betta shares a 72g with some tetras.

@creepygallery3303 2 года назад

I started keeping reptiles as a kid back in the 80's and I must admit I was guilty of all of these.

@WickensWickedReptiles 2 года назад

the 80's were like the dark ages of reptile keeping, not surprising

@wesleyson21 2 года назад

Yeah I took terrible care of the animals I kept as a kid which is why I strive to give them all their best life now as an adult.

@graphicvio1ence175 2 года назад

We're getting old. 😥😁

@creepygallery3303 2 года назад

@@WickensWickedReptiles Yeah it's why I like to spoil mine now, in honor of those I could have done better with before.

@creepygallery3303 2 года назад

@@wesleyson21 Same here.

@ericab6368 2 года назад

As someone who works at a major pet store, I try my best to coax and get people to buy the larger enclosures for the reptiles- And, while I know that some of even the larger sized ones we have in stock still aren't big enough for some species, I can at least feel a bit more relieved that they didn't choose the smallest available if I am able to get them to go bigger. You wouldn't believe how many people want to put Beardies in 10-20 gallon enclosures. . . Reptile carpet has been my biggest mistake so far, but I'm researching more on arid bioactive to give all my Leos better homes. I've been successful with my Crestie's bioactive for the past few months! So, here's to hoping that I can do the same for an arid setup!

@brettpeterson6800 2 года назад

I completely agree with your aggressive stance on snakes and reptiles in general having adequate, if not over sized enclosures. These captive animals still deserve some quality of life and loads of enrichment. I am an experienced snake keeper and I think captive reptiles still deserve as much space as possible to roam, climb and do what they enjoy doing in the wild . Good on you mate . I'm with you on that subject all the way !

@rickcroney1286 2 года назад

Great video! I love the rant for #2. This video is simple, evolve and do better. My goal is to do better, I think we're doing well but I'm sure there's room for improvement!

@WickensWickedReptiles 2 года назад

I hope the rant wasn’t too strong but for real, we must evolve and change with new evidence and new science.

@rickcroney1286 2 года назад

@@WickensWickedReptiles no it was just the right amount of rant! I agree with need to do better as a hobby!

@joshjh4407 2 года назад

Number 2 is so true here in the uk big reptile shops and breeders will not let you take on a reptile unless you show them pictures of the enclosure humidity and temperature like for a crested gecko even if you say you are gonna upgrade from a 10 gallon to a 20 gallon some shops will not let you to buy the animal In my opinion keep small amount of reptiles so that you can have bioactive naturalistic big enclosures than many reptiles with small enclosures unless you have a zoo in your house lol. great video Adam! Edit I've never seen a heat rock in the UK lol

@lucygreenfield6258 2 года назад

Completely agree (from the Uk too) , I have a reptile shop 5 minutes down the road from me and they were extremely helpful with advice, one guy even wrote down a list with overall cost of everything I’d need for my crested gecko when I get them, they even have some small monitors in a massive enclosure with lots of space to run around and climb

@johnschlesinger2009 2 года назад

Absolutely right on all counts. I was lucky that my introduction to reptiles many years ago was visiting London Zoo every week: they had really spacious well set up enclosures.

@axoticgeckos 2 года назад

I completely agree! We need to change things! A big thing for me is teaching people how to care for a leopard gecko correctly! Because they are always mistaken for "desert animals that live in sand" but in reality they are actually " desert animals that live on rock " and people mistake their care all the time! Im so glad you made this video!

@WickensWickedReptiles 2 года назад

well said!

@axoticgeckos 2 года назад

@@WickensWickedReptiles Thank you!

@nicolesreptilezoo7525 2 года назад

Definitely well said 👍

@axoticgeckos 2 года назад

@@nicolesreptilezoo7525 thank you!

@briannaharter4411 2 года назад

everyone thinks desert=sahara desert when that type of desert is only 20% of the entire worlds desert. most deserts are made of clay.

@tinkeramma 2 года назад

In the six months since we rescued our ball python, I've made most of these mistakes. I've also corrected them and continue to research and adjust.

