WHATS WRONG with the Reptile Community?! - Brian Barczyk + Kevin rant

[@robertweller6701]

I think that's the best statement I've ever heard " we are in the day and age where people just have to find something to be offended by "

[@Silvermoonscorpion]

Yep. I knew a lady who I said she'd complain about having nothing to complain about. It's sad & frustrating. Sad way to try and live.

[@jeremy-psychonautlsdmtdr-k5140]

Totally spot on statement

[@_bearded_dragon_mom_2536]

EXACTLY!! That's what I've been saying!!!!! Everyone has to pick and choose on what they want to be offended by. Then when something truly bad happens to someone and someone shows actual care and offense, then all the sudden people are saying they're too sensitive. It's disgusting.

[@_bearded_dragon_mom_2536]

@@Silvermoonscorpion She must truly be miserable. I could sit here and complain about the fact I have C-PTSD and chronic pain. But no, I'm not gonna sit there and play victim and get nothing done in life, I don't even associate myself with victims, I'm a fucking survivor. If I can keep moving on and surviving, then anyone can. Not going into my past though, it's too dark and disturbing. But be safe out there, it's become shit out there.. and it's only gonna get worse.

[@doll9340]

I have people who throw hissy fits over me calling packs of cigarettes by a different name. One lady even recorded me and my manger sided with her instead of defending my right to call things whatever I deem to call it

[@brandonmarsh3179]

It would be nice to see us as a community unite stop badmouthing each other and help each other and for more folks standing up for our rights!

[@Dadboa52]

Full Concurrence from THIS Limey-Brother!!!

[@lowlifeexotics3070]

Agreed!!

[@reversepolarity8981]

I am new to herps (after finding a RES dumped in my backyard) and have been repeatedly ASTOUNDED by the handling and husbandry methods of most reptile breeders. Handled like merch, housed like inanimate objects. Asking a breeder not to perpetuate a color morph which produces neurological problems to varying degrees of severity is NOT badmouthing.

[@briannaharter4411]

Hoesntly has a fish keeper that got into reptiles.I hate the reptile community cuase it's toxic and human focused. Serouisly why do you need to bring up 1 persons name so much when talking about animals?

[@stevietaylttv2225]

I’m agree with you that

[@bearsbeetsbsg8]

when is NERD going to sell the teriyaki flavored snake shed

[@georgef1176]

How can anyone hate Brian or Kevin they both seem like the nicest people ever.

[@halien6048]

I have met Brian a few times at the Reptarium in Michigan & he’s SO sweet.

[@the_lomax]

But are they the nicest reptile lovers ever... I think that award goes to Clint, with a score of 5 out of 5. but Brian and Kevin are right up and are just amazing! Maybe even the coolest reptile KZbinrs ever!

[@midnightsan9917]

@@the_lomax I can't really support brian since he definitely let sunshine die. Not to mention the horrible advice he gives on twitter. He also doesn't quarantine newly delivered animals which is a huge problem since he has a lot of animals in one building. Honestly he had a lot of potential to be a great figure head for the reptile world but simply put he is putting money first over his reptiles well being.

[@miaolindias]

Kevin, I like, Brian adds a lot of negativity to the community... STRONGLY dislike the guy

[@Silvermoonscorpion]

That's my question. Where's all this heat at & if it's there, why!?!?. Snake whisperer for real. I don't engage in the tik tok & other social media so maybe that's why I miss it.. if so, I'll continue to miss it.

[@nmecrab4702]

Brian: people wiill think that a title in a thumbnail means your video is sensational also Brian in his video titles: check out this 300ft ball python takedown an airplane

[@sese6227]

Lmao Spot on

[@miaolindias]

for real, isn't that the whole point?

[@carterpochynok4874]

Every professional reptile keeper I know helps their snakes shed when they're patchy. Snakes get really irritated with extra dead skin, so they're usually grateful for the help. Also lets them know that you're there to help and builds trust.

[@Shastasnow]

Yeah. My Frilled lizard opens his frill for me so I can get the skin on the back of his neck and from under frill. He is even more trilled if I pull the skin from his noise lol. It like brushing a dog. Some love it and some don’t.

[@Chudchanning]

I think the "don't pull shed off" rule was just formed because people who can't tell it's ready to come off would try to yank it off when it's still semi-fused to the new scales. I'm sure it probably doesn't feel nice when the new skin is stretching upward with the old skin. If it's giving resistance I let it be for awhile longer

[@abbeypautsch105]

I'm always a believer that you can love rats and snakes equally. I have had rats since a young kid, they're amazing animals, just so sweet and smart and loving but so are snakes and snakes have to eat too. I love this collab. Love both of you and its super interesting. Thanks for clearing some things up! :)

[@lsanderson09]

We have two guinea pigs and tow snakes. We love rodents and snakes here too.

[@maximejette7674]

You are so right...my girlfriend have rat's as pets and I have two snake...she love my snake just as much as I love her rats both of them are lovely animals.

[@nickwitham7946]

Everyone's an "expert" on social media.

[@Baffi_]

Yeah like having a warehouse full of snakes in drawers and suddenly he’s an expert, and not just a breeder with a hoarding problem.

[@SolitaryWendigo]

@@Baffi_ it’s almost as if he sells his animals and that’s his business, it’s almost as if you need a mass number of a product to sell to run a successful business.

[@Baffi_]

@@SolitaryWendigo like the factory farm of snake breeders. Barely bare minimum conditions to maximize profits. When people get greedy, the animals suffer

[@SolitaryWendigo]

@@Baffi_ but the animals aren’t suffering, they’re weekly inspected by wildlife services and have permits to own certain species. Trust me if they were being mistreated, they wouldn’t own them.

[@peachxtaehyung]

@@SolitaryWendigo not necessarily

[@mcoop826]

I love how your snake calmed down and is just chillin with you and Brain. Watching you pet it and seeing it just lay on you guys proves your point even more!

[@CavalierCat]

Everyone just needs to chill the fuck out and use common sense. Brian and Kevin make great points!

