Sunbeam Snake, The Best Pet Snake?

[@ClintsReptiles]

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[@generaljimmies3429]

I've got a box of diiiiirt I've got a box of diiiiirt I've got a box of diiiiirt And guess what's inside it kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYPGm2l5ds2YbdU

[@gecko-guy362]

We want Viper boas we want Viper boas we want Viper boas

[@jamaicafoote3126]

It's not iridescent, that's a shift within the same color spectrum or a shift for example from pink to gold...that's a holographic snake! The full rainbow spectrum reflects back when light hits it!!! Much color

[@jameschristiansson3137]

I can take care of an empty box of dirt no problem.

[@danielskrivan6921]

It's harder than it looks. Ask Jack Sparrow.

[@Dodl1]

​@@danielskrivan6921 😂😂😂

[@roxannaonuwa187]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Annathesurfer]

@@danielskrivan6921 but Jack had a jaaaar of dirt, totally different care instructions

[@reidthepeep]

Now I'm tempted to stick a big box of dirt with a water bowl in my living room, and tell people there's a snake in there. When they ask to see it, I can dig around in it, make an "Oh crap" face, and encourage them to leave. But only after checking their shoes. Given how afraid my in-laws are of snakes, I'm finding this plan increasingly attractive!

[@RoninUK-e3u]

I have kept many Sunbeam snakes over the last 40 years (most wild caught and a couple of CB.) They thrive on benign neglect once you have rehydrated them and had the parasite problems treated. The right substrate and temp/humidity plus water always available - then leave them alone apart from feeding and the odd health check. I find that (like Calabar Pythons) pressure from above is a security feature they really like so large flat and heavy pieces of cork bark to burrow under will get more use than arches or rounds. I think that is also why they can also often be found under their water dishes, I guess it makes sense when most predators are going to come from above. Once settled they are voracious feeders erupting from underground to seize prey from tongs and will even grab food items in the middle and swallow them sideways - bending them into a U shape as they gulp them down. Though there is no sign of them "unhinging" their jaws they swallow prey incredibly quickly (faster than a Western Hognose will). It is fascinating to see. A couple of odd points about them in my experience - they will develop a white spot condition with little pimples erupting between their scales if the substrate is too dry (garter and other snakes show this if kept too wet) and the musk smells of wild garlic and is not too bad compared with most snakes. Some specimens will "buzz" with their heads and tail if stressed during handling. This is not an external vibration or rattle - like many colubrid snakes - but seems to be produced internally and feels like a weak version of the hand buzzer. I believe their skulls have various chambers which might be the source of it in the head, but I have no idea how they do it at the tail end though it feels as if they are grinding bones together. I have only known fresh caught ones to do this, and they stop once settled in

[@mcgoo721]

I had a Sunbeam stand mixer before. It worked pretty well so I bet that their snakes are good too.

[@TheKilrgrn]

Your comment made my day brighter

[@SeeItLikeItSub2It]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Tudsamfa]

They seem to be automatic beyond belief, like my sunbeam toaster.

[@OG_Beckie_Leigh]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@Her_Viscera]

"I don't know of anything as iridescent..." "at least not a snake" "I can maybe think of flies?" * *thinking about shiny flies* * "Incredible." Never change, Clint

[@Her_Viscera]

NOOO I EDITED MY COMMENT AND I LOST THE HEART FROM CLINT NOOO

[@lizziesmusicmaking]

How about some beetles? Or metallic bees? There's some amazing insects out there.

[@hellbreakfast]

I have never found a creature I identify more with in my life. Fruity and shiny, hides from strangers, gets too stressed and will die if handled too much, nocturnal, picky. I understand little dude, I understand.

[@TerraVulture]

SAME. At least all but the nocturnal part. I’ve managed to somewhat fix my sleep schedule 👌🏻

[@Tetsusaiga43]

💀

[@Frostmute19]

It feels like such an odd twist of evolution to have a snake that looks so resplendent in the sunlight be nocturnal and live underground. They are gorgeous and I am glad we got to see this one in a relatively low stress setting.

[@Iluvatar196]

Odd? Hardly. It IS logical for such a shiny snake to want to evolve to live underground. Its shininess is basically a beacon for predator if they dont live underground

[@BenjaminWalburn]

​@@Iluvatar196that's a great take, if you don't think about it.