@sickcat-nu4ci Год назад

Good on you! :] i think itd be really hard for many animal lovers to admit to even themselves let alone someone else that they have been guilty of mistreating their animals, but what truly matters is how you right your wrong, and i think you definitely did it right :) i hope your ball python is in great health and spirits! And you as well!

@caseysilva6919 2 года назад

I agree with this list 100%. Another big one is not changing the UVB bulbs regularly. I have reminders on my phone calendar a month in advance when the time is coming.

@WickensWickedReptiles 2 года назад

same! it's really so important and often overlooked!

@RedsReptiles02 2 года назад

can 100% relate with the supplementation bit, cant even list the amount of times iv seen people post their beardies that got BAD mbd, like backwards legs and a jaw so messed up they can barely eat, and just dont understand that they need uvb, but think something that should be obvious but see it in almost every situation with an exotic pet that is bad off is people almost always say they cant bring their pets to a vet because they dont have the money for a car or the vet visit, pets arnt a right, they are a privilege which lets you hold another being's life in your hands and care for them, anything that can and will happen is on you the care taker

@WickensWickedReptiles 2 года назад

It really is insane

@brittoni21 2 года назад

When I make any kind of mistake I sing to myself 'everybody makes mistakes, everybody has those days' 😂😂

@WickensWickedReptiles 2 года назад

hahhahaa

@nibbledrake14 2 года назад

ive been keeeping my beardy in a 40 for a while now. I've actually had 2 of them, both on repti carpet and in the 40. I'm upgradng this summer to a 120 (with loose substrate). Thank you for making this informative guides, you've helped me learn so much about these animals.

@KS-CompactMango 2 года назад

Loved this video! 100% agree! Especially with the enclosure size! Keep up the amazing work! Can’t wait to see you be the #1 RU-vidr!!!!

@WickensWickedReptiles 2 года назад

Thanks so much!!

@alicecain4851 2 года назад

Your passion is wonderful and hopefully it will help communicate how much you want these issues to stop! Thank you! Merry Christmas! ❄🐢❄🐍❄🦎❄

@teddyroberts308 10 месяцев назад

I have made some of these mistakes, and have since corrected them because of channels like yours. I got a leopard gecko from my fiance's coworker. He came to me in a 20 gallon long enclosure with reptile carpet. I now have him in a 40 gallon long, with an under tank heater, a heat lamp, and a thermometer/hydrometer that I check daily.

@burnttoast4352 2 года назад

I agreed with all of these and recently I was finally able to change my bearded dragons substrate from reptile carpet to much more natural substrate

@burnttoast4352 2 года назад

Some backstory: I’m a broke middle schooler without a job and my parents said I could only use the reptile carpet because everything else was “to expensive” BUT they decided to send me and my friends to repticon with 200$, so with all that money I decided to buy things to completely redesign my beardies enclosure, and do a bit of redecorating for my ball python

@WickensWickedReptiles 2 года назад

amazing!

@summern3064 2 года назад

So excited for this video! 😊 I’m always interested in the very best way to keep and feed my animals!

@WickensWickedReptiles 2 года назад

I hope you enjoy!

@noctahlia5282 2 года назад

Great video! The sad thing is that people tend to make these mistakes because of pet stores. They expect the store to give them accurate and up to date information, but they don't. I've read horrible care sheets from stores. I've even read bad care sheets from veterinarians. I guess the stores want to be able to keep making money from selling stuff like heat rocks, so they keep recommending that crap. And vets want your animals to get sick so they can make money from you having to go to the vet. Of course not everyone is like that, but it is so sad that some people are only motivated by money and they don't care if innocent animals suffer because of it. It really breaks my heart. I wish the stores and vets would watch this!