[@debconness7718]

Exactly , they are so judge mental these days and bored and have nothing better to do but push their ideas on others. They need to focus on people and things that are truly important like to help stop our rights being taken away , or hunger and homelessness in America , or helping kids have things to do at night or weekends to teach them how to stay on track instead of getting in to gangs or crime, to help conserve our Indangured animals , or clean up or earth... Come on people ...get real and get an honest life. ❤️

[@sabrinasheldon2049]

I LOVE that they 1) talk openly about mast mistakes owning up to them and actually changing behavior 2) the stance on live feed. Yes it is necessary but it is not anything exciting or enjoyable. Reptile people are the ultimate animal people we cherish all living things ❤

[@emp4th783]

I love that it’s 8:55 and Kevin is staring off into space chewing on the shed still and the conversation with Brian and Donny is still going on I am so in love with this video already

[@coreyparson9906]

I don't see anyone banning the breeding of French bulldogs or pugs.

[@happyhello5988]

I like how both of you are very educational. Your helping me getting over my terrible fear of snakes. Your both so genuine and care so much about your reptiles, it’s almost contagious!! Keep being who you guys are!!

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Glad to have you watching legit,

[@ChrisHardwickanimaladventures]

Brian doesn't delete comments, CRAZY! I delete dozens of them every day. That's why everyone loves me, I silence the haters LOL

[@buffalophil3630]

Lol Chris please tell me you've seen that pic of you from a youtuber that turned you into the devil??

[@ChrisHardwickanimaladventures]

@@buffalophil3630 I've seen it, in fact he leaves some of the funniest comments, cracks me up!

[@buffalophil3630]

@@ChrisHardwickanimaladventures the pic alone cracks me up haha

[@pshootr]

That is hilarious Chris, lol. Love your channel by the way!

[@markharris8997]

Brian actually inspired me to live my dream with reptiles after watching his vlogs . His enthusiasm and passion is 2nd to none . I found kevin (Nerd ) via Brians channel this guy is the God of reptiles so knowledgeable plus i love his sarcasm . Ive learned so much of both of them . Keep up the great work guys ... screw the haters just sad people looking for that 5min of fame ...

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Haaaaaaa sarcastic as hell!!!!! K

[@amandastakeonit7402]

I LOVE Brian! He is such a great guy!

[@amandastakeonit7402]

...also same, I found Kevin, NERD through Brian.

[@amandastakeonit7402]

I love rats and mice as well, they are smart and sweet. I have paid to have a rat put down because he was getting so old and biting his fingers. I can't and won't feed live, but I understand what happens in the wild and that some animals have to be fed live.

[@makosmythicmenagerie]

Brian literally let his snake's mouth rot off Enthusiastically

[@CatAleah]

This has so many good points. When it comes to animals we can always learn and grow and develop the ways we keep them to make their lives as close to what their natural life would be as possible, but there are limits and things we should understand and not over exaggerate when it comes to their care. When it comes to explaining how to care for animals online, we should form our own opinions over EXPERIENCE keeping them, but we should also take advice and learn from the experts that have been keeping them for decades. Although the standards for keeping have changed and grown, we can always learn more, even the seasoned and experienced keepers and breeders. Moral of the story is, we should all be nice to one another and learn from each other, not create a mob mentality that perpetuates cancel culture because that doesn't help anyone. I like hearing the different sides to topics like these and forming my own opinions. I think everyone else should do the same. Also when it comes to feeders, it is our job as reptile keepers to respect both animals, the feeder and the predator. This also respects both communities and is more sensitive to the feelings of those who love and cherish their little rat friends. All animals deserve respect, feeders or not. So many good points. Thanks for this video!

[@NewEnglandReptile]

CatAleah you are welcome! K

[@jamesstruhar6664]

P.S. I assisted my 3 month old Enchi Yellowbelly in shedding bc he had broken it in his moss box and it wasn't coming off...He literally, though usually jumpy, allowed me to carefully shed the parts on his head including both eye caps. some Welcom it it seems

[@helema23]

my dragon will sit still and let me "pick" at her and even wiggles to tell me where to rub. they come to rely on us when in captivity to help with things that they could do in the wild but cant in captivity as easily.

[@Ze-Germanzuk]

I do agree with that chick to some extent, the trouble with cool viral videos is morons that don't know what they are doing think they can do it too. Sure anyone that knows about snakes will do it the right way but if you get an idiot that just rips the skin off because he saw it in a video it's going to cause issues. Not saying she is 100% right but I can kinda see the logic there.

[@TTVXLILWENDIGOX]

Ze Germanz the ironic part is she’s part of the problem with viral. She’s a KZbin and with the stuff she says people run with it and she because a the same toxic as they are by helping them do it. People aren’t educated when they buy reptiles and it leads to trends like that or the really dumb one....abusive one with cats. The bread meme. Putting a piece of bread on the cats face and stressing it out just for views and laughs. We exploit animals for personal gain in view. Nothing nerd has ever done exploits the animal ever.

[@candacechew76]

I do agree with what she said about viral trends. However, she is a major part of the problem with her animal hoarding, poor husbandry and her spreading misinformation. She has a huge following and most of them are just as bad as her if not worse.

[@the.genderless.sinner7271]

Taylor had a lot of problems but she's been working on bettering herself and her animals' lives

[@the.genderless.sinner7271]

@Hellequin Maskharat well obviously thats the best way to do it. But she's doing her best. I was gifted a bearded dragon and barely knew anything. But i did days worth of research (and am still learning constantly almost 3 years later) and am doing my best to give my dragon her the best i can.

[@HHLucifer666]

@Hellequin Maskharat putting my couple pennies in as well here even tho I’m late, but I’m of the opinion that you are obligated to do as much research on that animal, whatever it is, could be anything from a dust mite to an African elephant, as possible to give that animal the best possible Quality of life you can. It’s less about the “preliminary” and more about the “research”

[@josettetaylor5176]

I’m with Kevin-and intelligent reptile people are, too: Why is shedding even a topic? It’s ridiculous. But that’s what makes this vid funny, so...flame on!!!🤪

[@patshhi4620]

Josette Taylor I love watching Kevin. He’s no bull and it’s harder and harder to find someone like that. I loved this video too. You and Brian were very interesting to watch. I’d love to see more of you two talking.