[@watermelonsavage2914]

Honestly, after seeing how amazing the iridescence is, I'm shocked that these guys didn't go extinct years ago from being hunted for their skin. A belt or shoes made from sunbeam snake skin would be beautiful (though very sad for the snakes).

[@malusignatius]

The iridescence doesn't last long after death from memory, at least with python skins.

[@TheIgnoramus]

@@malusignatius correct. Only live skin gains this affect. Its lost very quickly.

[@vergil.591]

Lol

[@jennifercarriger6168]

So even if you end up with a snake in a jar, you will still be denied the rainbows. Only life will bring color to the world.

[@ladykoiwolfe]

This is where faux leather is your friend. And the snakes too. Fortunately they can accomplish this beautiful look without harming any creatures. I love leather I really do but I love critters too.

[@FatherKenobie]

I'm just gonna keep a box of dirt and tell everyone I have a sunbeam snake, but he cant come out and play. So glad we got to come to the room last night! Your team was awesome and my sons had a great time. They're already asking if we can go every time we visit Utah!

[@JGuraan]

I got a box of dirt! I got a box of dirt! And guess what's inside it!

[@furiouskaiser9914]

@@JGuraan *thump thump* *thump thump*

[@generaljimmies3429]

I've got a box of diiiiirt I've got a box of diiiiirt I've got a box of diiiiirt And guess what's inside it kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYPGm2l5ds2YbdU

[@Starscreamf15]

I found a Sunbeam Snake in a pet store back in the early 80s. I had never heard of one and had to have him. He was in pretty rough shape and had a respiratory infection . Between battling that and desperately trying to get proper information on how to care for him, he didn't make it. 😭 I had no idea they burrowed so though he had a hide and his enclosure was right for your typical snake, it wasn't right what he needed so add that stress to his illness, no wonder I lost him. I have always wanted another one. This video does not do them justice. You have to see them in person to truly understand how magnificent they are. Also the feel of their scales, their faces, everything about them is so cool. I appreciate this video about them and even though I'd love another I think I will have to pass. I'd want to at least take him out and hold him for a while a couple times a month and since that's not good for them I have to pass. 😓

[@samuelstrausbaugh4476]

This is the most beautiful snake I have ever seen. I shared this with co workers and audible ohhhs and wows were instantaneous. I only wish your content on these types of things would be shared way more widely so more responsible husbandry would occur more frequently. You guys rock with helping the reptile world being so much more friendly and inviting. Perfect embassidors for the hobby could not exist.

[@DavidMiller-dt8mx]

I love the iridescence of sunbeam snakes. I've entertained the idea of keeping one. This video has absolutely convinced me that I don't want a box of dirt...with an unlikely to survive absolute gem of the earth in it.

[@ThunderStruck15]

If you like these guys, check out baird’s rat snakes. They’re not iridescent in the same way, but it looks like metal and molten lava. They actually are great to keep, easy to handle, and are extremely beginner friendly. The downfalls are that their size is variable: they can go from 3’-7’ adult size, and it takes about 2-3 years to fully get in their cool color. But they’re basically corn snakes otherwise

[@Shangori]

Clint going 'I got a box of dirt. And guess what's inside it'

[@snakelizard2343]

I actually own a sunbeam snake and have owned it in my reptile collection for about 3 years now. She eats lizards, frog legs and scented mice but honestly it’s literally like owning a tub of dirt, I barely see her and only dig her up for wellness exams. I also own a retic, Columbian rainbow boa, African house snake, black milk snake and a Peruvian long tail boa and they’re pretty iridescent as well and make much better pets imo. I also own a TON of other reptiles (including several venomous) but the ones I mentioned above are my iridescent snakes. *for Clint*: I actually plan on purchasing a dragon snake soon and for that reason I’m breeding at least 6 species of frog and 4 species of fish!

[@snekysneks]

What kind of frogs and fish are you breeding?

[@snakelizardexoticskeeperpr9129]

@@snekysneks swordtails, mollies, platies, and guppies

[@snakelizard2343]

@@snekysneks frogs: green tree frogs, gray tree frogs, American bullfrogs, southern leopard frogs, northern leopard frogs, red eyed tree frogs

[@snekysneks]

@@snakelizard2343 Thanks!