@stfinalwrath 2 года назад

I got my ball python when he was 3 months old and barely a foot long, and had him started with a 20 gallon long aquarium, and at about 7-8 months old when he'd grown a few inches I upgraded to a 55 gallon aquarium. And before too much longer I'll be upgrading it yet again to at least a 75 gallon. I use tape for dryers that resists temperatures up to 400 degrees to cover part of the screen lid so he doesn't lose humidity in his home too quickly but left open spaces for air flow as well, so while it does lose humidity over a few days, I also renew the coconut coir so it maintains proper humidity, have his aquarium with a heat gradient so it's warm enough on one side and cool enough on the opposite side. It's all about taking the steps necessary to ensure your scaly babies are properly cared for. And he's such a sweet boy. I love my ball python more than anything else on this planet, and I'm always trying to do things to improve his quality of life as best as I am able. I can't understand how people can put animals in enclosures that are obviously way too small for them. It's abuse, plain and simple. We have to do better and we have to encourage others to do better. Ripping at a person online will do nothing to help improve their animals well being. But having a civil and respectful conversation to teach them how to better care for their animals, that may very well reach them. We have to do our best.

@eric2max 2 года назад

I have made some lousy, stupid mistakes plus made decisions thought best that are known wrong now. With guys like Adam as a resource and inspiration, so much i information and media, plus all of us in the hobby remembering to use the curiosity and responsibility that got us into it, we all get better! Thanks, Adam.

@torquess454 2 года назад

Was getting so jelly of Diamond being out that I “yoinked” (gently) my adult male out from his brumation, put him on my chest/shoulder, threw a blanky over him and had a great lil snuggle, even though we’re not supposed to bother them, I can’t help it once in a while! I miss them!! I’m so selfish!!! I used repticarpet for a long time and never had issues, I just switched to a textured liner last summer, I just washed the carpets in our washer with a bit of bleach and rinsed them at least twice, but my babies don’t poop in their enclosures either. Great list Adam, bigger IS better, and moral of the story is DO YOUR RESEARCH AND DONT BE A LAZY KEEPER!

@testerwulf3357 2 года назад

As I always say "Just because it's the bare minimum doesn't make it ok"..you should ALWAYS want more than the bare minimum for your pets, bare minimum just sounds like "temporary till I can do better/scraping by for now till I can get more" and it's sad most don't see it as that but as an easy cheap cop out for them to do as little possible for their animal. We used to own burmese pythons, beautiful snakes, and the enclose we had for our last one (which was many years ago) was absolutely massive and hand made not to mention he got time out of it as we'd handle him a lot (he was a very sweet snake, I miss the big guy).

@dungeonsandcritters4812 2 года назад

Great video with a great message. Thank you Adam.

@WickensWickedReptiles 2 года назад

thanks for watching!

@spikedalizard3114 2 года назад

I’m very glad you made this video say someone who has a small inclosure or doesn’t feed his lizards calcium they could have watched this and then been inspired to get a new cage or feed his lizard calcium meaning you might save a few reptiles lives

@joyglocker8318 2 года назад

You are right. Like your compassion. Also: a backup in case you die/get hurt/need to go to hospital.....someone who knows how to take care shortterm

@blab1231 2 года назад

I have no ability to give my BTS a larger enclosure than 36x18x18 due to space considerations swhere I currently live. I only agreed to take it because the person really wanted to rehome it to me, knowing I would research and do what I could to give it a good life, and because their current setup was a 40gallon breeder tank with reptile carpet and one undersized hide. It makes my heart hurt, watching him wander up one side and down the other. I hoped that with a deep substrate layer he'd want to burrow but he seems only to want to explore past the confines of his enclosure. My solution is going to be to create a separate outside play area that I can populate with many different enrichment items to give him the ability to roam, and the instant I can move out and get more space Imma immediately upgrade. But I can say with personal experience that the guilt really weighs on me. The lad needs more space than this. Always get larger enclosures than the minimum sizes guides usually recommend.

@ColdbloodedCompassion 2 года назад

Great video! "guilt trip...do better" Love it! Thankfully I began keeping reptiles after years of research and in much more recent times. 100% agree with bigger is better. If people housed themselves like too many keep their reptiles the world would be full of tiny homes.

@QWERTYOP80 2 года назад

A needed video. My California Kingsnake is in a 4x2x2 with LOTS of enrichment, and he uses every single bit of it. I personally wouldn’t go any smaller for an adult Cali King. Twenty years is a long time to spend in a box. It’s right to give them as much as you can to both occupy them & make them feel safe. I can’t grasp why anyone wouldn’t want to do as much as they possibly can for their animals.

