LESS IS MORE! - Running A Smaller Reptile Collection

Join my crazy brain as I talk about some pros to having less animals.
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[@gryllidaeperkcal1369]

Absolutely agree that smaller collections allow for a better experience.

[@BeachesScalyBeasts]

All trial by error but glad to be in that realm now.

[@paulsmonitors]

You know how my ADHD video struck a cord, well, you got me back 😂😂

[@BeachesScalyBeasts]

Haha 😂 glad to have tickled ya noggin!

[@daffysreptiles]

Im going through a bit of the same thing right now and feeling the same way! You're absolutely right less time to clean more time to watch behaviours and enjoy the reptiles is way more enjoyable than spending all your time cleaning!! Also Ninja gilleni hahah! awesome video bro, this needs to be talked about more!!

[@BeachesScalyBeasts]

It’s honestly the best thing I’ve done man!

[@lastblood8550]

How do ppl afford to have these problems

[@ReptiChat]

You have articulated exactly how I'm feeling! I've recently sold up 40+ royals. I'm now going to be keeping 3 Gillens, 3 Ackies and a handful of frogs. I'm so excited to start this new journey and the more concentrated collection means I can spend more time with each animal. Great video dude, looking forward to the herping the Fryzies!

[@BeachesScalyBeasts]

Enjoy it mate! I know you will! It makes a difference for sure.

[@tracietownsend7880]

I love watching my little tree skinks they are very comical

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

This is a big trend, keeping fewer individuals and providing better care, across the globe, in English speaking countries anyway. I can't speak for the world at large though. It's a great development, imo. I believe it will increase the success of captive breeding projects significantly, which is something desperately needed in this day and age. Big ups, dude. Tbh, I've been pleasantly surprised to see just how many people are doing this, and putting the wellbeing of the animals first. I expected people to be more anthropocentric and selfish.

[@BeachesScalyBeasts]

Thanks mate. Yeah it’s a great trend and it’s awesome to see more people heading this way.

[@scandinavian_goannas]

Been there as well mate, and as you said, no shame in downsizing. Really good video, and an important thing to get out in the light, much respect 🤟

[@BeachesScalyBeasts]

I feel like to many hide their shame. We need to embrace our honesty and truth to ourselves and the community. Cheers 🤙🏼

[@aussie_arboreals]

This resonates with me. Been through it also. Big difference for me is buying single animals, rather than pairs. Starting to see animals for more than just breeding potential really helped. Now I keep a single one of these, one of those, etc. I keep only pairs of animals that I want to breed and I've got no plans on more than a couple of clutches per year. Knowing your individual limit is important. I've been keeping for 25 years and lost the passion for a while there because it was to much work. Another great video mate!

[@BeachesScalyBeasts]

I’m hearing you! I think the enjoyment of reptiles can be hard to see when the breed blinders are on. Hence my pet lizards and snakes. The ‘singles’ if you will.

[@rickcroney1286]

Great video! Very honest and heartfelt 🐍🦎💚

[@BeachesScalyBeasts]

Thanks Rick! Trying to keep it real 🤙🏼

[@SarahS-gb2wu]

That’s so accurate! I had about 40 snakes at a time. Now I have ten and all of them in the same genus, just different subspecies. So I can concentrate on this species and all its subspecies in particular. It is so different yet so special and relaxing. ❤

[@BeachesScalyBeasts]

It can become overwhelming when you’re stretched too thin right? Glad you’re enjoying them now.

[@LFB_Wildlife]

I agree less is more. I know it’s not for everyone but for me personally I’ve got 30 reptiles and that’s enough for me. I’m fortunate to sit in my room and watch my animals when I’m home and observe what they do. The snakes don’t do much I won’t lie but when they shed or move around I take note what they do and always come up with ideas to make the enclosures better. The lizards, there’s always someone who’s being a funny bugger and being entertained by them. I’ve played around with enclosure sizes with most of my reptiles and have found what works best for the individuals. Still looking around for the lighting and heating aspect to figure out what’s best as technology is always evolving. At the moment I’m looking at most of these enclosures brain storming on getting better backings, keep an eye out for new furniture, as well want to have some what natural substrates in these enclosures of mine. I see your set ups and go “Hopefully one day I can something similar to that but with my twist on it.”