[@snakelizard2343]

@@snekysneks No problem!

[@Mercer526]

It's funny how you also brought up the dragon snake. I recently found out that a reptile store near me gets them in fairly regularly and actually have success keeping them. However they did say that their care is complicated which includes a water feature inside one of it's hides among many other things a normal snake wouldn't need

[@dragonshadow4145]

There’s only like one successful breeder in the US, they’re hoping captive bred ones will be hardier enough to replace import demand effectively

[@HayashiMiko]

I have a dragon snake. His name is Ezio and I have a mentor that helps me with any questions I have. The owner of Creatures of Nightshade has a care guide on them. If you can get the husbandry on point, you shouldn't have issues. Ezio is actually easy for me. I just buy tadpoles for him and put them in the water bowl. Tadpoles and small frogs are his main diet. If you do your research, it's worth it.

[@dragonshadow4145]

@@HayashiMiko That's very impressive, how do you keep the temperature right?

[@BeckyNosferatu]

Clint: If you're watching this video to determine if this snake is for you, it isn't! Me: I just wanted to SEE the pretty snake!

[@sampagano205]

Theres a certain point where I feel a snake like this ends up being like a squamate kinkajou where they really require a lot of effort for not a lot of return.

[@thechickenwizard8172]

People keep kinkajous?!? As pets?!?!

[@sampagano205]

@@thechickenwizard8172 yes. It's enough of an issue that kinkajou sanctuaries exist in the us.

[@spenkd2886]

They’re really great pets for me because I live a pretty busy life and couldn’t give that much attention to a pet

[@alliseuss1555]

I love the honesty in all of your videos, and that you actively try to dissuade people from getting pets that don't do well in most captive situations. But it's also great that we get to experience them vicariously through your videos. Such a beautiful snake!

[@Reptile2448]

I remember seeing this particular snake at Prime Pets. i was completely enamored by the iridescence! But after doing some research i soon realized that it wasnt for me. Hopefully this snake finds a good home and lives a long life!

[@ThunderStruck15]

If you like these guys, check out baird’s rat snakes. They’re not iridescent in the same way, but it looks like metal and molten lava. They actually are great to keep, easy to handle, and are extremely beginner friendly. The downfalls are that their size is variable: they can go from 3’-7’ adult size, and it takes about 2-3 years to fully get in their cool color

[@LuckyStone888]

Sunbeam snake is like a boa than needs moist substrate. You could fill an enclosure 1/2 way with reptisoil substrate and just tell everyone you have one. You'll save a lot of money. After looking them up, I realize they are very cheap to buy. THIS IS TERRIBLE. This makes me so sad. You said "not insanely expensive," I think they are insanely inexpensive. I wish they were expensive. I agree with you 100% I'd love to own one, but I would never buy one unless 1) I knew someone who was already breeding them and 2) I was expecting to breed them.

[@Sovriin]

im in the UK and after seeing your comment decided to see how much they were to get over here and damn, youre so right. ive found several places that I could get WC (and some CB thankfully) sunbeams for less than a standard plains hognose which is just insane.

[@LuckyStone888]

@@Sovriin i know it's truly insane.

[@EclipseLleuad]

I had to look them up too and I'm shocked by how inexpensive they are. I've seen more expensive corn snakes! That's tragic...

[@Evenape]

Inexpensive due to high prevalence, loads of illegal harvesting, and ignorance of biodiversity These snakes (and Asian water monitor lizards) make the backbone of snake satay parlors in Java, moreso than the rarer (and more prized) cobras

[@ThatRedSW20]

We have this snake in the wild in my country, I don't think there's a breeder who breed Sunbeam snake in my country due to high wild population of it [Its conservation status is Least concern ]. It is very easy to find one of these in my country, However, it is protected animal, So it is illegal to selling and buying these[Some still do though.] hence why no one was breeding it. Sunbeam snake here seems to be very hardy, I think the reason that it seems to be easy to die in US is as you stated they were stressed imported snake and it might have something to do with US temperature. I hope you guys in US produce a lot of captive bred there, It is very cool snake to have!