@DizzyRobin 2 года назад

Agreed with all these points! I would just add one more- not providing any enrichment. At this point (especially with all the research being done regarding reptile intelligence and how their brains develop now), I do think not providing any enrichment is detrimental to a reptile’s development and wellbeing, and when you can add cheap stuff like cardboard tubes or egg cartons? No excuse for it.

@WickensWickedReptiles 2 года назад

totally agree!

@redleg1376 2 года назад

The early 90's were crazy as far as reptile care. It was not uncommon to see Green Iguanas, Chinese Water Dragons, and Savanah Monitors in store cheap, and advertised as easy pets. Cute little baby water dragons in a less than 10 gallon aquarium with no water feature, a bunch of tiny baby Green Iguanas in a tank together, etc.

@WickensWickedReptiles 2 года назад

It sure was

@joeverall2791 2 года назад

Merry Christmas Adam! (Your videos help me out A Lot!)

@Phase_Line_Alpha 2 года назад

Love your content Adam! Keep it up👏🏽🐍

@WickensWickedReptiles 2 года назад

thanks so much!

@magalinoli7020 2 года назад

Love this video!! And it's really funny because in Switzerland if you want to adopt a ball python from a rescue place, whatever its age you are required to have a 125x95x65cm enclosure (which is 4x2x3 feet?) and provide a picture of the final enclosure before buying the snake. It's really huge compared to most US care guides I've seen but at least they make sure the animal is happy and well taken care of!

@WickensWickedReptiles 2 года назад

that's wild!

@thinkbiology9064 2 года назад

Love the video mate ☺️ great info 🙂 👍

@WickensWickedReptiles 2 года назад

Thanks for the visit

@jessebohmer8979 2 года назад

You are 100% right! And i made these mistakes with my first beardie (he's still here with us) and I'm working on it. He is my first reptile so i need to learn a lot and stuff but you amd Snake Discovery taught me a lot. Thank you

@harryjones6933 2 года назад

This was very good , especially the timing . For those who are getting animals for Christmas and have no idea what they’re doing 🤦🏾

@WickensWickedReptiles 2 года назад

ahhhhh brutal but yes

@luwildy 2 года назад

I really wanted a bearded dragon but I watched a bunch of yours snake discovery and clints reptiles videos before I made a decision and just seeing a bearded dragon in a 40gal looks wrong!!! It's SO SMALL!!! After tons of research I got a leopard gecko instead because I could give it what it needs to thrive not just live. I love that you talk about the enclosure sizes it's so important

@JupiterJamie 2 года назад

I have a friend whose 13 year old daughter has a bearded dragon. She has had it for almost 5 years now and it still lives in a 40 gallon tank. I told her that it wasn't really suitable for him anymore and her excuse was that he never moves around much so why bother wasting money to get something bigger. I keep sending her links to Adam's videos hoping one of these days she will watch one.

@megaconda07 2 года назад

The fun thing about ball python studies. Atleast the field studies i had access to five years ago. Is the primary studies quoted to say they don't move and live in termite mounds and burrows were taken in agricultural areas and during the dry season using the same methods that were used for mass collection for the pet trade. The dry season would also be the reason why they go on hunger strikes for months at a time as well. The few ones that went during the wet season found they were significantly more active and that males were even found to spend a significant time in bushes and the understory of the jungle with birds making up a significant portion of their diet.

@Bekz715 2 года назад

My husband had asked me if I was going to add an iguana to my collection. I said no bc I don't have the space to house one. He pointed at my guinea pig's enclosure and said that was all the space it would need. It takes the space of 4x2x3 in total. I tried to explain that that wasn't enough space for one. Just bc that was normal when he was younger and had one, doesn't mean it's correct. Granted I love iguanas, but I don't have the space for an enclosure that is big enough.