[@RobM2089]

Literally had to assist my 6 ft retic shed a few days ago because my humidity was off. Took her out, let her soak, helped her shed, cleaned out her cage, tossed in new substrate and now her humidity is right where it should be. 🤷‍♂️

[@xkoala303x]

I imagine someone did something dumb and screwed it up for everyone else and then bc it’s the Internet, everyone is pointing fingers at eachother screaming when they all agree on the same thing

[@helema23]

yuh i had someone have the audacity to tell me not to help my bearded dragon shed. i mean if i dont she gets cranky and it gets stuck. rule of thumb, if its loose and comes off without much effort then its ready to come off and helping them to shed actually keeps them healthy, happy, and socialized. well.... norberta wont let anyone else help her shed or pet her without issue but thats just her personality!

[@china_sickness7005]

I hate to sound really negative, but if any community is too sensitive it's the reptile/invertebrate community. There is always someone who will lose their mind over the simplest thing. I keep tarantulas and I know that there has never been a pet that has had so much argument on what proper care is. There is constructive criticism and then there's useless argument that leads to nothing other than division. For example, I have debated with a man on Instagram who regularly posts videos of him handling old world tarantulas. Anyone who knows anything about tarantulas knows how risky that can be. NO responsible keeper handles old world tarantulas. You won't see it on youtube from any popular keepers who know a ton about their spiders. My argument is that he does that only for attention. He claims that he does it for enjoyment. Handling any tarantula puts it in danger. handling an old world tarantula not only puts the tarantula in danger, but it also puts the handler at a great risk of receiving a nasty bite. For context, many old world tarantula's bites have been recorded to cause headaches and nausea. The intense pain can last up to a week. There is also a big difference between handling a king cobra versus handling any tarantula. Any snake no matter what species it is can be read. You can learn to read the behavior of a cobra just like you can with a ball python. There is no way to read a tarantula like you can a snake. It is either comfortable or it isn't. It can calmly sit on your hand. Or it can either bolt away at the speed of light or bite you. So when this man on Instagram holds old world tarantulas, he is sending a message. Any of those spiders could bite him. Any of those spiders could bolt off of his hand and rupture their abdomen from the fall: killing them. I am talking about this debate because these are the kinds of things that should be debated. There are many things in the exotic pet hobby that are simply not a big deal, but there is always someone who will go crazy over it.

[@loudigity0]

You guys are great people dont let anyone make you feel different just watching this discussion gave me a whole new respect for you two. I alrdy respected you before but i feel like this convo really shows how solid you guys are. Thank you so much for everything you guys do i hope there will be more people like you in the future!!!

[@NewEnglandReptile]

This was just us sitting there talking and Donny filmed it. K

[@vesperaarcanumserpentis4958]

Whole shedding "controversy" is crazy and concocted by what I assume are small/medium-size snake keepers. Big snakes just blow their sheds from time to time (even my green anaconda who sits in water basin all the time). If you check snake`s shed and see retained eye caps/end of tail/ scales around spurs, does any snake-loving keeper leave them be? Regarding snake bites: I was helping my friend with blood python hatchlings and he said jokingly : Watch out, they bite! My answer: If someone is concerned about bites, snakes are a bad pet choice, or any animal in general. I`ve been tagged by baby retics many times, trick is not to care and socialize them properly so you don`t deal with grumpy anacondas/retics/bloods/or any snake later on. As for feeding: Yeah, always frozen/thawed (live only if absolutely no other choice with some hatchlings). I1ve had people hiding cats from web meetings from me once they learned I keep big snakes. It`s ridiculous. No animal lover (or sane person) takes enjoyment of feeding animals to other animals. It`s just a necessary thing cause they are exclusive carnivores. One colleague once asked me: You keep snakes. I got this pet rat I no longer want, can you help me? I told him: Sure, give it for adoption or become the responsible pet owner you should be and love your pet and provide for it until it`s time on Earth is up!

[@christinekilroy3104]

Unfortunately, the reptile community is it’s own worst enemy. I want to believe that the bad mouthing of others will finally stop and that instead of chasing new keepers away with the attitude of “newbies suck, and they’re stupid” we open up our arms and welcome them and guide them to becoming successful keepers, and possibly successful breeders.

[@esmerkas]

Christine Kilroy I agree with you. instead of saying "this person sucks because they do this" why dont they just help the person by giving them some advice. and i understand that some people wont take advice but at least you tried you know.

[@surtu9221]

Remember kids, always, always, always take any self-righteousness concerning animal husbandry with an entire shaker of salt. There's as many right ways to raise a snake as there are to raise a human being, so unless they're doing something widely agreed on to be irresponsible, like using heat pads with no thermostat, or leaving live rats in an enclosure with a snake and walking away, there's no reason to 'cancel' anybody.

[@AlisonGrossTheWitch]

I was a big fan of snakebytes back when it was new and I have to say that I really appreciated the showing of bites as a casual thing as it really targets one of the most common fear of snakes (even me who thinks snakes are adorable would be nervous about picking one up out of its enclosure). I especially appreciated when Brian included a disclaimer explaining that the bites were staged and that where actually hard to film since most snakes are really so resistant to biting. I actually think his early videos did a lot do de-villify snakes and I think its a shame that others won't get the same experience.

[@lydrowl]

Why would people not want to help their animal with a shed? If they are already shedding anyways, helping them won't hurt anything. It'd be like saying we shouldn't brush a cat or dog if they need it, it makes no sense.

[@williamrussell4655]

We live in a world where people value people’s social media following, over people who actually have knowledge, Experience and have actually achieved success. Nobody happy anymore unless there’s a problem 🙄 I’m a breeder from the UK and will forever appreciate what you guys have done, thank you

[@briannaharter4411]

No.we live in a world where poeple are questioning animal care and trying to improve animal care. It's only the reptile community that has stuck it's heels in the ground and are whinning about new comers calling into question about keeping reptiles in a unnatural set up that does not stimulate natural behavouirs or whether we should be breeding animals with a very huge health iusse for looks. Cuase what I've seen a lot from reptile keepers is poeple taking it has presonal attack when challenged in any way cuase they've been keeping reptiles so long how could they be wrong.

[@williamrussell4655]

Brianna Harter no ones challenge Kevin has already said multiple time that he wants to have a conversation with these people making claims to debate. If you’re referring to the spider gene, bolocks! it’s false, the Herp guy knew what he was doing with that snake and the problem with that snake has nothing to do with spider gene. I’ve been working with the spider gene now for a while and as a honest guy who cares about animals, I wouldn’t support something if it was that bad and I can guarantee people who are against spider have 1 never owned a spider 2 never worked with spider 3 seen a video of the worst possible spider, how’s that fair? Nothings natural about captivity, if you contain any animal it’s instantly unnatural, people use plants, logs, wood and so on for themselves, does that reptile feel better because you use natural hides instead of plastic? Nope.