[@char1211]

Which country do you live in?

[@ThatRedSW20]

@@char1211 Thailand

[@maybelater1464]

I saw the title and way scared because I already know these guys are really really tough to keep and imported. I'm glad you're so real about the risk and potential harm that can come from keeping these. A lot of care videos online will soften just how difficult it is to keep and animal, which will inevitably cause people who are ill prepared for the challenges to think they can do it. Need more videos like these that extenuate the likelihood of an animals death if the average person or even an experienced person tries to keep them.

[@mariahsart]

What a poetic snake! So beautiful, and yet you shall never see it!

[@strigiformthunderstorm]

So excited to see xenopeltis finally being featured! One of my favorite species that I wish it was more ethical to keep, hopefully in coming years we begin to see more demand for captive bred.

[@darcieclements4880]

Wow your camera peeps are incredible for getting that on film. Not all cameras can capture that. I'd argue the white lipped pythons give sunsnakes a run for their money iridescence wise. Sunbeams aren't dragon snake level squishy, but they still pretty fragile emotionally. Good video, accurate description. Ones that tame good do great but most just stress to death. I have heard of a lot of them that died easy and just one that was an aberasion of steady nerves and good health. She was bred a lot but her babies also stress died lots. I think we must be missing a piece to the puzzle of keeping them

[@DrachenGothik666]

*Aberration, not aberasion... I agree, such amazingly gorgeous snakes. Such a shame that their loveliness lives underground and that they're so fragile. I doubt I'd ever be successful in keeping such delicate creatures alive for long. They seem hardy enough in their home habitats, so you may be right in that we're missing something about how to care for them.

[@WastedTalent-]

Thank you. People don't seem to get that when they say they bought an animal from a store, that they rescued it, they didn't. You just put money in their pockets to get more in. I had many customers bringing in puppies they bought from a local store, saying they rescued it. That the store was disgusting, etc. Well, those people are keeping that store in business.

[@farrel66]

I live in Indonesia (the native range of sunbeams) and due to the humidity and temperature here it's really easy to keep them. Just a big container filled with moist dirt and a water tray, very low maintenance.

[@Chattepliee]

I'm in the Southern US and it's so easy to keep snakes here too, humidity is always very high!

[@fullonsociopath]

In addition to the other species you mentioned, Macklot's python is an impressively iridescent snake. It's funny how so many eye popping animals are so intent on never being seen. Is the flashy color a way to startle predators long enough to make a getaway? Look at the Chilobrachys sp. electric blue. An otherwise brown tarantula, that prefers to remain hidden from view. If it is coaxed out, you get the most beautiful light reflecting blue and purple on it's front legs. Disturb it enough, and you will really get a look. There are other spiders, and the frogs that have crazy leg colors, on an otherwise non flashy body. Would love to hear your thoughts on it.

[@josecat436]

It’s to make the predators go daaaaammnnn in shock

[@ActualCatfish]

I wonder if, perhaps, the iridescence has to do with impressing potential mates. They're fossorial, so in theory they'd only be very visible when they're above-ground and looking for mates

[@derrickhageman1969]

Yeah it's weird that most highly fosorial animals are very colorful a perfect example would be some ground beetles spieces like fiery searchers and slug hunters

[@OrdinaryEXP]

@Amel Gris It is called iridophores.

[@theflyingdutchguy9870]

im not sure why some species adapted this way. definately a species that normally never shows itself. maybe its a byproduct of another adaptation. maybe the scales evolving to become more smooth caused it to get this iridescence

[@mattg6106]

Out of curiosity I looked up the availability online. One online pet retailer labeled these guys as great for kids, hardy, and great for handling... Pretty obvious when people are just in it for the money.

[@childofcascadia]

@mattg6106 Yeah. Im looking for another snake (I have had a corn for 7 years and I love him. Hes super "friendly" for a snake and actually seems to enjoy handling). So Im researching species. I found a page about these sunbeam from some reptile shop. Talking about how easy they are to care for, feed, and super hardy. I was suspicious. I'd say Im an "intermediate" snake keeper - and I have never heard of them from breeders or commonly kept. And as beautiful as they are, if they were hardy and as easy to care for as a typical common colubrid like a corn, king, or rat snake or ball python they would be *everywhere*.