@jamielovesjohn 2 года назад

My husband told me I should get an iguana too. They were such an staple in the hobby 20 years ago. It makes me sad thinking about all those babies that got sold for cheap only to live short lives due to improper husbandry. On another note, my brother is an assistant principal in Miami, Florida and recently had to remove a giant, feral iguana from the playground at his school. That's a whole other can of worms😳

@Bekz715 2 года назад

@@jamielovesjohn it definitely is sad how they were treated. They deserve so much better. Thankfully most of us are learning from past mistakes. And that is just crazy about your brother. Hopefully everything turned out ok.

@Blueberrybomb1234 Год назад

There’s not tons of information about them, but are kept and do thrive, Desert iguanas! These animals can be kept in a 120 gallon. Their a little smaller than a bearded dragon, and do better in social groups.

@MightyRude 2 года назад

I agree on almost all points The only two things I don’t fully agree on is sticking something in your enclosure (like with double sided tape that will stick to the animal when it comes loose) and using a hygrometer (they are really unreliable and the ones that aren’t bad only work correctly when placed in moving air, they are also often checked too much what leads to the humidity not stabilizing)

@MasoniLenny 2 года назад

I agree with all of your points, and I didnt even know that so many people make mistakes with keeping the right temp and humidity, I thought that is normal sense and the first thing to look up when you get a reptile, like I controle the temp and humidity of my snake multipil times a day just to make extra sure everythings alright.

@MoinSpongii 2 года назад

I actually feel really bad putting my year old Ball Python into a 80 cm x 40 cm x 50 cm plastic tub for the winter while I work on her new enclosure. She lived in a 100 cm x 50 cm x 50 cm glass enclosure where I couldn't keep the humidity up. So I decided to give her less space but the right parameters. Once her new 2 m x 60 cm x 60 cm pvc enclosure is ready, she is gonna live like the queen she deserves to be!

@MrFreakplayer 2 года назад

Thank you, Adam for pointing these mistakes out! We need more reptiles keeper like you. I prefer to give bigger enclosures, too! In my opinion the behavior of the animals changes because of that. In a positive way! Merry Christmas 🎄

@WickensWickedReptiles 2 года назад

Merry Christmas

@LoneLupine 2 года назад

LOL the Hannah Montana reference!! I'm picking up my first ever reptile tonight (ball python) and this video showed up, good timing. I'm nervous

@WickensWickedReptiles 2 года назад

That's awesome! Don't be nervous! You'll love your new friend!

@LoneLupine 2 года назад

@@WickensWickedReptiles Thank you! I'm not nervous of the snake, but having a living things life in my hands is always a bit intimidating. But I'm as ready as I'll ever be. Your videos are super helpfil thank you

@wesleyson21 2 года назад

I agree with the supplementation thing as I have a co-worker who has a beardie who has MBD. I talked to him about it and he agreed to let me and my fiancé take him in to rehab him. He has a long road to recovery but I'm confident he will get better. I also agree about enclosure size. We're talking about animals whose ancestors had infinite room to roam and we can definitely do better than the minimum. I just moved my 2 year old bullsnake into a 6x2.5x2ft enclosure with matching bookcase stand from Toad Ranch Reptiles. She started as a hatchling in a 75 gallon aquarium and quickly outgrew it. I strive to give my animals their best life and always do better than the minimum.

@CandiceLemonSharks 2 года назад

I just sent a possible new snake person to your channel specifically because of your stance on enclosures (bigger is better). Also: it's so much cheaper to upgrade reptile furniture than it is reptile enclosures. That neonate is not going to be scared or overwhelmed of she lives in a hidetopia reptile mansion. She's going to be out cruising around *all the time* because there's *always a safe place to hide nearby.* Edit: and merry Christmas if you celebrate! Happy new year if you don't!

@emmy9732 2 года назад

Just wanted to say thanks for all the things you've taught me about reptiles/ amphibians! I've learned so much, and I'm a better keeper for it. Definitely one of my favorite channels here on RU-vid!

@nicolesreptilezoo7525 2 года назад

100%

@apss5736 2 года назад

Agreed. One of the first reptile channels I ever watched

@Coffeecaramelsundae 2 года назад

Great info! I hope you followed this advice with your dog too - no need to feed kibble only, feed “breed specific” food, feed multiple times a day, use bark collars, anything except positive reinforcement training. So much advancement in animal behavior and nutrition science that breaks away from what pet stores and big companies want us to believe to push sales.