[@briannaharter4411]

Then why every time conversation is made poeple whine. I never said anything about the spider gene.I said calling into quesation genetic iusses which can mean blood red corn snakes iummne systems being compermised,enigma syndrome in lepord geckos,scaleless breaded dragons,ECT. Cuase there are a lot of morphs that are questionable spider is just the poster child of a much bigger iusse that needs to be looked into to see what health effects it's truly having on the over all population. You can still provide animals with things that encourages their natural behavouirs like digging,choosing different hiding spots,climbing,ECT. Also that reptile probaly does feel better having diffrent choices to hide.cuase snakes do like having the option of having a space they can squeeze into rather then just having a empty dark bin.they also prefer tighter hides more possibly cuase it makes them feel safer.plus giving them things do makes them move more making obesity less of a iusse. Not everything in captivity needs to be like a sterile lab with nothing to do.you can still make the effort to make a envoriment that mimics their habitat.

[@sandie9382]

😊​@@briannaharter4411

[@Calamity_Jen85]

You have to have an appreciation for Brian’s previous content tho, in my opinion anyway, because he left them up. He showed his evolution as a keeper and how people are capable of change. That’s important. Back in the day shock value and intense content was like, it. I’m willing to wager a pocketful of junebugs that millions of people are reptile lovers today because his old videos got their attention. Attention leads to appreciation leads to affection leads to conservation.

[@cra5hcre8ions55]

I love the idea of Brian and Kevin just talking about these issues in the community. Gonna be tuning in to all of these 🐍

[@syddlinden8966]

I did a stupid and got bit by my bestie's ball python during a house move a month or so ago and it legit feels like nothing until after. My finger bled like a bitch but his fangs are so sharp I didn't even feel the actual bite. I was going to put him in his enclosure and didn't even think to just put the container he was in in the enclosure with the lid askew so he could come out on his own. No, my dumb ass tried to pick up the stressed snake. Peak play stupid games win stupid prizes. 😂 He is legit the sweetest snake of her's I've ever handled. But just like stress makes us humans bitchy, same goes for our animal buddies.

[@Sunglowgrowth]

Right off the bat before i even watch the video. One thing that drove me and i know a lot of people away from the reptile community is the amount of envy so many big time breeders create in the way that so many keepers acted with a HUGE ego and in effect made the whole community ugly as a whole. There is a lot of macho mentality in the community also.

[@Chudchanning]

It's in every hobby. I'm into reptiles, movie and record collecting, skateboarding, mycology, and a few other things semi-regularly, and everyone in those niche hobbies is in some weird arms race to be part of the "upper level". And the internet specifically allows for the pack mentality where everyone shifts in one direction to avoid being potentially critiszed themselves. There's still alot of good people involved in everything, but the worst people tend to have the loudest voices or make the biggest impressions

[@zyeet3243]

I find the “Florida man” stereotype runs STRONG in the Florida reptile scene.

[@benpeters1940]

I worked as a veterinary tech for several years. 23/25 years ago we had a 12' python come in under weight. Jasper refused to eat (the owner was feeding it frozen rats and rabbits). After several tests and finding nothing, I purchased a couple small feeder rats. Introducing the rats one at a time, he ate both. For whatever reason, he refused to eat frozen food but required live feed.

[@hectoraguilar3763]

Kevin and Brian - if you listen very close, she’s screaming... Snake - ..... . . Kevin and Brian - AHhhhh!!!! *girly scream *

[@GraceWhip]

Ohhh the criticism about the dirty enclosures is insane. All enclosures get gross! Some animals are extremely efficient at taking their cage from immaculate to cesspool overnight. SO YA CLEAN IT. A dirty enclosure is NOT a sign of mistreatment. The mistreatment comes from not immediately cleaning the mess. Some people are nuts

[@mr.pantson1510]

Another great video!! Since discovering yours and Brian's channel I have rediscovered my love for snakes and reptiles and am going to start keeping again!! I'm from London and wondered if you guys shipped to England?

[@NewEnglandReptile]

connor drinkwater we can but VAT makes it too expensive!!! K

[@davidspooner299]

try Balls2U, Gavin is in the UK and he has a lot of great how to keep/breed ball python videos

[@pneumike1]

There are people now who don't like the fact that reptiles are shipped in a cardboard box through the mail. Believe it or not, this is one of the safest ways to ship an animal. But of course with today's politically correct environment, people actually get upset when you mention having an animal shipped to you. I just don't get it. I guess I'm old school.

[@SugaryPhoenixxx]

I am a millennial & I dont get it either. We must be the baddies.

[@Baffi_]

Lmao it’s just something people who have never kept exotic pets never really experience. So seeing an animal packed in a box is a bit of a shock to some. I’ve never seen anyone go PC police about it after it’s properly explained.

[@LaurenThompsonIsMyRealName]

Things change. Its fucking cruel to keep an animal in a box, for an extended length of time, let along ship them in a box through the mail! We used to have ab electric chair, now we use lethal injection. Shipping reptiles in boxes and storing them in drawers is cruel and barbaric.

[@pneumike1]

@@LaurenThompsonIsMyRealName You don't know what youre talking about. No one keeps them in a cardboard Box for an extended period of time. Let's also include the fact that many reptile species are calmed by darkness. If you knew anything about biology you would know that .. Educate yourself..

[@LaurenThompsonIsMyRealName]

@@pneumike1 yeah I'm sure those snakes are loving it in there. Sarcasm. Gtfo.

[@curtism-w6b]

People tend to get angry when people blame a snakes face melting off from mouth rot on an accident with involving a snake hook.

[@liv1542]

Also: you dont need to assist shedding if your animals are in properly set up enclosures 👀 so hes kinda only telling on himself when he says hes assisted thousands of snakes in shedding...

[@curtism-w6b]

@@liv1542 barren tubs with newspaper don't give them surfaces to shed against even with perfect humidity smh.