[@chrysshart]

I love that you are so honest about the care that it takes to keep these animals. It's so clear that you have the potential pet's best interests at heart and you want to encourage potential keepers to do the same. At the same time, you show us beautiful video of each creature you feature so we can enjoy seeing them without being tempted to buy one impulsively.

[@AaronCoolGuy]

"If this is the right snake for you, this video is not. If you are watching this video to figure it out, this is not the right snake for you. " I Appreciate how clear you are in this video but at the same time its making me feel guilty when i wasnt even planning on getting one 😅

[@susanmartin3762]

Watching you put your arms all the way around your little daughter made my heart melt.😢..I miss my Daddy. Your children are so very VERY LUCKY!❤

[@serpenticular6990]

I vividly recall reading up on these in the animal books I had as a child, and for the past decade have been suppressed in the back of my mind; until now!

[@RakuSeer]

Really appreciate the upfront and honest information about these beauties. Definitely not for everyone, and you make sure anyone watching and considering them knows the very real risks associated with trying to keep one alive

[@WildWorld81]

Sadly sunbeam snakes are among the most consistent snakes I’ve seen at my local expos over the years. They’re utterly gorgeous but rather fragile snakes (as you’ve stated Clint it’s likely due to fresh imports being too far gone)

[@seanfoltz7645]

Scored one at Repticon a decade ago and I'm guessing he was wild caught, but I got lucky as Sunny lasted five years without issue. Yeah, he stayed buried most of the time but come feeding time it was quite the show as I'd drop the mouse in there and then wait and watch as the soil started moving around and Sunny suddenly erupted under it like the Tremor or Dune worms. They're a lot hardier than you think as having never seen him climb, I was careless about the tank lid and Sunny ended up getting lose and disappearing in the house for six months - thought he was dead somewhere until one night the wife shouted in surprise while doing dishes as he had been hiding in the dish rack for some reason. He never musked or put up a fight on those rare occasions that I pulled him out for someone to see or take him out into the noonday sun to get some photos of just how incredibly iridescent he was. All said, Sunny was an easy to care for and very neat tank of dirt.

[@Algrenion]

Clint handles that snake so gently and respectfully. It even looks relatively comfortable! Tongue flicking, giving some curious looks. Amazing. Absolutely beautiful animal, I was gushing over its cute little face the whole time. But gosh I hope they remain in the care of competent reptile keepers if any.

[@paradoxmama5544]

I stumbled across this video because we just handled these awesome snakes at an expo (the sunbeam snakes) they were so docile. Now I feel bad knowing they were probably stressed beyond belief.. poor guys

[@Amandaaa2244]

Someday when I have a child I plan to call them a phenomenally special creature 😂

[@kilderok]

Enjoy your narcissist with main character syndrome lol

[@Amandaaa2244]

@@kilderok you should watch the video 😂

[@thepain321]

Had a pair for some years. Super easy to maintain. Warm gradient of soaking wet coconut works well. They handle cooler temps better than most as they live in swampy muck that ranges from hot shallow pool, to cold deep mud. Hardest thing to do is keep them enclosed. They both were able to squeeze thru the average thin slice cuts for vents in a pvc enclosure. And they were big! Like 4ft.

[@JumpsSoHard]

For anyone who wants to keep a sunbeam snake here is alittle advice. Keep them in a tub, and put minimal air holes ON THE SIDE of the tub and leave the top airhole free, and keep the tub wet. I'm talking 99% 24/7 if there isn't water dripping from the top of the tub, its too dry. You should "burp" the tub atleast once a day to let in fresh air and spot clean any poops asap. Isopods/springtails are a must. Alot of this was said by Clint because he's awesome but I thought I'd give my 2 cents after keeping one for a year, Keeping a tub of dirt alive can be boring so I sold her. Thanks for another amazing video Clint!

[@thestraydog]

I've had the joy of seeing one of these snakes in person and for everybody who hasn't, they're 10x more beautiful and glorious up close than this video shows. It's a shame how fragile these critters are though...

[@lizziesmusicmaking]

I already knew sunbeam snakes tend to do poorly in captivity. Thank you for explaining why that is, and giving the best footage I've ever seen of a very beautiful snake I will likely never get to see in person.