[@BeachesScalyBeasts]

Never stop improving mate. You’re doing well! I’ve got a million plans in my head as I’m sure you do to.

[@LFB_Wildlife]

@@BeachesScalyBeasts I’ll continue to try my best. Yeah I’ve got a few ideas floating around at the moment.

[@sSuper-sSnakes]

Love it Luke. Sharing your experience has really accelerated our participation in the hobby so thanks - heaps!

[@BeachesScalyBeasts]

My pleasure!

[@ReptilesandResearch]

We were just casually watching reptile videos and then we stumble across this and saw you mention us lol Totally love your attitude and message mate! In my opinion you are not to blame, those to blame are the brands with false marketing, they should be working on correcting the damage they have caused with the heat projectors.

[@BeachesScalyBeasts]

Haha there you go! I got a lot from that interview and thank you for making that video. It’s certainly taught me not to buy into the new fancy things in the hobby and trust that they have done adequate testing themselves.

[@ReptilesandResearch]

@@BeachesScalyBeasts we are gonna make so many more man. I’m buying all the new stuff to test and review

[@pamhouweling7141]

Thank you for this video. I think k it will open some more eyes and brains.😊

[@BeachesScalyBeasts]

You’re most welcome. Hopefully it at least opens up the conversations

[@thegeckoeffect3312]

Nailed it mate!!

[@BeachesScalyBeasts]

Thanks dude!

[@volvandthepocketkaiju]

Other than invertebrates and nano fishtanks I only have three geckos, a frog and two guinea pigs and people already are shocked how many pets I keep. 🙈 I definitely want to get some small diurnal lizards (Heath Mountain Dragons?) but I'm afraid not to get into the hoarding mode and videos like that are a good advice and warning. Thank you! 😊 I feel like it helps to change the thinking, from expanding the "collection" to expanding the enclosures of the current animals I have. I enjoy building bigger enclosures and my guys get a better place to be and hopefully interact a bit more with me when they're happier. 😊

[@BeachesScalyBeasts]

100% agree. Bigger and better and learning more about what we keep to better their care.

[@HKH_Oficial]

Those monitors are crazy I knew they were acrobatic but not to that degree

[@BeachesScalyBeasts]

Crazy critters 😛

[@fryziesreptiles575]

Best video yet, until the next ones 😉 love the honesty bro so true 👏

[@BeachesScalyBeasts]

Thanks legend!

[@joshuacresswell7673]

This was a great video and probably the best move you made for yourself and your animals. I think its really inspiring to hear that from you and to see how much it has benefitted your little goannas. BUT DONT GET RID OF THE ROUGHIES

[@BeachesScalyBeasts]

I agree. It honestly was a great move. They are still here for now but there’s a strong chance a friend in the same suburb is taking them. They are great snakes but my son needs more space.

[@TVelodrome]

Good for you G! Have not even been keeping a year and I'm downsizing 😅 It is a bit like Pokémon we just forget the team is on 5 and we got no misty oak or Brock 😂

[@The_Slavstralian]

I would not be surprised if you have more Gilleni than anyone else in Australia. Side note. I did something similar a few years ago with my snakes. Had so many Carpets, moved some on and got me some Gilleni and a few other lizards. I think we are at 10 adult snakes, 4 babies ( not including hatchlings ) and 7 Monitors ( 5 of which are Gilleni ). I think we are at a good place. Though I could move on a few if I really wanted to.

[@BeachesScalyBeasts]

I’m sure there are others with more but that doesn’t matter to me. I just want to enjoy them for what they are. I will have loads hatching in a couple months though. It’s nice to be in a place of enjoyment though as I gather you are too.

[@bipolarchemist]

I am absolutely with you on the smaller collections. It can be hard as there are so many great species out there, but for the sake of my own sanity I have learned that focusing on 3-4 species is a lot better than trying to manage a wide number of species with wildly different care needs. You have to do what is best for you and yours, always. I love that there are people out there willing to devout so much time and attention to raising larger collections but for me, it just isn't a good fit.

[@BeachesScalyBeasts]

That’s it exactly. No point stressing yourself to the point of hating it. It’s about having fun and enjoyment.