[@liv1542]

@@curtism-w6b hence the properly set up enclosures in my comment not providing something that helps shedding to any animal that does in fact shed like. All their life is definitely not properly set up

[@fdawgfdawgo5181]

People who demonise the goats of the hobby tend to forget that if it wasn’t for the mainstream breading of animals like ball pythons, beardies, corn snakes and leopard geckos etc we would probably be in the same place as we were in the mid to late 90s where pet shops had no useful insight or information on reptiles and happily sold children green iguanas in bird cages and rock pythons in 40 gallon tanks, both them two species make terrible pets for inexperienced keepers and the enclosures that were sold with them are just entirely wrong in every possible way. Remember that only someone with a pure passion and love could expand a hobby this big saying there only in it for the money is stupid! The time they spent breeding animals and making money from offspring they could have easily made that from other income sources and indefinitely faster.

[@NooskyPoosky]

even though it wasnt touched on too much in the video, when it comes to the morphs like the Spider for example; you dont have to like it, you dont have to agree with it. But you also dont have the right to tell other people they aren’t allowed to breed them. I am not a fan of spiders and i know a lot of people dont like them either, just dont buy them. I dont like tiny dogs, im not going to go around try to ban tiny dogs. If you dont like it, then leave it alone, dont buy it.

[@misskacy5832]

Exactly, but even funnier is they are probably okay with breeding cats and dogs with smashed faces that keep getting flatter and flatter so it's hard to breathe....I would think that would be more messed up than breeding purely for color...? There is a lady that breeds munchkin cats with extremely bowed legs and calls them twisty cats or some crap....?

[@lsanderson09]

Miss Kacy you are so right about the dog and cat breeding. Our spinner ball python does show neurological issues like turning upside down(pretty rare that she does that) and her wobble that really only appears when she gets excited when we go to feed her, but she feeds great. We don’t have to help her eat or anything. She’s really a great snake. Although, we did not buy her from a breeder. She was a rescue/rehome.

[@copain9700]

Miss Kacy How is that funny when its the same thing they breed the two animals knowing they have issues and they know they are going to have guaranteed defects in their offspring but just cause they are selling so quick they continue to overbreed them and breeding spiders isn’t for color let me give you vertigo 24/7 and see if you are ok with that

[@Baffi_]

Idk that’s painting with some broad strokes assuming that. I think it’s messed up breeding goldfish that are so inbred they make weird bubbles eyes and have squished internal organs, I think it’s messed up breeding overly large dogs that get hip dysplasia generation after generation. And it’s messed up breeding a morph of snake that very frequently has developmental issues that lead to constant seizures and inability to properly move about. On the other hand, how would you all fee about somebody breeding kittens that can’t walk straight and have frequent seizures just because they look cool and sell for three times as much as other kittens because of that.

[@abbiebroussard3220]

I have no idea why people have such an issue with Bryan or Kevin. Both of them are so compassionate about animals. These two are great teachers and we are missing an opportunity to learn from these two by nit picking about shedding. I see no ego in either of them. Instead of beating someone down, let's try lifing each other up and be happy for each others success. I really like these two.

[@zacinkentucky6199]

Both NERD and Brian support the spider gene, which gives ball pythons a severe neurological issue making them unable to move correctly , Brian has had large snakes who's faces have literally rotted off from neglect, and both of them keep animals in improper enclosures and use racks for animals that need way more space, while also being very minimalist or in some cases not even providing the minimal needed care. For Brian specifically there are videos stressing why the community does not like him and showing evidence twords it kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqHaooiQbtdkgZI kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZKcfqCMgt6iitE Brian exploits animals for the views and if he actually cared about his animals you would see a drastic change in his husbandry and you would see him acknowledge issues with certain animals.

[@jamesstenning9390]

The spider gene and also poor husbandry, overall lack of care. Look at his enclosures tiny and usually filthy. Just because someone says they care doesn't mean they do. Just my opinion but I feel sorry for all his animals especially the ones that he lets his loud mouth coat tail hanging son be involved with. Virtually every action in there videos is for entertainment and stresses out the animals.

[@amberblyledge7859]

Do you brush your dog? Then you are cruel. Do you brush your cat? Then you are cruel. See what it sounds like? People, brush your dogs, brush your cats, and help your snakes shed when needed.

[@loganthewyrmlord9739]

Brian seems like a good guy, he has had some history but in some of those cases we don't have context. I don't like his KZbin channel though due to clickbait and what he does in some cases for a "incident". Not judging Brian as I said he seems like a good guy and I haven't met him so I really can't judge.

[@Numb217]

This 💯. I watched an entire video waiting for the snake in the title only to be disappointed. I am glad to see he is a nice guy cuz that made me quit watching his channel. I hate clickbait.

[@judyduthu6563]

Brian is a legend among those who use clickbait titles. His ego is the size of a mountain and his superiority complex knows no bounds.

[@jpolhamus71]

I don't care what anybody says My ball python loves when I help him shed it's like he understand The occasion's when he needs help I soak him for 30-45 mins then I start to help him he will just lay on me while I'm gently removing the stuck shed most times he will lay his head on my knee stretch out.other times he will help me by moving a certain way so I can get it easier.

[@notsorry3631]

I have a bearded dragon and she will not shed herself. she'll rib her nose on things and she tries to jump up to the screen to shed her head and it scares me. so i dont know what to do but help her. i got her as an adult earlier this year and that's just the way she is.

[@jpolhamus71]

@@notsorry3631 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHjOqoGMepqela8

[@SugaryPhoenixxx]

It sounds like owning a dog that sheds! lol Dogs like their belly scratched, snakes like their skin shed.

[@jpolhamus71]

@Katelyn Wilson totally agree with you

[@karyannfontaine8757]

My house has forced air oil heat. Humidity is a battle in winter. If I have a snake with a patchy shed, I soak him or her in warm water with a spot of Dawn and it works to relieve the snake of the stubborn shed. I never pull the shed off dry for fear of causing injury, fear, or pain to my snakes. Kevin has taught me so much about respect, handling, treatment of medical problems. Brian is an Icon for his love of animals and reptiles. Much respect for both of them.

[@billcollison4393]

It's not just the reptile world ..the Horse world is insane

[@msmazzo]

jumpers and barrel racers...halter horses aren't even horses, but they are also weird in that realm.