[@sabsab878]

„Imagine you had a betta fish, the most beautiful one in the world, but he lived in mud“ :glancing over to my blackwater betta tank where my betta Boglin chills on the heater: „Nearly nailed it…“

[@vincentbrown4468]

Oh my God she's adorable, she reminds me of when my little girl was little . That was better then the video it's self 😭

[@mikegowland3098]

This was very enjoyable viewing. I am particularly happy to see an ardent reptile enthusiast who will offer hobbyists good reasons to NOT attempt to keep certain animals with special care needs. Your rating system -- giving a 2.2 score for this beautiful snake, for example, is illustrative: the Sunbeam Snake's score is only slightly better than the rating you gave the King Cobra (your score: 1.6, for a lethally venomous 16-foot elapid of truly exceptional strength, agility, and intelligence...). I'm a herp wanna-be: I plan to get my first snake in the next year. It's more likely to be a Bull Snake than a Corn Snake. My thoughts and decisions have been largely based on your channel's info. Thank you.

[@Textile_Courtesan]

I'm really glad I saw this video last week! I attended the NARBC STL show today and saw no less than three different vendors with a handful of sunbeam snakes on their tables. Some were upfront about having wild caught specimens. A part of me wondered if I got a few if there was a chance of breeding but chose not to pursue this line of thought.

[@IsaacMashman]

So Johnny Depp didn’t have Davy Jones’ heart in his jar of dirt. He had a sunbeam snake! No wonder he was proud of his dirt. 😳

[@Dodl1]

My gosh, your little one is soooo precious 😍❤️ Also that is an amazing snake, wowi!

[@stefanostokatlidis4861]

I have seen sunbeam snakes in herping videos from Thailand. They do sometimes come out on the surface, particularly after a rain. They are often crossing roads whereupon they can easily be caught. They are extremely placid and don’t bite. Otherwise they live in saturated conditions. If not for their fragility during importation, I believe that they wouldn’t be that hard to keep, minus the fact that you aren’t going to see them much. More like a caecilian than a traditional snake.

[@pencilpauli9442]

Thank you Clint and team for the video. My question is, why iridescence, especially if you live in the substrate? I don't know enough about colour receptivity of reptiles or insects to come up with a solid hypothesis.

[@bkjeong4302]

Most reptiles can see full spectrum of colors, but most snakes can't. For iridescence in snakes, the two big reasons appear to be a) camouflage by reflecting surroundings and ambient light (for things like iridescent constrictors) and b) a side effect of being as smooth as possible to dig underground (sunbeams).

[@pencilpauli9442]

@@bkjeong4302 Many thanks for the explanation! Much appreciated!

[@vicekillx]

I went to an expo a couple years back and there were DOZENS of sunbeams across multiple sellers. I was really surprised to see them, and most of them looked as healthy as one could expect from imports. Now I'm not new to expos, and I've seen plenty of imports in various states of condition, but one seller had not just the worst-looking sunbeams I've ever seen, but the worst-looking animals I've ever seen for sale at any expo, period. They were just covered in injuries and scars, and not little nicks like you usually see - deep gashes a couple inches in length, holes that looked like a worm had eaten through them, all kinds of bent and discolored scales... It was bad enough that my friend and I felt it necessary to report them to the event organizers. They fortunately took it seriously and asked the seller to remove them from the table.....but we saw them back out again just an hour or two later. Astounding what some people will do I hope we're able to figure out a way to consistently stabilize them sooner rather than later, so we can start to curb things like that

[@stefkais]

I know this might not be the most successful video idea, but I’d love to see you go over the process of import/transportation that an animal goes through and the associated stresses, or even just more insight into the reptile trade in general. I don’t know a lot about it and it’d be cool to hear from a reputable source like you!

[@coalblooded]

I have never seen something so beautiful in my life today!!

[@lorrainemunoa791]

On the other hand! If you want a relatively easy care, sweet, personable snek with lovely iridescence, Black House Snakes iridesce in vivid blue on their black scales, and tend to stay alive once you get them properly eating. (If you don't wanna go through that get one who is eating).

[@austinduke8876]

Animal >> *exists* Clint >> You are wonderful.