@LeandriJ 2 года назад

When I see your video notifications I just have to watch. Love your videos. Thanks

@jessicamire7734 2 года назад

I have motivated my boyfriend into working on upgrading his enclosures for his reptiles. He can do it, his bio active frog enclosure is amazing, it’s his motivation. I’ve shown him bigger enclosures are better and he is even downsizing some of his collection he doesn’t have time for. I’m very proud of him.

@zanzakrumroo 2 года назад

This is so important! There’s a huge difference between surviving and thriving. If you can’t afford a thriving set up for any pet.. you can’t afford the pet at all.

@kevinthegrizzly5074 2 года назад

First, Merry 🎄Christmas to you and your family Adam. This video is a prime example as to why you are the G.O.A.T of Canada my friend. Believe it or not some big box pet stores down here still sell heat rocks and keep some of their reptiles on reptile carpet. Take care.🇺🇸🇨🇦

@WickensWickedReptiles 2 года назад

Happy holidays!

@sarahvasquez3919 2 года назад

The best way to love animals and show that you love them, is not get them if you don’t have the space and time to give them more then the bare minimum. That should be our goal 💯 Show love through action! ☺️ Everyone can improve their care and I admire people who see their mistakes and say “Im going to fix that” ❤️

@williamfowler8686 2 года назад

It is sad how many people make these kinds of mistakes because of what big pet stores market to them. My leopard gecko is the first and only reptile I've owned. I bought him as an adult from someone who didn't supplement, didn't keep his enclosure warm enough, used reptile carpet for substrate and had just switched him from a 10 to 20 gallon enclosure even though he was an adult. He has MBD and alot of shedding issues but he is much more active and healthy now that he is 8n a better situation.

@cooperstevens7219 2 года назад

I absolutely agree with numbers one and two. If you want a small enclosure, get a small animal. Even then, small animals sometimes need huge enclosures. And with pentameter, they may say they have thermometers, but it matters what kind they have. If they have a crappy probe-less thermometer/hydrometer that they got in their bearded dragon or chameleon kit, it’s not accurately tracking perimeters.

@kwanseden5130 2 года назад

When I first found your channel, I noticed how often you mentioned snakes needing more space than most think. And I definitely agree with you on that! Bigger enclosures are more enjoyable anyways!

@mutephoxart 2 года назад

I have a Eastern Garter snake and the person who gave her to me basically told me not to concern myself with the tempature and humidity because of their wide range and distribution they can handle anything. While they are widely distributed in many different habitats I still check my stuff to ensure a good heat gradient and appropriate humidity. Making bioactive to help with that. Friend thought it was weird I gave her a large water tub to swim in. That snake freaking LOVES the water. She loves fishing for worms in there as well lol.

@roxbuchanan6357 2 года назад

So a basic summation of this list is basically what you said during the enclosure size segment - "Do better." Oh, and have a happy winter holiday of your choice!

@WickensWickedReptiles 2 года назад

Happy holidays!

@andrewrice3362 2 года назад

Another great video I am learning so much before construction of my reptile room

@cassielarson5557 Год назад

I love your content! You are so educational and positive!

@MrNiC0S 2 года назад

The internet is a blessing for reptile keeping and pretty much everything else.

@WickensWickedReptiles 2 года назад

100%

@rachelkunz611 2 года назад

Agreed. I've made a bunch of mistakes keeping reptiles. But we all learn along the way. Definitely watching WWR has helped a ton 😉 Updated care guides helps everyone brush up on their facts!