[@sadeyescreations1702]

Don't even get me started on the the planning community

[@msmazzo]

@@sadeyescreations1702 party planning or project management? project management sucks, I imagine dealing with planning anything sucks in general, but add in customers, and I usually throw a phone through a wall. lol

[@sadeyescreations1702]

@@msmazzo no, I mean.. Planners, like notebook planners.. It's ridiculous... I guess every group has their crazies

[@msmazzo]

@@sadeyescreations1702 that is wild! I can't even imagine.

[@wraith1320]

I appreciate the discussion on feeders so much… There are so many horrible misconceptions about reptile owners. Kevin mentions that he will consciously avoid stepping on an ant on the sidewalk… I have seen more respect and compassion for animals AS A WHOLE amongst reptile owners than in any other pet-keeping community. Many people just have “their” animal (dog, cat, horse, rabbit, parakeet, etc., etc….) and are indifferent to the welfare of anything else (including the animals that provide food for “their” animal). It’s kind of sickening to see someone gush and gush about how much they LOVE dogs, just LOVE THEM, and how anyone who so much as looks at a dog the wrong way should be in federal prison… but then casually mention how they killed a harmless snake in their yard the other day, or how they hate rats so much. Just… I have to question how much they even *sincerely* love their dog, with an attitude like that. Is it that they love their dog as a living thing, or just as a form of entertainment? If their dog were somehow magically transformed into a snake tomorrow, would they still love it? I kind of doubt it. 🫤 Everyone doesn’t need to absolutely ADORE every animal on the planet, but it really reflects badly on anyone to just HATE or persecute a snake for being a snake, or a rat for being a rat. Being scared, or grossed out, or upset at something for wrecking your lawn or raiding your pantry is understandable, of course-but just DESPISING an animal species for being what it is IS NOT. You can be scared or whatever without being malicious-that’s not even remotely the same thing. It’s not like any of us got to choose our species-humans, snakes, or anything else.

[@tm6835]

Awesome video! Thanks to you guys for clearing up some of the issues in this video! Keep the convo going!

[@cornsnakesetc.7994]

Great talk.. The community needs more of this right here.. Having a civilized conversation about it instead of pointing fingers and and accusing.

[@mackenziekarsonovich1073]

If your snake has already started to shed their scales, it’s fine if you help them out. I’ve done it with my ball python and my ball python. I’ve also occasionally had to help my leopard gecko get his toe skin off. It happens sometimes and it’s totally harmless.

[@TTVXLILWENDIGOX]

The trigger crap happens in every community. I’m into reptiles and horses. Holy geeeeez the toxic behavior of grown adults was staggering. I go to nerds ever Friday to get feeder mice or frozens for my slither kids and lemme just make it clear!! I love it every time like it’s the first time. They are always helpful and always welcoming. It’s like a family there and honestly I enjoy just looking and touching different types of snakes and learning something new. I want to thank everyone at nerds for making Friday pay day and snake day. (Most times I spend said Pay day on some really cool snakes)

[@lasagnakob9908]

Honestly if anything happened where owning or touching reptiles essentially becomes illegal, I'd unironically go out in the streets to protest such a decision as I'd hope others would as well. Some of the these arguments, either out of ignorance or attention, are dead wrong and don't use facts to back their argument. Is taming a reptile harder than taming a dog? Yes. Are reptiles more inclined to bite under stress? Yes. Are they impossible to tame and even train to become as docile as dogs? No, absolutely not, though obviously how hard it will be will depend on the reptile. If we used the same argument against owning any dogs or cats, like: "A dog might bite or hurt you", "a cat might also bite or hurt you" you could make the same case to make owning or touching either illegal, but we don't, because we love them both to death on a societal level.

[@AaronTahir]

Kevin and Brian are 2 great pillars of the reptile industry. Awesome to see them hang out. Even Kevins employees are knowledgeable.

[@Baffi_]

Yeah If anyone wants to be a great keeper, just do the opposite of Brian and you’ll probably have happy healthy animals. So much stuff to learn to never do

[@MC-pl3vs]

Snakes are no different than a dog, cat, bird etc.. Like you say, be responsible with your PETS.

[@Baffi_]

Lol Brian is good at keeping snakes in drawers. Everything else he’s just winging it. The guy thought he could successfully keep redtail catfish and gars in a small enclosure with a gigantic alligator snapper. The thing is mainly a piscivore, he threw it in a tank with some of its natural prey. And not even small fast fish that would avoid it, big slow easy to ambush fish, and thought the fish would be fine... then there is the whole leopard gecko shit where his wife called him out for hoarding and then forgetting about and killing a bunch of leopard geckos. He’s got a great personality to get people interested, and wanting to learn. But he’s not someone I’d recommend learning from unless your goal is to have hundreds of ball pythons in racks and racks of drawer enclosures.

[@Baffi_]

@precision haze hE bReEdS tHeM! Lmao, reptile equivalent of a puppy mill.

[@LaurenThompsonIsMyRealName]

Exactly! This is insane!

[@WikkidVyxen]

Oh my GOD. Donny, this is the BEST. Thank you Kevin and Brian, for taking the time to do this. I agree with everything you've said, to the point that I have withdrawn from the majority of online media. I love being involved in our community, and it makes me really sad to have withdrawn, but I can't abide by the chaos and toxicity, not to mention the malignment of people like yourselves.

[@johnlash6511]

I always explain the people when they ask me what it's like to get bit by one of my snakes it's like getting slapped with a hairbrush

[@reptilianoverlord7277]

This was a great back and forth between 2 vets of the industry and animal lovers. Awesome video

[@reptilemetaljen]

Some reptile owners are psycho in their feelings when somebody takes care of their animals different than they do so they have to be hateful af lol keep doing what you’re doing guys! It’s always good to learn different methods from others. Nobody is perfect. Learning is awesome 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@mewster1818]

Exactly. Stuck shed as an example bothers the crap out of me, I always help if the snake needs it. It'd be like saying, "dogs shed on their own, by bathing them and brushing them you're hurting them!"... yeah my dogs hate baths, but no one in their right mind would suggest that it was in anyway bad for their welfare.

[@tammybreza5899]

I don't understand why anybody would not like you two. I love watching the two of you. And I always learn so much.

[@NovasMommy19]

My dad would help his snakes shed when they weren't able to. None of them were harmed, it didn't hurt them whatsoever. I have to agree, people are ridiculous in today's society. Your offended because someone was helping an animal? Wow.