[@GregoryJohnson-l1g]

The patreon ad for this video is probably the best one I've ever seen. I don't have the money but if I did I'd strongly consider becoming a patron so I could see that video, ants are so cool.

[@LinkaBellGAME]

I've never seen such a snake before, absolutely stunning. Also your little one is absolutely precious!

[@kshafer5599]

Great video, I remember seeing one in the dirt in Thailand but I didn’t know much about them. Next time I go back I’ll keep my eye out for them!

[@midwestshoreangler9127]

I almost bought one years ago. I read on several pages that they are easy and anyone can keep em. Honestly I’m glad I didn’t

[@Kirasque]

That is the most beautiful snake I have ever seen in my life

[@joshf9566]

I love my Sunbeam! Eats great and has had no issues at all!

[@danr.3894]

I love ur channel, Clint. I've learned so much in order to take better care of my Kingsnake (and the other snakes I'm gonna purchase) thanks to you and Emily from Snake Discovery. You're amazing, guys!

[@YochevedDesigns]

I really appreciate your honesty. Some channels just want to hype certain species to be "cool", but it's obvious that you have the best interest of the animals in mind at all times.

[@michellep4792]

What an absolute stunner!! Wow. I've never seen such a thing! I too, have a box of dirt - it houses my giant burrowing cockroaches that I dig up about once every six months to see if they are still alive. They're doing great, but in the two years I've had four of them, I"ve literally seen them about 3 times. Lol.

[@MazeOfClover]

Thank you for being so blunt. I’ve seen these at reptile expos and I’ve seen people on Facebook wanting to buy these as their first snakes and it’s always quite sad. I wish that more people could see this video.

[@Evenape]

Thanks for the honesty Clint It's rather hilariously jarring to see a snake often found in livewells of (local) snake satay parlors being said to be super advanced, and some Indonesian keepers might beg to differ, but transport stress and improper environmental maintainance are seemingly Everest-sized hurdles to establishing a captive population of these (or dragon snakes, or earless monitors, or other "new" captive species) abroad.

[@DrachenGothik666]

That snake's scales are just... WOW. I've always loved the iridescence of some snake's scales, but holy moly, that noodle's scales are just *astounding.* It almost doesn't look real. It also seems just me: an extreme introvert that burrows away from the evils of the world. LOL I also had no idea you had a new hatchling spawn, Clint! Many Conga-rats on the new family-member! 💜👶

[@StephaninasAmputeeAdventures]

Those bloopers! Filming with kids is an adventure! (I just finished filming a video and that blooper resonated big time!)

[@ladykoiwolfe]

I have always loved snakes...well ever since the reptile farm brought their lovely specimens to my elementary school when I was in kindergarten...so practically forever. At 11 I fell in love with Rainbow boas when I saw one at the local zoo. They are still my favorites. But those Sunbeams are stunning.

[@fudgenugget2690]

Just purchased one from a local breeder. He said that the snake was given to him by a man that didn't know how to care for them and it was an export. He's nursed it back to health and it has no problem eating frozen thaw mice and has no more parasites. I'm gonna see how well care for me and then I plan to purchase a female afterwards and breed them if everything goes according to plan.

[@siradanaikrobthong3003]

Sunbeam snake do sometimes exit the burrow at night if the humidity goes up. This occur with regularity of approximately three night a week at ~19:00 to 20:30 maybe more but I can't observe it, possibly more with scent trails enrichment. (At least during winter, I suspect it maybe more often during rain season or in summer) Being almost blind they are not too bothered by light and does not go back in the ground even after the light is turned on (though the light used are pretty dim so maybe bright light could still bother them) Another nocturnal snake that people tend to think are "shy and lazy" are Elephanttrunk snake, However at night they sometimes would start hunting for fishes almost like a pursuit predators swimming around in aquarium even a young juvenile doing so was such an impressive sight, I wonder how many animals are misunderstood because of zoo open and close schedule. Sources: Nakorn ratchasima zoo "night zoo" event

[@syddlinden8966]

THAT IS A HOLO SNEK! amazing. Truly freaking amazing. Nature is literally magic.

[@matyaskassay4346]

Will you talk about Takydromus lizards as well? I don't really have any experience with them but they seem like such amazing little display animals.