[@deanwyres1837]

Great video

[@BeachesScalyBeasts]

Thanks Dean!

[@joshmaroney9913]

This is a reality check. Thank you for putting your experience out in the world. Are you able to post the link to the bearded dragon podcast?

[@BeachesScalyBeasts]

Very sorry! I thought I had added it in the description. Have done so now but here’s the link so it’s quicker for you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZPcZ5dpjt2Mj7ssi=88ItkznGCZEU97oW

[@joelmacintyre613]

It seems to me that the reptile hobby is in many ways novelty seeking. I think because reptiles are to look at them fascinating and even awe inspiring. but behaviorally they are somewhat limited. When the novelty is gone and you have a 100 animals what do you do? Reptiles can live decades, and how long does the fascination last? In fairness, other pets suffer from novelty seeking, including dogs. I have to admit I watch collection videos to live vicariously. I often joke when i make my billions Ill hoard and pay people to do the boring tasks. But the lesson here, for all of us, is to have less and focus more!

[@BeachesScalyBeasts]

Amen!

[@pamhouweling7141]

I am in Canada and we are allowed to many reptiles. Which has led to too many animals dead and neglected. I personally have 7 geckos. All with up to date care. My joy is handling training and watching their behaviors. But on line it is so sad at times. And constantly trying to redirect hoarding into caring and proper care without sounding mean about it. Especially when you get in trouble for directing young people to proper care sites.😢

[@BeachesScalyBeasts]

There’s plenty of misinformation all over the internet. At least deep down you know you’re doing the right thing by your animals and trying o educate the next Gen.

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

Criminally undersubbed channel. Maybe the US herp lovers don't know about you? Idk. Love your content.

[@BeachesScalyBeasts]

Honestly most of my viewers are US based with only 25-30% from Aus. It’s crazy where people watch my channel from.

[@BeachesScalyBeasts]

And thank you 😊

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

I remember you mentioning that you had removed deep heat projectors in a recent video and I wondered why. Good to get the info on that. I'm surprised though, because these are touted as the state of the art most beneficial heating method. I'm not skeptical of this new information though, and your anecdotal experience. They haven't been around long enough to be as trusted as they are, imo. And idk, maybe they _are_ an especially great option for certain species, though I now have my doubts. Animals at Home is an amazing podcast. I'll have to check out that episode.

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

Maybe they're good with temporate or tropical species.

[@jynxiirregularis]

Completely agree Luke. I started out buying pretty much any reptile that came up for sale on Facebook. I’ve since matured in my keeping and I’m happy with my 14 remaining animals. Not a single animal in tubs either (controversial topic I know 😂) .. Have you still got Loki? Haven’t seen her for a while.. Bonus question: where do you get your heat globes from? I used to get the Philips brand of reflector globes from Bunnings but they seem to have been discontinued and seeking a replacement type. Cheers mate

[@BeachesScalyBeasts]

We all go through it mate. It can be tough to move things on but sometimes life forces your hand. That was my circumstance with Loki and all my larger reptiles. I moved tonnes of critters on including Loki due to the birth of my son. Apparently he needs a bedroom. Not going to lie, he’s still got a few pets in his room 😂 Apparently Bunnings has new spotlight globes back under the osram brand. That being said I haven’t found the incandescent version, only the halogen version.

[@Bosco3333]

Are there any tree monitors in Australia and if so have you ever thought about getting in to them?

[@BeachesScalyBeasts]

We have green trees here but my state doesn’t allow me to keep them unfortunately. To be honest I’m not sure if I would keep them. I prefer the arid tree dwelling odatria like gilleni.

[@rachelleighner8857]

I am navigating this now, and am having difficulty finding new homes that are adequate/good husbandry. If a snake has to be either in an adequate sized setup vs a tub in a rack, I'd rather they stay with me - and then the cycle goes around and around. How have you found new homes for yours?

[@BeachesScalyBeasts]

It’s not easy but I’ve been going through the same process. I was lucky that a lot of the geckos I moved on recently went to friends that I know are god keepers. The others that I didn’t know I asked questions to make sure they know what the are doing and how to keep them correctly.