[@NovasMommy19]

@Boaman5435 Republican Yes people are. There are even law suits because people are so offended.

[@ZenOrcReptiles]

Sorry about all the hate guys! I don't understand it. I am going to come across as a fan-boy, but I totally look up to both you guys. I see how far you have gone in the reptile industry and it motivates me. You are two huge pillars in the reptile community. We need to stop attacking each other and unite and fight for our rights as reptile keepers.

[@johnnystamper195]

Kevin kept getting cut off, I see the irritation in there. He let him talk but wasn't getting that back.

[@SylvieGrimalkin]

Just want to say your channel has made me fall in love with snakes so damn much. I'd love a melanistic boa like the ones you guys are chilling with but because I'm in Australia we rarely have pretty morphs like that. Keep up the awesome work and great videos. Give snarfles a kiss all the way from Australia from my son who loves him.

[@ashleyroebuck8359]

When I first got into the hobby I heard terrible things about Brian before I ever even watched any of his videos. I went through his channel already heavily biased against him but the more I watched the more I saw that he seems like a very positive person who genuinely cares about his animals. It’s sad how easily people can trash someone who they clearly know nothing about. I wish more people would take the time to do their own research and draw their own conclusions.

[@lordcrimsoneye647]

I heard those bad things about Brian, as well. However, I had a different approach. I decided to be skeptical of what I heard until I saw his channel and his place for myself. After those experiences, I'm glad I didn't let those negative videos sway my opinion. I saw Brian's video in which he talked about what is now a highly controversial topic..... The spider gene. He advocated proper research of that particular mutation, and I agree. However, because he said he believed Great Britain overreacted and over-reached by banning that breed, he was viciously attacked as being heartless and wanting to harm the herp community and wanting everybody to have bad snakes.

[@briannaharter4411]

He was attacked cuase he attacked another reptile community and misrepersented what was happening. The UK didn't ban spider.a private reptile community banned it cuase it was proven to be a problem in that community.then he basicly had a fit that a private reptile show he is not involed with banned the spider. He dished it out but he sure can't take it.

[@MegaTerryNutkins]

Brian has admitted numerous times he houses animals incorrectly and his enclosures for giant snakes are inappropriate so maybe more research needs to be done on your part? He is a commercial breeder and no different from a puppy farmer, the freedoms and needs of the animals he keeps come after profit and convenience. This is why his husbandry practices are terrible for pet owners to follow.

[@ophidianexotics8439]

MechaTerryNutkins send links to these admissions. I’d like to see them.

[@Bloodbox_MR]

@@MegaTerryNutkins I was about to say that!

[@atticacouch]

I would love to just sit in a room and have a conversation with these two people. So much information and interesting options.

[@Ticklicous]

Honestly, I am openly supportive of Brian. For me, I make plenty of reptile buddies, but end of the day I'm the sort where I just say what I want, think what I wish and like who I like. The best way to weed out the sensible people from the senseless people is just progressively to post things or people you like, support, etc. until the weak weed themselves out. XD If someone wants to cut ties with me solely because I support Brian and know he's a good man then they can suck it up or stop talking to me. After all, I'm not making them like me or making them stay in a friendship with me.

[@mugogrog]

have you ever had a great sunburn and a week or so after the old skin starts peeling off? That's most likely what it feels like too have shed removed when it's ready to go.

[@mbgal7758]

The only thing that bothers me about either of their husbandry is the fact that 75% of the time you see Brian pulling out snake eggs he’s pulling out a shed skin. The snakes lay I believe like 5-10 days after the pre lay shed in most cases so does that mean that no one has even bothered to open the cage in all those days? It’s hard to believe someone would open it and not toss it when they were filling water or checking on them etc.

[@TheMetal966]

With Brians passing, videos like this have become invaluable to our community. We miss you Brian

[@jaqhass]

BRIAN! Your beard was shedding the snake! How very dare you! Haha

[@ruthsmith2447]

your point about, people LOOKING for something to be offended by is so right!

[@jukesngambits]

The hobby has become popular and far along enough that it's no longer just reptile fanatics, experts, and unique individuals who are writing the original instruction manuals for these animals. Totally "normal" people are getting into reptiles without necessarily being very knowledgeable because we have easy accessible care sheets and the animals are affordable, and normal people tend to make any animal into a dog or a cat. You get people buying a BP from the pet store using the care sheet from reddit and they think their snake wants to play with objects or "run around" for fun, like a scaled puppy.

[@briannaharter4411]

Or poeple are looking at nature more and trying to encourage more natural behavouirs. For example ball pythons esipceally males climb trees in the wild to hunt birds.a bin does not encourage this behaviour at all and most so called "expert" keepers don't even know that ball pythons have this behaviour cuase they are so used to seeing pretty snakes in bins.

[@jukesngambits]

@@briannaharter4411 I'm referring to the idea of placing balls or providing a lot of "open space" to snakes, not to people wanting bigger more complex enclosures that are bigger and complex in ways that specifically matter to that species of snake. I'll also say that ball pythons primarily live in and around the ground and in underground burrows or termite mounds. One look at their bodies and even a bit of experience handling one tells you its a ground snake. That they can and do occasionally climb, perhaps out of necessity where they are failing to find prey on the ground, doesnt mean it's important to provide to a ball python. They *can* swim, but providing that option isnt necessary and very few individuals in the whole hobby may ever do it voluntarily. Obviously a little different than providing climbing, but most of the examples you see of a BP climbing they're doing it to bask, its because they need to climb to get hot enough, which is actually abnormal for them.

[@briannaharter4411]

Bioglist have seen ball pythons in the wild spending quite a lot of time in trees.so it's not a oaccasional thing.

[@deaconvelos8352]

How would you do the wet towel method with a snake that big? Would you use a blanket?

[@janicemorelock5791]

Listening to these 2 guys who are masters of the field, in my opinion, is crazy. I love them both.... But has anyone noticed that with all their gesturing and moving around, that the snake hasn't moved? Is it dead, did they kill it by pulling some stuck skin? Or is that beautiful snake so socialized that its just resting?