@riccardopallotta7664 2 года назад

Hi Adam, I'd like to spend a couple words about the enclosure size issue. I'm writing from Europe and I have to say, while many of us european herps envy US and Canada for a plethora of reasons (crazy species availability, live animals shipping -which is actually a controversial topic IMO but let's skip that- and so on) we're basically horrified by the common new world enclosures sizes, which is made way worse because of the very fact that it's common practice for you guys to talk about it using volume, when you should use lenght-width-height since terrestrial and arboreal species need a different distribution of space, and a 60 gallons tank can be either vertical or horizontal. All of this was actually an intro just to tell you that I've really appreciated not only that you spoke about the importance of giving space to reptiles, but also that you spoke about the actual dimensions of an enclosure (even if you used the imperial system, which I can forgive hahaha) Keep on the good work, you could be the first new world herp channel i subscribe to

@beverlyjensen443 2 года назад

I keep forgetting to tell you I just learned your last name is Wickens! And here I started watching 'cuz I thought you were Pegan! ROFL Have a Wonderful Holiday Season, Adam. And keep up the good work!

@WickensWickedReptiles 2 года назад

hahahhaha, happy holidays

@timappleseed4298 2 года назад

I’m upgrading my blue tongue skink to a roof 75 gal instead 40 gal open door. Will add vitamin spray, calcium d3 on his farmer mix dog food! THANKS

@nyx4506 2 года назад

Definitely saving this as I plan to keep reptiles in the future. Thank you, sir!

@Stu161 2 года назад

Super agree about enclosure size; I'm always striving to improve our set-up and make their little world cooler for them.

@WickensWickedReptiles 2 года назад

Great to hear

@drhexagonapus 2 года назад

I think for people that keep these animals you can never get complacent and think you know everything, there is always something to improve and we should always be striving to give the animal the best life possible. I for one am never satisfied with my enclosure and I'm constantly tweaking things and trying to improve it.

@blackonyx9842 2 года назад

I had a 10 gallon when I first adopted my kingsnake, but when he started outgrowing that I moved him into a 100 gallon tank with full-spectrum LED and low UVB. He doesn’t use the UVB, instead coming out when his lights go off (someone didn’t get the memo that kingsnakes are diurnal), but he uses the entire space, digs, climbs, and patrols the enclosure when he’s hungry or bored. Even then, he’ll hang out by the door and beg to come outside if he’s not digesting food. He’s not even three feet long yet and I couldn’t imagine keeping him in anything smaller.

@dirtywhitellama 2 года назад

Diamond: "cmon bro chill out I'm trying to hold on here" 😂 your lizard whose species I couldn't quite catch - jewel something? - at about 7 minutes in is the most adorable lizard I have seen in ages 😍

@jasminahaverinen5759 2 года назад

People NEED to do as much research as possible when getting ANY pet 👏🏻 any living creature no matter if its a dog, reptile, horse or a bird! People do usually the bare minimum but when you are literally having a creature that in under your mercy you can't be lazy when desiding to get one for your pleasure. I never stop learning even though I have kepts exotic animals and horses for over 20 years. I still learn from people much younger and less years of experience 👁👄👁

@WickensWickedReptiles 2 года назад

research is key!

@Stephsgeckos 2 года назад

I agree with everything you said. I feel like the people that aren't open minded about this stuff should be and anyone with any type of animal should want to try to do better for thier animals. I just upgraded my bearded dragon to a 120 Zen habitat enclosure and my leopard gecko to a 40 breeder and they both are way more active. Well my bearded dragon was till he got sick but have a vet appointment setup for him soon I believe he has a respiratory infection. Also something I see what a lot of people aren't willing to do for thier reptiles is taking them to the vet.

@lisamo1013 2 года назад

As a European (thanks for the shout out lol) I definitely agree on enclosure size. I had watched videos on how ball pythons should be keot in bigger enclosures as long as there are hiding spaces for them and then was shocked to realize that even those enclosure sizes are smaller than what is the official minimum required here.

@nicolasannawn5715 2 года назад

A lot of people are like "d3 in vitamins in dangereous!!!" Well Ray, the oldest BTS breeder in the US, (25+ years) told me a few years ago, he never saw any oversupplementing effects in captivity. However, about my friends and my personal experience as a breeder and former pet store seller, I can tell how many people under did it. So many MBD, or in case of torts, lack of Vit A

@WickensWickedReptiles 2 года назад

exactly !