[@rinaturalist]

Great idea! He should definitely cover them!

[@forrest5897]

This is a dream snake of mine… if and when they are captive bred and proper husbandry/care has been established.

[@mikec3517]

This guy is the best the thing I have found on the internet. I am Definitely into all these things...go scales n tails! Clint keep up the good work!!!!!

[@susanmartin3762]

Oh Clint!!! She looks like she's made out of crystal!!! What a gorgeous snake and a cool name!

[@42ZaphodB42]

I'm not really a huge snake guy, but these look really incredible.

[@pinkspaghetti1]

THANK YOU CLINT!! IM SURE I WAS FAR FROM THE ONLY ONE, BUT I REQUESTED THIS AND IM SO HAPPY!

[@Tigerpuffer]

Black house snake (Lamprophis fuliginosis) is a fantastic alternative to the sunbeam snake. They're obviously not as iridescent, but still beautifully so, with the stubborn hardiness and tolerance for handling as any house snake. I had one for ten years or so, which I acquired as an adult, and it was a wonderful captive.

[@Honest_Grifter]

Sunbeams are GORGEOUS!!! But good luck ever seeing them once they've made home in their substrate 🤣😂 A very private snake indeed, lol

[@kamilvetr22]

They seem fairly similar to crocodile skinks overall. Low temperature humidity loving species that you'll rarely see and should generally not handle, but will earn gasps from onlookers if you do pull them out.

[@hunterbritt8267]

I have a long tailed grass lizard and I would LOVE one of these videos on them. I think they go overlooked but can be an AMAZING beginner reptile!

[@kayhoward4547]

Thank you for the emphasis on the alcohol jars! I've seen too many people wanting and then crying when they die

[@rachaelgosser5659]

Most beautiful snake I have ever seen. Thank you for this video. I love learning about different species.

[@glorygloryholeallelujah]

I kinda love the irony that almost nobody will ever see/know about one of the most staggeringly beautiful snakes in the world (particularly when it’s in sunlight)…because it mostly lives hidden away, buried in the dirt.😊❤🐍

[@christinadavison4935]

So cool! I love these videos about different species! I’d even watch a deep dive in the ecology of different reptiles! So cool!!!!!! I hope you do gonyosoma boulengeri someday 😊

[@nataliesreptiles]

Oh yay! We're getting back to these vids. 🙌🏻

[@redredleg4051]

One of my favorites and I’m glad you covered it.

[@anraulfazekas]

This snake is quite common in the wild Indonesia, many people keep it, especially among beginners, because it is very cheap (under 5$ I think), n it seems one of easiest snake to care for that we know. So I never thought it would fall into low rating category, of snakes most prone to death, due to stress n so on.

[@meese9140]

What a beautiful snake! I don’t keep snakes but I’m happier knowing they are out there :)

[@Melo-wj4ok]

I remember always seeing these at reptile expos and always wanted to leave with one especially after getting to handle them. But people always say they are so hard to care for and mostly have parasites so I never got one:(

[@jeffgary5969]

I use to have one, after you tune the dripper they’re so easy to care for. Maybe one day I’ll keep a box of mud again

[@ForestSchweitzer022097]

Love ya, Clint! Oh how I wish I was not so poor that I can barely afford the necessities of life and could dote on this wonderful channel via Patreon. Some day!

[@serefine927]

dang would really love to have one. I am actually very nocturnal and I would really enjoy seeing a peek of this snake every now and then. This is for the far future tho

[@aquageist]

Reminds me of my friend's clam tank. He swears it's in there, but it's always buried in the sand and digging it out so you can see it isn't healthy for the clam. So it just looks like a big, empty tank.

[@Wulfgeist]

I have a male named Merlin, I affectionately refer to him as my "tub o dirt". I've had him a couple years now.

[@deepwaters7242]

Thank you Clint! Adorable baby ❤️

[@zerogravityreptiles]

I actually just got a captive breed sunbeam it's a perfect snake for me as I'm busy with life. So on a day off I'll be able to see it for a feeding maybe hold it for a few min then go back to what I was doing. Thank you for all the info

[@sonievkay]

Thats one of the most gorgeous snakes ive ever seen.