[@codyactually2557]

I can't tell if you're serious or not, but the snake's being fairly active. She's just hangin - but obviously alive

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Haaaaa she just calmed down and relaxed as we shed and pet her! K

[@alexbenavidez4500]

0:43 I like how the intro goes: snakes, snakes, lizards, snakes random meme, snakes, nipple shot

[@jessicamuller5734]

Unfortunately this is the world we live in now that people just love to complain about everything! It’s just insane! But I love watching both of your guy’s videos.. And you can tell that you love all your animals and take amazing care of them! I wish I could meet both you guys and meet your animals! ❤️❤️

[@jamesstenning9390]

Yh you haven't seen the facts, if you have a clue about reptiles seeing Brian's would cause cause you sadness and anger. He is all image no care it's been proven many times.

[@CentipedeGuy]

This is why I think that all the popular influencers in the hobby should have a council with meetings that are posted on everything so the hobby can unite more

[@mybushcraftlife9778]

That snake loves or fell asleep on Kevin, that is so adorable. It must be Kevin vocal sounds and his heartbeat.

[@JD-lx2yf]

One of my biggest fears are snakes, and being bitten. Hear both of you, and a few others, discuss and handles snakes have made me feel a little bit better about them. Perhaps, when I'm in Michigan next, I'll visit Brian...

[@sherrybrzeczka7966]

As I became involved in the conversation you were having I suddenly realized the absolute chill mode that snake slipped into! Total peace!

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Yes she loved all of our interactions. They can really enjoy a kind touch! K

[@rtreptiles6537]

I had a snake stuck in shed and very uncomfortable and one of Brians videos on dealing with snake issues showed how to safely and comfortably shed my snake! worked great!!! Thank you Brian!!!

[@theWazimu]

Is it wrong that im sitting beside my grandma visiting her , and headbanging to the intro of NERDS?

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Salo Michelinsnakehunter nope not at all!!!!! Crotalus!!!!! K

[@callanmurphy9807]

I still remember this 4 years ago. Rip mate ❤

[@redandkaygaming4460]

I love seeing you guys collab so much. You're both my favorite reptile youtubers so it's cool getting a two-for-one on these videos. Can you guys go into maybe how you got started? Like what it took in the beginning to where you are now. How much money you invested in the very beginning and maybe roadblocks you faced on your way to where you are now? I'm just now getting started on purchasing for future breeding projects and so far it's slow going. I also feel like I'm starting a little too late in life to really try and be successful. How old were you when you first started keeping for breeding?

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Red's Gaming and Reptiles yessssssssssds

[@candacechew76]

Brian has talked a few times about how he got started. He did a video just recently where he shows the house he grew up in and got started with snakes.

[@midgardsserpents1930]

I saw a horrible video of someone trying to make Brian look bad. Watching Brian's videos has actually given me a new purpose and reason and has really saved me. Keep doing what your doing guys! Don't even let haters get to you. Much love.

[@lorih6375]

Thanks for the frank talk, guys. I appreciate the honesty and for not poo-pooing around topics.

[@arkonslorman1670]

People, use your freedom while you still have it. We will find ourselves in a terrifying dystopia within less than a decade.

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Fight the power.

[@Yessirrrsz]

Kevin is like Goldmember with the sheds. Does he have a lil case with sheds he saves for later? lol

[@aimeeoldham8330]

That's a keeper! Lol

[@vlogress11c81]

My favorite question to ask those shed people is whats the difference in me helping my snake to shed and her rubbing on rocks in her cage? My favorite answer to give is my snakes not gonna get a raw spot when I help. Then I wait for the comment section to fill.

[@tisfortessa]

ok i’ll be honest. when kevin ate the snake skin i legit threw up 🥲

[@WattsMiner]

The people that hate on shedding skin obviously dont keep or haven't long. PC Babies

[@snowqueen8365]

Most people comment just for the sake of commenting and having a moan. These men, Brian and Kevin are the top of this field and know what they are doing. If you don't like what they do, don't watch. Shedding for a snake does not hurt, helping them shed doesn't harm them. If people can't write a nice comment, don't comment at all. Go take your negativity elsewhere.

[@TheMikeakers]

My complaint of the reptile industry would be the amount of “snobs” on forums, in pet shops, at reptile shows etc... people who look down on anyone who hasn’t bred a super venomous snake or hasn’t got a huge collection of rare expensive animals... I may only have corns, a king n some ball pythons but I love them to death and have no desire for anything bigger or more dangerous, and as much as I admire you two for what you do I don’t think I want to breed my pets as they are as such, pets? life companions, and I’m happy with the amount I have too :) these videos of you two together are great! I’ve been spoilt with so much fantastic content, thank you so much!! :D

[@causeyscritters3198]

You guys are both so cool and I’ve learned so much from you. Even the seeing you bit helped me when I got bit the first time, not to freak out. Ignore the ignorance and the haters. Some ppl just look for reasons to hurt other ppl. You’re great. You’re both legends in your field and the positive outweighs the negatives tremendously!

[@aimeeoldham8330]

TRIGGERED! Love that you two did this video! Everyone is triggered by something these days, it's ridiculous! I'm sure if the snake didn't like what you're doing, it would let you know. I get there are people out there that don't know shit about shit, but incredibly they aren't the ones targeted! Anyway, just really glad ya'll did this! Edit...I'm commenting while watching...it makes me so mad to see people attacking Brian and anyone else who is doing amazing work, just because they want clout, they want to take someone down to raise themselves up. It's so sad because now a day, it's those people that are gaining ground where it should be the compete opposite. These bills legislation have going are going to hurt so many people, good people and the animals. It's like those stupid laws regarding pit bulls...wtf!? It's not the dog, it's the handler. Outlawing an animal based on fear is so f-ed up! I wish you all the best and keep doing what you're doing cause you guys are the ones making a huge difference in most people's eyes.

[@tccexotics1625]

Still one of my favorite clips! The two most respected and knowledgeable reptile guys around. Just hanging out talking shop! Love it!

[@sherrybrzeczka7966]

I can't watch live feedings. I thank you both for the sensitivity in regards to life, and the details that don't need to be shared.

[@DamisExotics]

I'm so happy they are talking about this. Sadly no matter how much love and knowledge and proper care we give to our reptiles, there will always be someone who is against you and how you do sertin things. People that treat all animals the same way not knowing every animal has different needs and care required to the animals they compare them to. Sadly even If it's about live feeding,shedding, keeping conditions or handling people will always be devided due to there own personal reasons. I truly appreciate the time Kevin and brain took to talk about this so that the voice making unfair accusations isn't the only voice being heard.