@JupiterJamie 2 года назад

Once again you have excellent advice for all animal lovers and owners. Don't worry about coming off as aggressive... you're passionate about helping to ensure that animals being kept in captivity are being given the life they deserve!

@alyssastickels1324 2 года назад

I am currently in a situation in which I am unable to keep a reptile. I don’t have the space, the money to purchase equipment, or an overall proper environment. (The house already has two dogs, three cats, and four people). Between that and wanting to create a full care sheet for myself with enough information that if I died tomorrow, anyone could read it and understand how I care for my animal. (I’m also creating sheets to track feedings, cleanings, sheds, temperature checks, and anything else I can think of). I have the time and resources to be sure I do it right, so I’m going to use them.

@Midwest_Lizard_Mom 2 года назад

My first bearded dragon (years ago) was in a 55 gallon enclosure at 1 year old. I ended up having to rehome her. I now have a 5 month old Beardy. Who's in the 55 gallon (alone), and i have 120 gallon ordered, just waiting for it to be shipped! I would like to add that I see people upset when told they're doing things wrong, but it's so true that things are changing and we should want to give our reptile friends the best life. If you can't or won't give your pet it's best life, then there shouldn't be shame in rehoming. I had to do that with my first beardy. I still miss her, even though it's been years, but I did it for her. Lastly, don't know why companies keep making deadly products like heat rocks or calci-sand. Wish there was a way to stop these from being made.

@shamik_sathe 2 года назад

I have one thing to say.... " i agree and merry Christmas "

@sheylonnaware3005 2 года назад

My dad made a lot of mistakes with the very large female ball python we had but she was in a 120 gallon tank. I feel bad for the mistakes that were made and I wish he still had her

@HooversHerpetology 2 года назад

We just schemed up an 8x8x4 for our BRB we rescued. We really wanna do 8x4x4 for all our Ball pythons but the sheer room isn’t feasible yet. But the BRB, our B&W Jabba and our rescue Bella the Colombian Gold are all getting stupid big enclosures. Makes cleaning easier actually. Always go bioactive when possible. Also going bigger keeps your animal count down. Which 2 fold raises their quality of life.

@ruthlesslistener 2 года назад

Genuinely don't get people who think that the 'ball pythons live in termite mounds in the wild' argument justifies being kept in tiny little boxes. Like, have you seen how big african termite mounds get?? They're huge, way WAY bigger than that tiny little box they're in. And even if they do prefer termite mounds (which, last I checked it was a myth), then they'll still have to leave them to get water. Its no excuse

@CrimFerret 2 года назад

All good points. When I had my gopher snake 40 years ago, I did the best I could with what information I could find. He lived a reasonably long life, but probably would have lived several years longer if the information we have now had been available then. I was lucky in that they were native to the area I was in so doing what I could to match the conditions they'd have outside wasn't the worst I could have done.

@reptilequeen4720 2 года назад

It's nice to see we are still learning to keep reptiles with new stuff everyday to give our reptile friends the best life possible 😩💜

@TheDandiBean 2 года назад

I was an uneducated and unguided kid, but I oversupplemented my Xenochrophis vittata/striped keelback and he ended up passing away from constipation. Found out later that I could've treated the constipation and he could be still around, but now I know better...

@Trapper1836 2 года назад

I agree with all of them especially number 3 because right now I’m actually building my own enclosure with my I’m 13 by the way because my enclosure is big enough for my ball python right now but once he becomes full grown he will not fit in it so we’re going to build him a bigger one so he can grow into it and it won’t be too much bigger but he’ll have more room to roam and be closer to his natural environment like you said

@MireVale 2 года назад

I kept a male ball python in a 40 gallon, and took him out regularly for exercise and enrichment. He liked to crawl up and down my carpeted stairs. I had problems with keeping humidity high enough in a larger tank since I lived in a state with low humidity, especially in winter. 🥺

@heartlandreptiles 2 года назад

You’re spot on with keeping an adult female BP in a 40 gal or anything like that. Some don’t know the difference between “can” and “should”! You CAN keep animals in some smaller enclosures, but it doesn’t mean you SHOULD!